Latest Edition of The Ink Newspaper, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

President Jonathan to commission Gas Plant in A’Ibom * Esit Eket Chair hails initiative

 All is now set for the government and  people of Akwa Ibom to host President Goodluck Jonathan, who is billed to visit the State on Thursday for the commissioning and inspection of completed and ongoing projects of the Akpabio administration.

A release by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Aniekan Umanah said the president will commission the gas processing facility complete with 69 kilometers pipeline at Uquo, constructed under a public-private partnership arrangement between Septa Energy and the Akwa Ibom State government.

Mr. Umanah further hinted that Mr. President who is paying a fourth official visit to the state, will during the one-day visit, also  commission the Goodluck Boulevard on Ring Road III in Uyo (Ring Road III).

There are suitably qualified materials in Oro - Former Health Commissioner

A one time Commissioner for health in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Edet Attih has re-iterated that Oro has enough and eminently capable governorship materials to pilot the affairs of Akwa Ibom State come 2015.

Dr. Attih stated this during an interactive session with journalists at Jovens Garden Hotel in Oron immediately after his inauguration as the Chairman of Elders Advisory Committee of Oro 2015 Movement, a new impact-filled socio-political pressure group in the state, debunked the spurious insinuations that “Oro has no capable aspirant” to put forward for the Akwa Ibom State 2015 gubernatorial race.

Keshi’s contract renewal BY AMOS ETUK

Our football administrators are the foundation of the rot in our slow progress in the beautiful game in the country and despite the strong showings of commitment to the development of the game, certain recent decisions have left a lot of football followers bewildered. 

After the just concluded World Cup; it was expected that Super Eagles coach to the mundial, Stephen Keshi would be relieved of his post as the national team’s gaffer. Her failed to meet the deadline of a semi final target given to him by his employers and clearly lost control of his dressing room and evidently showed tactical ineptness both on and off the pitch of play. 

I am surprised that this same NFF that has been at logger heads with Keshi for about two years could ever sit down to open talks with the big boss on a contract renewal after that shoddy world cup performance. That Keshi had boasted even before the World Cup started that he had offers from six countries and was widely quoted in the Nigerian media as not having interest in renewing his contract and speculations were rife that the South African Football Association (SAFA) were only waiting for the World Cup to finish before Keshi is announced as their next coach for the Bafana Bafana. 

Akpabio: Promoting higher education BY ANIEKAN UMANAH

Arising from his informed activism and long walk to freedom, the late South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and global icon, Nelson Mandela concluded that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

As such, in his resolve to bring about a greater Akwa Ibom, where the citizens would be able to stand their own and no longer be the major source of meeting the national and international house-help industry, and to produce a workforce that would be globally competitive, in a world that is increasingly being shaped by technology, His Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio CON, realised early enough that he must deploy the weapon of education.

The weight of politics on our educational system BY SUPREME OKPON

Education remains the best gift any good parents can give to their children and a compulsory gift a Nation must give to her citizenries, if the leadership of a country so which to have people who will take over the leadership from them when their strength fails. Education is the answer to the question of development and sustainable development; this is because education is a change agent and most reliable tool for preparation, creation, development and nurturing of character, traits, knowledge, skills and attitude. 

The cruciality and centrality of education in the development process lies on its important towards the preparation of productive capacities of human beings as Economic, political and social agents, Charles Esu (2009). Education builds up knowledge, skills and attitude of men, women and youths for production purposes and enables them to contribute positively to the advancement of National Economy. It creates human capital with relevant capabilities. Education equips the mind, the body and the hand to “Lead” a life well spent. It is obviously the compass of life, an instrument through which all leadership instinct and sensitivity can be systematically developed and conditioned for a permanent behavioural pattern of life.

