Easter: National Association of Seadogs donates to Charles Walker Children's Home, Uyo Correctional Center

 Easter: National Association of Seadogs donates to Charles Walker Children's Home, Uyo Correctional Center  

By Abasifreke Obot 

 Giving material and financial support to orphanage homes and institutions has become a deep-seated and habitual characteristic of the National Association of Seadogs(NAS).

 The latest unparalleled gesture of love coming from the Uyo and Eket Chapters of NAS is the donation of food items and toiletries, bags of clothes and two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) to Charles Walker Children's Home, Uyo, on Monday, April 18, 2022. The food items and toiletries included: A full bag of Garri, a bag of rice, cartons of noodles, cartons of snacks, cartons of washing and bathing soaps, tubes of toothpaste, packs of tissue paper, etc.

 The National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, founded in 1952 and also registered with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, is a body committed to supporting human rights and justice in Nigeria. 

 Speaking at the children's home, the President of NAS, Uyo Chapter and former Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Hon. Tony Akan explained that the show of love by the confraternity was part of their deliberate and selfless efforts to ensure the children enjoy a quality life as well as assist the home to cater well for the children.

 Akan, who was also accompanied by the President of NAS, Eket Chapter, Paul Ike informed of the body's interest in the welfare of the children and the progress of the home. 

 Akan described the confraternity as advocacy and humanitarian group, disclosing that it has its tentacles in all the States in Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the Netherlands, Japan, Australia, and Canada. 

 Responding, the Coordinator of the Home, Reverend Sister Matilda Inyang thanked NAS for the material and cash gifts. She further commended the body for its consistency in delivering humanitarian services.

 She urged members of the body to support each other, emphasizing that with unity amongst them, they will be able to achieve their goals. 

 The body, which later touched down at the Uyo Correctional Centre, was received by the Assistant Controller of Corrections, Uyo, Ogueri Julius Ebereonwu. 

 Disclosing the purpose of their visit, Barr Mfon Etukudoh of NAS, Eket Chapter, informed the Assistant Controller of Corrections that the body was at the centre to donate bags of clothes to the inmates, which he described as one of the necessities of the inmates. 

 He noted that the body had thought it needful to take it upon itself to provide the inmates with clothes. Reacting, Ebereonwu lauded the Uyo and Eket Chapter of the Pyrates Confraternity for being thoughtful of the needs of the inmates.

 While acknowledging the impressive humanitarian strides recorded by NAS, he solicited more support for the inmates. The clothes donated to the inmates were received by the Welfare Officer of Uyo Corrections, Uyo, Ime Ukpe, on behalf of the correctional centre.

 Ukpe pledged that the clothes will be shared and used justly amongst the inmates.

Barrister Effiong Akwa As NDDC Sole Administrator: Balancing A Lopsided Equation

Barrister Effiong Akwa As NDDC Sole Administrator: Balancing A Lopsided Equation

 “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by avoiding it today” - Abraham Lincoln

By Etim Ante

Oro Nation, one of the oil producing areas in Akwa Ibom State, nay Nigeria, is watching with undistracted interest the unfolding scenario in the latest appointment of an Oro born renowned administrator, chattered accountant and lawyer of high repute, Pastor (Barr.) Effiong Akwa by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari (GCON).

Ordinarily, one would have ignored some of the issues raised by those calling for the head of Senator Godswill Akpabio for this pacifying and laudable decision taken by Mr. President to strengthen our revered institution at this critical period in the history of the Niger Delta Region and our dear Country, Nigeria.

It is therefore absolutely necessary to put certain records straight in other to allow the sleeping dog lie for the common good and the continuous corporate existence of the oil-rich Niger Delta Region and by extension, our dear country Nigeria.

SENSITIVITY OF EFFIONG AKWA’S APPOINTMENT BY MR. PRESIDENT

In the face of the inglorious drama that characterized the running of the NDDC in recent times, we need to resist and possibly avoid undue interference in the ongoing forensic audit of the Commission. Among other things, this is particularly in consonant with the intolerant disposition of Mr. President towards corruption viz-a-viz the need for proper accountability to consolidate the development strides of Mr. President across the Country.

It must be emphasized without reservations that we are very grateful to the President and no less appreciative of the seamless concerns of Members of the National Assembly in endorsing this initiative. We state categorically that the choice of Pastor (Barr.) Effiong Akwa by Mr. President is a step in the right direction and should be supported by every right thinking Nigerian.