We’ll defeat Akpabio and his candidate - Sunny Ibuot

Pastor Sunny Ibuot, immediate past chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, is an outstanding performer whose legacies dot the landscape of the area. As a grassroots mobilizer, he is not new to state politics and has brought his in depth knowledge of the system to bear in his recent appointment as Director General of Akwa Ubok Abasi 2015 Campaign Organization, supporting Obong Bassey Albert’s gubernatorial aspiration.  In this interview, he reveals the drive behind OBA’s campaign organization and other boiling issues in the state polity ahead of 2015 Excerpts:

Sir, you left office two years ago as the chairman of Ikot Ekpene local government area. How is life after public office?
Thank you very much, life after office is pleasant. It is pleasant because right from when I entered office, I knew that I will leave office one day. I was aware the office has a terminal date, so nothing took me by surprise. The only challenge was that I was hoping to enjoy a second term like every other person around my environment, having worked assiduously and committedly in the government and doing my best I thought I was also qualified to be given opportunity to run the council again, but just at the last minute that wasn’t to be. I knew it was the will of God, so life after office is pleasant.

Patrick Albert: Manifesting God’s will in NUJ BY OTOBONG NSEKPONG

August 1st 2013 will remain green in the mind of so many for various reasons. To Journalists in AkwaIbom State, it will remain memorable following the victory of the Rebirth Team at the triennial delegates’ conference/State Elections of the NUJ.  

That uncommon victory of August 1, 2013 brought to the number one seat the champion of the Rebirth Team, Elder Patrick Albert. As a member of the team that toured the 11 Chapels with the promise of fresh air, I recall the tremendous support, endorsement and prayers which resulted in the overwhelming victory for Elder Patrick Albert.

What did the Rebirth Team promise Journalists? Apart from the promise of the return of the good old days when NUJ Press Centre was a rallying point for members and members of other professional bodies, it also promised a facelift of facilities at the Center.

Latest Edition of The Ink Newspaper, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Alleged embezzlement: Abak council chairman in big trouble

 It is certainly not the best of times for the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon Joseph Ikpaisong Inyang as he is said to be suffering from multiple headache.

While Mr. Inyang is trying to manage the psychological trauma arising from the shattering episode of his marriage to the Okobo- born Lady, Anyanime that hit the rock recently, the eleven (11) Councilors of the Local Government have unsheathed their swords to deal a deathblow on his administration for alleged embezzlement and lack of transparency. The bone of contention is the inability of the council boss to explain how June and July allocations were spent even while the arrears and allowances for several months are yet to be paid. The chairman is alleged to be elusive when the legislators demand for accountability when no projects have been executed by the council during the period.

Light shines in A’Ibom communities

Residents of Ikot Ebieyem community in Ikot Ekpene LGA are basking in the euphoria of power supply recently restored to the community.

The Village Chairman, Chief Edet Anwan reported to the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Power that the transformer supplying the community was damaged.
When Engr. Itoro Udosen from the SSA’s office visited the site, it wasdiscovered that the transformer got damaged as a result of overloading.

Through the intervention of the SSA’s office, the damaged transformer was replaced with a brand new transformer and power supplyhas since been restored to the community.

My ordeal in SSS cell - Thomas Thomas

Thomas Thomas represents one of Nigeria’s finest journalists; he was arrested and detained in the SSS for about 38days. He spoke to THE INK Newspapers three days after his release. BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Can you tell us how you were trailed and captured by the SSS and their reason(s) for the capture?
I was arrested by officials of the State Security Service on the 1st of July 2014 on the orders of the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio.  The reason why they arrested me, according to them, when they eventually took me to the station was that I volunteered an information to the paramount rulers of Ibibio, sometimes around June this year, that there was a plot to eliminate some of them for refusing to support Udom Emmanuel.  I agreed with them and told them a certain person called me sometimes around 14th of June and the person said he was from Ekpenyong Atai in Essien Udim Local Government Area, that he does not love what Akpabio is doing with the Ibibios, that he gave me this information based on the fact that he was convinced that I was going to take a step to prevent the assassination or elimination of the paramount rulers of Ibibio. 

Akpabio gets more desperate * Flies dirty kite in Ikot Abasi

 

* Flies dirty kite in Ikot Abasi, allegedly bribes Benjamin Okoko with #120m to contest

* Stakeholders say ex-guber aspirant’s ambition is dead on arrival 

With less than two months to the next PDP governorship primaries in the state, the Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio has flew yet another dirty political kite with an aim of getting victory for his preferred aspirant. The state Chief Executive sources say have become increasingly aware that the odds as far as the 2015 governorship election is concerned is tilting victory towards Nsima Ekere, his former Deputy and has moved against it.

Mrs. Akpabio’s ‘Baby Factory’ Campaign: Where are our LG First Ladies? BY TONY ESIN

Precept is good but it is generally held that examples are better especially when it comes to leadership. This informs why it is often said that a good leader shows good example. That in other words means that as a leader, one does not need to only teach in principles but take some time to do what one expects his or her subordinates to do. 

However, it is counter-productive and indeed waste of time and resources when leaders provide practical directives with the hope that their followers would emulate them, only for the followers to abdicate from their expected responsibilities at the end. Such a situation most times would irritate the superiors who, consequently, may be compelled to take punitive actions against the subordinates especially if it had been a repeated trend or when the subordinates seem to not care for remorse over their actions.

Akpabio’s vote for ethical journalism BY ANIEKAN UMANAH

Journalism is not an exact science, and can never be. Every investigative piece, therefore, is susceptible to error. Society however, stands at great risk when practitioners deliberately and consistently publish complete falsehood with the intent of either inciting the people to rebellion or for personal or group interest. As necessary interface between the people and the government, journalists have eternal responsibility to be truthful and fair in their reportage.

Perhaps, it was the danger that professional misconducts on the part of journalists portend for society that made Ron Yates, a former foreign correspondent and Dean Emeritus of the College of Media at the University of Springfield, Illinois, USA to remark that, “ Journalism is not about the journalist, it is about the people the journalist is responsible to. When journalists begin to believe they are more important than the story, then they have lost their way and forsaken those responsibilities.”

2015: IPC inaugurates Nat’l, Chapter excos - Pledges support for Richard King

 Ahead of the 2015 governorship election in Akwa Ibom state, a foremost socio-political group, Ibom Patriotic Congress (IPC), Sunday, August 10, 2014, inaugurated her national and state executives, with a pledge to support the governorship ambition of Prof. Richard King.

In a brief opening remarks, the chairman on the occasion, Prof. Aniekan Ekpe reminded the group that politics is a game of number and interest, adding that a person’s success in politics is determined by the level of acceptance.
“Politics is a game of number and a game of interest. That is why anybody who has interest in politics must convince as many people as possible to support him or her. There will always be disagreement, but I want to advise you all to use diplomacy to settle every internal dispute and forge ahead if you must achieve your goal.”

Oro youths endorses Nse Ekpenyong for House of Reps

Oro nation under the auspices of National Coucil of Oro youths last weekend paid glowing tributes to the Deputy state Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Nse Ekpenyong calling on him to declare and run for the House of Representatives position for the federal constituency as they will ensure they back him and also mobilize total support for his sucess.

Oro youths made this known when they honoured Ekpenyong at Uya Oro near Oron. The political event which attracted stakeholders from all the local Government that make up Oro nation had the likes of Chief Bassey Etim Edet, Uno Etim who who was represented, the Executive Chairman of Oron LGA, Mr. Orman Esin, Hon Bassey Anwanakak, an aide to the Governor amongst others witnessed a cultural display by the tinkoriko group.

My open letter to Akwa Ibom youths BY UBON MARCUS

Fellow youths of our dear State,

As 2015 draws near, and in this season of “Open Letters”, I feel obliged to write my own open letter not to some highly placed individual, but this time around to that young man/woman who is still toiling to make a living. The young man/woman who wakes up in the morning believing that someday his/her dream will come to fruition. The young person who is yet to become a millionaire, move around with a retinue of aides in exotic cars with mean looking security personnel, make huge donations at public events, possess real estates scattered across choice locations in the country, and maintain different concubines if he so wishes. It’s someone like you that I’m referring to. Someone who feels what I feel, thinks the way I do, and understands me better. Someone faced with the grim reality of life. The youths of Akwa Ibom. Yes, it’s you I’m directing this letter to. I write to you because you are the ones that will suffer the most if our democracy fails. 