We are confident that Barr. Effiong Akwa who is very humble and intelligent person will live up to the expectations of Mr. President and the generality of Nigerians. We also have implicit trust that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the smooth running of the institution and will collaborate with relevant stakeholders in stabilizing the system for optimum benefit of all.   

The patience of Oron People in the face of provocation, gross marginalization and oppression should not be taken for granted. Granted, every society has strong men and radical youths but we have chosen the part of honour for peace to reign in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. We adopt, without the slightest pretensions, the non-violence dispositions of great pacifists like Mahatma Gandhi; Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jnr. We strongly believe this yields better results and creates sustainable auspicious effects. 

It is for this reason that we choose the path of dialogue and appeal in addressing this matter, which we believe will not be taken for granted. Because it has been our shared custom, we have chosen to take the pacific and intellectual path of Obong Victor Attah in his famous engagement of the Federal Government of Nigeria in resolving the Onshore/Offshore conundrum. It is decent to observe that the ultimate victory was not for Obong and Akwa Ibom people but for the entire Niger Delta; and it became a success story because the National Assembly saw reasons and unanimously and patriotically endorsed the concerted steps taken by the contending voices.

The peaceful disposition of Akwa Ibom people in this circumstance does not in any way impose on us a second fiddle status.  Rather, we believe in diplomacy for the good of the greater number. While we acknowledge the gallant efforts and the style the youths of other ethnic Nationalities in the region have played so far, they should also know and appreciate the roles and the support given to them by other ethics Nationalities.

It should be noted that the Oro and the entire Akwa Ibom People have been giving maximum support to others from the region in matters of appointment and driving of goals. Till date, there is no record of our opposition or mischievous agitation against any other persons from other Niger Delta States who have been privileged with appointments into any capacity or office. Instead, records are full of messages of congratulation and solidarity, because what is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander. Again, all oil companies presently operating in Oro Nation are arguably owned by non-Oro aborigines who have been given conducive atmosphere to do their businesses. 

For a fact, our historic support in the emergence of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as Vice President and subsequently, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a proof that our support even transcends socio-economic boundaries to the political realm. We therefore deserve, and should expect, reciprocal treatment from our other Niger Delta brothers.

We therefore view the incessant attacks across all media avenues on the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as an affront on the collective sensibility of Akwa Ibom people. The entire good people of Oro Ethic Nationality, the Akwa Ibom People and the good people of the Niger Delta Region should rise and condemn this selfish and discriminatory act which is capable of truncating the peace and cooperation we are enjoying among the youths, women, elders and even the Government of the Niger Delta Region. This humiliation of these Akwa Ibom sons could be construed as pushing Akwa Ibom people to the wall.

Presently, Akwa Ibom is the largest contributor of oil in the Niger Delta. Directly or indirectly, all the five local government areas that make up Oro Nation are laden with oil in commercial volume. Ironically, against the run of play, this is the first time an Oron person has been privileged and impartially considered to occupy the position of a helmsman at the NDDC, even temporarily. It is absolutely necessary for our brothers to sheath their swords by supporting Barr. Effiong Akwa. Let only history condemn or vindicate him by his works at the time of stock-taking.

On the reverse side, Oro people are directly and indirectly suffering the effect of associated environmental pollution arising from oil activities typical of our shared geography. There are no commensurate benefits for the degradation of our environment and the exploitation of land, the total collapse of our ecosystem, the complete extinction of our fauna and flora, etc. Nor can we be so sure of what percentage of Oro persons have enjoyed the benevolence of Federal Character in the NDDC.

Indeed, no community or ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta has suffered the same oppressive fate with Oro nation. All other ethnic Nationalities have occupied one meaningful position or the other, ranging from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Petroleum Ministers, Group Managing Directors of NNPC, Ministers of State for Petroleum, Chairmen of NDDC board, Managing Director of NDDC. etc. So why must the appointment of Effiong Akwa cause a storm in a teacup as if statistics was too hard to be retrieved. 

It is on record that the President Buhari earlier appointed a Rivers State from Ogoni Ethnic Nationality. Before Barr. Akwa, we have had in the last two years names like Dr. Ibim Semenitari, Dr. Akwagaga Enyia; Dr. Joi Nunieh and Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei. Akwa Ibom people never resisted any of these or raised dust. Why then must heaven fall at the singular instance of Barr. Effiong Akwa?

It is also on record that no political appointee, out of the many so far appointed by the same Mr. President who appointed Barr. Effiong Akwa, has been attacked by any Oro or Akwa Ibom person. Of course, we cannot feign total ignorance of those behind the scene either sponsoring or marshalling the recurrent attacks on Barr. Effiong Akwa.