It has always been said that we the youths are the future of tomorrow. Suffice to say that the future is now, as today is the future we hoped to see yesterday. The next political dimension in 2015 no doubt holds lots of promises. Promises for us youths and even the elders. 2015 is that future we always looked up to. 

OBA: The renaissance begins BY AMOS ETUK

God is the ultimate leader and He controls the destiny of men.  It has been rightly stated severally that ‘’we don’t know what the future holds, but we know the One who holds the future’’.  God is forever in control. 

 
 Leaders understand the importance of the minds to the future of their people, they do not lead out of a predetermined package of behaviors, they size up every situation and discern what must happen to reach the desired goal.  Good leaders evaluate situations and what best steps to take and they provide direction for the people because no resource is more valuable than the people.

For Bassey Albert Akpan, a leader after God’s heart and abundantly cherished by the people beyond the borders of Akwa Ibom State, his blazing strides on the political terrain continues to expand from coast to coast.

AKS Guber 2015: Of difficult choices, geo-political sentiments and a credible candidate! BY BORONO BASSEY

It was a sunny afternoon in the month of February 2010. The village was Ikot Akpa Esia in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government area. On that fateful day, thousands of Akwa Ibom people had gathered to witness the inauguration of a newly constructed block in the Health Centre located in that village. This project was one, among the over 648 people-oriented projects executed under the Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee for that particular year.  After the commissioning formalities, I in company of some journalists who were on ground to make news out of that event, decided to ask the coordinator of the committee overseeing the execution of the project just commissioned and several other projects to be inaugurated within the period some few questions.

2015: Ibom Grand Alliance endorses Justice Ebito for Governor

Ahead of 2015 elections in Akwa Ibom State, a socio-political group in the state, Ibom Grand Alliance (IGA) has formerly endorsed Dr, Justice Nya E. E. Ebito from Idua Asang in Oron LGA as their gubernatorial flag-bearer. 

The group made its position known recently at the Oron Civic Centre, venue of the inauguration of the state, chapter and ward officers of the IGA.

In his opening speech the Director General of Ibom Grand Alliance who was also the chairman of the occasion, Dr, Barr. Kingsley Ekwere, disclosed that Ibom Grand Alliance an affiliate of Greater Ibom Integrity Project was a group registered under the laws of Akwa Ibom State and that membership cuts across the entire state.

No hope for governorship election in Akwa Ibom state BY AKPANDEM

As aspirants around the state get busy in their preparations for the forthcoming governorship election, they are indirectly creating a falsehood that the existence of an immortal God is a fallacy. When God says yes, can anyone reply in the negative? It would be recalled that a clergy of the Christ Deliverance Ministry Inc, Lagos, His lordship, Prophet Ekong Ituen had predicted that Governor Akpabio will shamefully be removed from office by the jurisdiction of a competent court. This prediction has timelessly been affirmed by other prophets in consonance with God’s word in Isaiah 55:11 which says “so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it”.

A’Ibom 2015 and the Ekiti Model BY KENNETH JUDE

The clock is ticking very fast.  The gladiators are doing everything to keep pace  with the frenetic speed with which time has assumed.

The serious candidates and jokers alike are not leaving anything to chance – they are busy oiling their political machineries for the battle ahead without qualms. 

The various camps are devising subtle strategies to outwit one another.  Many have started frequenting their villages to more or less familiarize themselves with their people while also doling out some goodies both in cash and kind to sway the minds of the people to their aspirations. At times like this, politicians summarily become ‘saints’ and very close friends with almost anybody they can.

They see themselves in equal terms and will dare not engage in acts that could alienate them from the masses.

The Ebola scourge BY KENNETH JUDE

A dire situation has confronted us. The fear it has instilled in us is one that can be felt in the air. How we are to grapple with this scourge is what experts and the layman on the streets are battling to fathom. Even those well grounded in the field of medical care are at a loss to finding the solution to this deadly virus. 

Today, wherever one turns is saturated with the word Ebola. It has become a kind of refrain if not an outright anthem on the lips of all-not just in Nigeria but the world over. This disease has put Nigeria in dire straits. Fear, anxiety and rejection reigns supreme in all corners of Nigeria as you read this. 

Rumour mongers and comic characters have cashed-in on the situation to cause more panic and apprehension all over the place. This, of course leads one to wonder if these folks really grasp the severity of Ebola virus. Their reckless propensity to make light a situation of National emergency as the Federal Government has tagged the Ebola virus leaves one to wonder if a virus that has sent thousands to their early graves in a flash deserves to be treated with such levity as they have made people to believe.

Udom Emmanuel: A beautiful bride courted by all BY JOSEPH OKON

There is an African Proverb which says that when a woman is exceptionally beautiful, she attracts the eyes of several suitors, and it is that suitor who possesses the most panache and material disposition that might win her heart. There comes a time in the life of a man when his ability and pedigree present scintillating attributes too good to resist by all and sundry. 

This appears to be presently true of Mr Udom Emmanuel, former Executive Director in the Board of Zenith Bank Plc, who is currently the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government. This astute financial administrator cum politician is currently being eyed and persuaded by the ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP in Akwa Ibom and other senior citizens to heed the called on him by Akwa Ibom people to contest the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state, and occupy the Hilltop Mansion.

Joshua Okpo bags best performing rector award

Many eras of human civilization are often marked by the achievements of great men who changed history by their deeds. Leaders and administrators exist including people like Mr. Ghadafi, Gen. Sani Abacha and Hitler who are remembered for their infancy, seeds of discord and poor administration. It is also not uncommon to have leaders who build their wealth and glory on the suffering of the masses and mortgage the future of the governed on the altar of self-aggrandizement.  

There were leaders like Martin Luther, Isaac -Newton, Thomas Edison who positioned themselves in fame as a result to their human-disposition and positive actions for the benefit of humanity.

Uruan students elect new exco BY NSIKAN NYONG

The National Association of Uruan Students, University of Uyo chapter has elected a new Exco. This took place after the former Exco led by comrade David Udomkpoyo had been resolved last month.

Addressing the students at the Poll Unit, the Electoral Commission Chairman of the Association, Comrade Edet Iberedem assured the students of a free and fair election.  He said, “we shall do everything good to have free and fair election today as it is the culture of Uruan students ....” He also stated electoral offices vied for by the students to include offices of the President, Vice-President, Secretary General, Auditor General and four other offices, totalling 8 executive offices.

NDPVF/NDPSF, northerners on war path BY JOSEPH ATHANASIUS

The Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force and Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Front (NDPVF/NDPSF) is set for another round of war as they seem set to cross swords yet again with the Northerners.

The latest ground for the trouble is the linking of their respected national leader, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo – Asari in the assassination attempt on the former head of State and APC strong man, General Mohamadu Buhari (Rtd.) in Kaduna recently.
Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday, 1st August, 2014 at Play Ground along Brook Street, the leader of the group in AKwa Ibom, Elder Jones Ufot protested any attempt to stain the name of their leader and demean their just and unstoppable struggle for freedom, justice and dignity.

Ata Ikiddeh replies Robinson Uwak BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

 

 The last is yet to be heard of oppositions to Hon. Robinson Uwak’s overtures with the State Governor. Perhaps the most recent is coming from the Governor’s Special Adviser on Projects, Barr. Ata Ikiddeh, who frowned at the level of disparity between both parties. The disagreement which is centred on the Governor’s purported marginalization of Oron became pronounced when Hon. Uwak started making pronouncements on the media and social networks of the governor’s inability to transform Oron as he has done in other areas of the state.  

These claims have therefore been countered by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Projects who termed the accusations as fallacious. The Special Adviser pointed out that the governor has in no small measure impacted the people of Oron in ways ranging from social restructuring, economic development, political emancipation and other aspects which the Lawmaker is not oblivious of. He presented statistics and facts to prove this in a letter addressed to Hon. Uwak which first appeared on the internet last week. 