We cannot be cajoled into thinking that they have monopoly of violence. But they need be told that this is beyond politics and sentiments, but a courageous and discreet balancing of a tilted equation that has lasted for years by President Muhammadu Buhari. To the contrary, in the face of provocation and mockery, Oro people have decided to remain peaceful, accommodating and yet vociferous in responding to issues like this.

Our hope is that our Niger Delta brothers and those from any region in the country would support Barr. Effiong Akwa as Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission. That in essence invariably means showing solidarity to President Buhari’s holistic template and determination to transform the struggling

Etim Ante, the President General of Oron Union and Public Affairs Analyst writes from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

FRAUD IN ECOBANK as Pensioner’s N11million misses

FRAUD IN ECOBANK! ...as Pensioner’s N11million misses

...pensioner sends SOS to Governor 

...petitions IG, HOSF, EFCC

A retired staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Evang. Prophet Isaiah Akpan Udo, has sent a passionate appeal to the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel to come to his aid by investigating how his over N11million pension entitlement got missing at Ecobank. 

Narrating his ordeal to journalists in Uyo, Evang. Isaiah Udo, explained that he is a customer with Ecobank and that since he was notified by the pension office of the payment of his pension entitlement, he has not seen or withdrawn even 10kobo. 

“I was seriously sick and was bed-ridden for about 2 years. People thought I would not survive, but by the special grace of God, I survived. When I got to the bank, I discovered that even when I was still on sick-bed in 2017, some people were withdrawing money from my account”, the retired UUTH Staff narrated. 

He informed that he has made several efforts at knowing those behind the withdrawal of his money, but according to him, all efforts yielded no positive result. 

Evang. Udo further hinted that the management of Ecobank has refused to do proper investigation into the matter which prompted him to allege that an insider must have been behind the fraudulent withdrawals of his money which he put at over N11million naira. 

“After recovering from the sickness, the money I would have used to take care of myself and my family has gone. How am I going to survive”, he lamented. 

The retired UUTH Staff further hinted that some years ago, the Head of Service of the Federation directed the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to pay all his entitlement which he said was directed to his Ecobank account. 

“At a point, I contracted LEADWAY Insurance Company to facilitate the payment of my entitlement. But I was disappointed that even when I have been visiting their office to make some enquiries, they refused to give me the needed attention. I want you to help me appeal to the Inspector General of Police, Head of Service of the Federation, EFCC and other security agencies to assist me by investigating this matter," he appealed. 

Efforts to talk with the Manager of Ecobank, Oron Road, Uyo proved abortive as his mobile line was not going through as at the time of filing this report.

2020 LG Election: I’m not desperate - Abak Chairman

2020 LG Election: I’m not desperate - Abak Chairman

In this interview with our reporter,  ABASIFREKE OBOT, the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Barr Imoh Williams speaks on reasons he has embarked on the reconstruction of the Abak Main/Food Market few months to the end of his first term in office. The Council Boss further talks elaborately on the composition and nature of the world class project. He commends Gov. Udom, Moses Ekpo, and the Foreign Direct Investment for their role in the project. Read Excerpts:

Last week, the State Government, Abak Local Government Council and Commercial Properties Limited were signatories to an agreement. What was the agreement about?

Thank you very much!

Precisely on the 19th of May, 2020, which was on a Tuesday, the Akwa Ibom State Government and  Abak Local  Government Council under my leadership had pact signed with a Property Developer based in Lagos for the remodelling of the Abak main/food markets.  The two markets have been in shanty and moribund conditions before I assumed office. Incidentally, both are located at the heart of the town. It is, indeed, an eyesore. If you visit the area, you’ll basically discover that these are the markets where all our marketers from the 11 wards, over 120 villages and 127 political units come to market their agricultural produce and other items. 

The dire need for the market to wear a world class look informed my decision when I decided to take up the mantle of leadership as Chairman, to source for a credible investor because the magnitude of Ultra Modern Market to be built in Abak is such that the Local Government on hers cannot cover up for the finances. It is a N6.5 billion project with the state-of-the-art facilities, measuring up with international best practices. 

What are the facilities will constitute the remodelled markets?

We’ll have the internet facilities which will be provided by the Internet Service Providers. With the internet service, you’ll stay in Abak and access markets markets in China, Japan and other countries. You want to order for an item?

With your laptop you can access any market in the world. It is going to be linked up with all international markets so that whatever you need, you just tap your system and place an order. Once the project is completed, it is going to be located on the world map. The market will have a police station, a clinic, a bank, 6 warehouses, abbatoir, fire service office, terraces, perimeter fencing, architecturally befitting gate works, lockup shops, open stall, key clamps, loading and offloading bay, well paved walk ways, well paved good road network, market administrative officer, security area, central toilet, and parking lots, etc. 