Compensation: Marlum gets 21 days ultimatum

The management of Marlum Nigeria Limited situated at #155 Aka road in Uyo metropolis has been given a 21 day ultimatum to pay compensation to owners of plots of land the company desecrated at Ifa Ikot Akpan, Etoi community in Uyo Local Government Area since 2012.

The Village Head of the area, Eteidung Eniedi Ebong gave the ultimatum while speaking with our reporter in his Palace last week.

The royal father disclosed that Marlum Nigeria Limited through a man simply known as Engineer Umoren and a woman who is a resident in the area, Mrs. Arit Effiong Okon sometimes in 2012 approached the owners of the plots of land in the area to negotiate the purchase of the land.

Student commits suicide in Uyo BY NSIKAN NYONG

A student of Etoi Secondary School, Master Aniebiet Effiong has committed suicide at his father’s compound at Akpasak Estate, Ifa Atai.

His father discovered him when he returned from work and knocked at his door without a response. He then broke into his room and met his corpse dangling on the ceiling fan. The father then raised the alarm that alerted neighbours who trooped into the premises of to witness the incident. 

UNIUYO: Students rejects rumour of SUG President’s impeachment BY NSIKAN NYONG

 

Students of the University of Uyo have rejected the rumour of the impeachment of the Students Union Government President and Attorney General, Comrade Ndianabasi Ekong and Comrade Nonso  Chike respectively.

This took place following several face book posts and updates on the University’s Students forum posts confirming the impeachment of the helmsman of the Tuskers republic and the Attorney General.

In his words the Information Director of the Union, Comrade Godwin Antai said: “SUG President, Comrade Ndianabasi Ekong and the Attorney General have not been removed.” He also advised the students to desist from vain rumour and rather join hands in support of the Students Government.

Victor Udofia: Breaking the record of Ikono State Constituency BY SIMEON AKWA

Victor Udofia 

It is true that an event has happened upon which is difficult to speak and even impossible to be silent, no wonder a grate poet writer John Mason in one of his book, said people are divided into three groups: (I) those who makes things happen, (II) those watch things happen, (III) those who wonder what’s happening. So is a young charismatic and eloquent lawmaker representing the people of Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Udofia, whom today has made things to happen in Ikono amidst pomp onlookers of Ikono people, and surprised by those who thought Udofia could never made a difference.

Udofia elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s umbrella by the people of Ikono LGA into the office of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as their lawmaker, sometime precisely on the 6th of June 2011 was sworn in as a member in the State House of Assembly, charged with the responsibility as a pioneer Chairman House Committee on youths sport and security.

Nse Joshua: If the centre must hold… BY UBONG SAMPSON

 Nse Joshua

It is clear that the current administration was pre-oriented, or had the pre-knowledge that engaging the younger sets of the state’s indigenes (mainly those with the requisite skills and technical acumen) is one of the fastest ways of growing the economy of the state, and by possible extension, the nation at large- perhaps a yet to be discovered secret, or part of the secrets behind the rapid process taken towards repositioning the state which has led it to assume the rare position it currently sits on, as one of the states in the country with a passion driven desire to witness swift transition from the just surpassed state of less-than–impressive economic independence to a dignified and lofty economic position that will attract both national and global attention.

The NFF elections (1)

 

Nigerian football is in crisis and as we begin to countdown to the Nigeria Football Federation Congress in August 26 which would elect a new leadership for the body, the present signals once again indicates a body that has failed to learn any significant lessons as the lust for power, greed has overtaken the interest to develop the beautiful game in our country.

The NFF election has generated intense heat as a result of the factionalization of the football family, a consequence of the crisis that began last June leading to the impeachment of Aminu Maigari as the NFF President.

Latest Editon of THE INK NEWSPAPER, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Effiong Bob, Umana Umana in fresh war of Supremacy over Nsit Ubium BY JOSEPH OKON

The renewed war of supremacy and political control of Nsit Ubium Local Government between the immediate past Secretary to state Government Obong Umana Okon Umana who is also an aspirant to the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state, and a two term Senator who represented Uyo Senatorial District in the upper chambers of the National Assembly, Senator Effiong Dickson Bob is becoming hotter by the day. 

The supremacy struggle and recognition by the two Nsit Ubium born politicians came out very clear in the area last month following the Bassey Albert gubernatorial consultation visit to Senator Bob and the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Barr Onofiok Luke who is seeking a second term in the state House of Assembly.

Fortune schools holds graduation ceremony BY NSEOBONG DAVID

The Fortune Schools, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday last week held its 2014 graduation ceremony.  The graduation ceremony, the 12th in the series, saw 35 students passing out from Fortune High School while the remaining 37 graduated in the primary school section.

In an address entitled: “The Journey of Remarkable Progress”, the Founding Chairman of the institution and Senator for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Senator Aloysius Etok, expressed delight that the school has “waxed from strength to strength”. 

While restating the readiness of the institution to partner government in improving academic standard in the country, Senator Etok, represented by the Proprietress of the school, Mrs. Etok urged parents to be part of the success story of Fortune Schools System by sending their children to the school. 

State Council on Health meeting ends in Uyo BY NSEOBONG DAVID

Elder Friday Iwok addressing the meeting 

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health yesterday held its 8th annual council on health meeting.  The event which had as its theme: “Financing for Universal Health Coverage (UHC): The role of Health Insurance”, took place at the Civil Service Auditorium, State Secretariat Complex.

The chairman on the occasion and the Chairperson, House Committee on Health in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Elder Friday Iwok gave an opening remark on the occasion.  In his remarks Elder Iwok thanked the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ememabasi Bassey for organizing the council on health meeting, he also thanked the Directors in the ministry and other staff of the ministry for their team work in salvaging the health sector, and promised to advocate for the passage of the bill for the establishment of health care management board and bill for maternal and child health by the State House of Assembly, in order to check quackery in the health sector.

2015: Youths beg Ukanafun lawmaker to run

The Member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, Honourable Aniekan Akpan, our reporter learnt, is under intense pressure from youths of the area to re-contest for the Ukanafun State Constituency seat in the upcoming 2015 general elections.   

The youths’ stance is said to have been as a result of the lawmaker’s excellent performance in the 5th Assembly of the State House.

It was gathered that youths of Ukanafun Local Government Area, under the auspices of ‘Inwek Ukanafun’ have reaffirmed their ‘total’ loyalty and support to the member representing Ukanafun State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Aniekan Akpan and unanimously endorsed him to run for a second term in office.

UNIUYO Dons, students to storm Ibiono for TM August 16

The village of Use Ndon in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area will on Saturday, 16th August 2014 play host to the staff and Students of the University of Uyo as the academias will storm the village for the traditional marriage between Mr. Iboro Efiong Edet, a lecturer of Anatomy Department of the university and Miss Edu Eyibio Akpan.

Information from the marriage planning committee has it that the traditional marriage will take place at Late Mr. Eyibio Udo Akpan’s compaound in Use Ndon, by 12 noon and therefore invite the general public to attend the ceremony.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF AKWA IBOM STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF (DR) GODSWILL OBOT AKPABIO BY CONCERNED ELDERS FOR THE UNCONDITIONAL AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF MR. THOMAS THOMAS, EDITOR OF GLOBAL CONCORD NEWSPAPER.

 We are concerned elders of Akwa Ibom State who are genuinely interested in the harmonious co existence of the linguistic groups in Akwa Ibom State. We have followed His Excellency’s developmental strides and commend his government for the improvement of several infrastructures in our state. 

His Excellency started well in 2007 and we wish him God’s speed as he nears the end of his administration.

The Gestapo style arrest and continued detention of a patriotic Ibibio son, Mr. Thomas Thomas has taken an ethnic coloration and tension has long set in following that mindless arrest and indefinite incarceration of this celebrated journalist by the SSS on 1st of July 2012, a period of over one month on the orders and pleasure of his Excellency and Akwa Ibom State Government.