What’s the time frame for the completion of this project?

Exposing Ekerette Udoh, CPS to Governor Udom Emmanuel

Exposing Ekerette Udoh, CPS to Governor Udom Emmanuel

I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. - Bill Cosby

In explaining the above assertion Bill Cosby simplified his claims thus.  According to him, “One of the weaknesses of many of today’s leaders is our compulsion to take surveys.  It happens in politics, and it happens in churches.  

A leader must go beyond being a people-pleaser to being a God-pleaser.  If our need for the people’s affirmation exceeds our need for God’s affirmation, we’re in trouble.  Leadership sometimes means doing what’s unpopular”. 

Cosby’s theory of what a leader should and should not be or do is the everyday experiences in our society today.  An example is  Governor Udom Emmanuel who came on board not being loquacious.  He carefully avoided seeking to please everybody, but he was focused doing his work adroitly.  He has been pummelled front and back and he will not budge.  He kept on working despite daunting challenges.  

Lately, he would not even mention his projects until they are hatched like the proverbial eggs.  Today, Governor Udom Emmanuel is cruising home with over fourteen workable PPP industries donning the economic space of Akwa Ibom State.  Roads infrastructure are spreading like wild fire of the Harmarttan season  across the senatorial districts of the Akwa Ibom.  Ibom Air is flying and making the mark.  All the sectors of the Akwa Ibom economy are kicking and yet the traducers of Governor Udom Emmanuel, even as glaring as the facts are, would not rest.

It is however true that a society most times is the reflection of its leader.  It could be adopted too that followers most times are likely to keenly observe and follow the footsteps of their leaders.  Ekerete Udoh, a former columnist in NewsDay Newspaper and Vice Chairman of News of the World Newspaper, Lagos, and currently the Chief Press Secretary/Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Media, is cast in this mould.  

Again, #UDOM wowed Akwa Ibomites with new cars for doing nothing (NORLAND)

Again, #UDOM wowed Akwa Ibomites with new cars for doing nothing (NORLAND )

Few days ago, Glory Udom, an Akwa Ibom-born entrepreneur, was awarded with a GOLD DIAMOND by NORLAND INDUSTRAL GROUP during the 2019 NORLAND CAR AWARD in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

She also parted away with a whooping Four Million Naira (N4M) cash.

Seven members in her team, The NORLAND HIGH-FLIERS also got brand new SUVs.

See details of the event in video below

 

For Norland, It’s all about making money from the things that takes money from your pocket on regular bases, even the poor can find every means to shine their teeth.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN NORLAND BUSINESS

Election was tough but God made it easy for PDP - Woman Leader

The Woman Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Afaha Obong Ward 2 in Abak Local Government Area, Mrs. Ima Idongesit Johnson has said that the recently concluded election was tough but God made it easy for the party.

Mrs. Ima Johnson who spoke with journalists shortly after receiving an Award presented to her by the PDP Ward Executive, Afaha Obong Ward 2, described the re-election of Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the divine work of God. “It was a very tough election. We had thought how we would do it, but God did it all because our dynamic Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel anchored his project on Only God and God did not disappoint him”, she stated.

The Woman Leader called on the people of Abak to continue to remain steadfast, as according to her, PDP is the party of truth and should also support all the newly-elected leaders to succeed in their up-coming assignment. “My advice to the people of Abak is for them to remain steadfast in PDP. They should stand by the truth because PDP is the party of truth. They should continue to support the party and all the newly elected officers”, he advised.

On the award conferred on her, Mrs. Ima Johnson expressed gratitude to God for what He has done in her life. She thanked the PDP Chairman in the Ward, Mr. Nsisong Etukudoh and the entire ward executive for the honour done her, stressing that mobilizing women of the ward to support the party would not have been successful without God.

The Woman leader called on the people of the ward embrace God, since according to her, there is nothing God cannot do.

I will continue to do my best for the Party - PDP Chairman

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abak Urban Ward 3 in Abak Local Government area, Mr. Charles Ekukinam has said that he will continue to do his best for the growth and success of the party.

Mr. Ekukinam who spoke after receiving an Award conferred on him by the PDP Ward Executive, Afaha Obong Ward 2 for his outstanding contribution to the success of the party in Abak Local Government area, expressed happiness that his little contribution has been noticed.

Mr. Ekukinam who is the Chairman Forum of PDP Ward Chairmen in Abak, commended the PDP Chairman for Afaha Obong Ward 2, Mr. Nsisong Etukudoh and his executive members for their well-thought initiative, stressing that the award will encourage him to do more for the party in particular and humanity in general.

He thanked the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo for giving him the opportunity to serve as the Ward Chairman. Mr. Ekukinam showered praises on the Member-elect for Abak-Etim Ekpo-Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Elder Aniekan Umanah who he described as his mentor, for always giving him good advice. The Party Chairman also thanked the Ward Chairmen for the confidence reposed in him as their Chairman, the Ward Executive, Elders, Stakeholders and the entire people of his ward for their support and cooperation which led to the success recorded by the party in the area.

He prayed God to bless and reward them abundantly.

Mr. Ekukinam dedicated the award to God.

DAKKADA Entrepreneurs Ambassadors honours Brig. General Etukudo

BY ASSAM ABIA

Brig. General Anthony D. Etukudo (Rtd) OON, has been decorated with another golden feather on his cap by Dakkada Entrepreneurs Ambassadors, DEAL, for his enormous contributions to the success of the 2019 general elections in Akwa Ibom State. 

In a well attended ceremony including the State governor in Uyo recently, the Chairman of DEAl, Mr Sam Edoho, himself a Senior Special Assistant to governor Udom Emmanuel said that the former military officer has shown great patriotism for Akwa Ibom State, especially during the just concluded general elections in which he assisted in the maintenance of peace. 

Mr Edoho described General Anthony Etukudo as a retired Army General who is not tired of rendering selfless services to his motherland. 

He commended him for leading a team of both local and foreign election observers during the general elections throughout the State, an action he said culminated into the peaceful conduct of the elections. 

“General Etukudo is a retired Army General who is never tired to respond to national call in times of emergency, he personally averted.

RCCG issues business grants to members

BY ABASIFREKE OBOT

In a bid to add colossal value, growth and development to the businesses of its members and by extension, boost their standard of living,  the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG), Grace and Glory Maga Zone on Sunday empowered 17 of her members with huge finances to start up as well as run their businesses.

The special empowerment programme which took its first phase held at the church auditorium, 67 Wellington Bassey,  Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the host minister, Pastor Chris Eromosele, informed that the Church thought it apt to give out start-up capital to them in order to aid their businesses and bring their business ideas to fruition.

The cleric advised beneficiaries to use the capital judiciously and also ensure to use the capital to accomplish the purpose for which it has been given them.

He noted that the next phase of this special empowerment, by the grace of God, will be mapped out to accommodate over 30 beneficiaries and more in subsequent phases.

Re-Union: Samuel Bill Students tackle Old Boys

Re-Union: Samuel Bill Students tackle Old Boys

The premises of Samuel Bill Theological College in Abak Local Government Area will this weekend witness influx of personalities as Old Boys of the School arrive for their annual get-together (re-union).

The event which is scheduled for Saturday, 4th May, 2019 at the school premises will commence with a novelty football match between the current Students of the school and the Old Boys at the school sports-ground on Friday, 3rd May, 2019 by 4pm.

Those expected to feature for the Old Boys Team are former footballers who had made their mark while playing for the school. The annual event which will attract Old Boys of the school from all the chapters within and outside the country, has a former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwem Udoma as the Chairman of the Planning Committee while the Executive Chairman of Abak, Hon. Barr. Imoh Williams is the Chief Host.

Speaking with our reporter about the up-coming event, the Chief Host and Chairman, Abak Local Government Area, Barr. Imoh Williams explained that it is an annual event aimed at bringing old students of the school together to chart a new cause for the development of the school.

Bolt launches in Uyo, Calabar

Bolt launches in Uyo, Calabar

Bolt (formerly Taxify), the leading on-demand transportation platform in Africa on 3rd May, 2919launched operations in Uyo and Calabar. It is the first ride hailing service to connect passengers with drivers in these cities. 

The expansion move brings Bolt’s cities in Nigeria to a total of seven: the service is already well established in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Owerri and Benin City.   

Bolt is a cell phone-based application that lets passengers easily, quickly and cost-effectively request for a driver to pick them up wherever they are, to take them wherever they want to go. 

Uche Okafor, Bolt’s Regional Manager for West Africa: ”After our successful launches in Nigeria’s main centres, expanding to Uyo and Calabar is a natural next step for Bolt as it further reinforces our position to make urban travel easier, quicker and more reliable. We are also looking forward to introducing flexible employment opportunities to thousands of drivers and vehicle owners in both cities”.