Of women’s misrepresentation in the media (11)

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

Previously on this column, the issue  of misrepresentation of women in   the media was discussed though not extensively. This piece therefore lends a continuation to the afore-discussed subject matter. Having established the fact that women are no more heard of but seen in the negative light, one is not in doubt on why today’s women have taken to cheap and demeaning means of announcing their arrival to the world.  

As stated previously, it is no news that women have become sales promoters of various wares, goods and services nationally and internationally courtesy of their feminine charm. That is their smile, smooth skin, white teeth, fair complexion, curved edges and shape, long or short artificial hair, beautiful face, an assumed hot legs, and etc. On every street, major/minor roads and highways, we see Billboards of women advertising wares varying from home utensils to furniture, landed properties, cars, hospitality outfits, toiletries, food stuffs, hair treatments and body creams as well as a number of assorted items which may not apply to them. All thanks to their expressionable looks which we have been made to believe ‘moves market’ more than a man or child on the Billboard.  

Accountant General, Uwem Ita Etuk mock UGE

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for  Lands and Town planning Arch. Uwem Ita Etuk and his fellow Ibesikpo Asutan kinsman recently took a swipe at the state Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel saying that seven months into his administration, the Governor is yet to take charge especially as matters relating to the State House of Assembly are concerned.

The duo has however vowed to capitalize on the inability of the Governor to take charge of the state by ensuring that they take over the control of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. This position was made known by the two men recently during a campaign trend for the return of Aniekan Uko to the state House of Assembly at Asutan ward two held at the residence of Ime Asuquo Etim the ward chairman of the PDP at Ikot Nkim Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.
Speaking during the consultation, the former Chairman of the PDP Mr. Uwem Ita Etuk called on the people of the area to join hands in supporting Mr. Aniekan Uko to return to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. He maintained that if Uko returns to the Assembly that the Ibesikpo man will take over his position as the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. 

Etinan re-run: Paramount Ruler backs Barr Dennis

* Congratulates Udom
 

The Paramount Ruler of   Etinan Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Imeh Dickson Umoette, JP, OON, has called on the people of Etinan State constituency to support the PDP candidate Barr Aniefiok Dennis as according to him the seasoned legal luminary is the one and only best option for the state constituency.

The position of the Royal Monarch is contained in a congratulatory message to Governor Udom Emmanuel on his victory at the apex court a fortnight ago and made available to newsmen in Etinan over the weekend. He described Barr Dennis as the best man to represent Etinan State constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and also promised to work towards the victory of Barr Aniefiok Dennis next month during the state constituency re-run.

PDP Chieftains gang up against Udom

…as missing vehicles create tension in Ukanafun 

The Chieftains of  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ukanafun Local Government Area are in a thick conspiracy against Governor Udom Emmanuel for alleged marginalization. 

The “Cartel” led by a former Commissioner, Obong Eno Akpan and the National Officer of PDP, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong is said to have convened series of meetings to tinker with the idea of being compensated with appointments. Sources that have been attending the meetings said that since they cemented the “fragile unity” recently, they have been mapping out the modalities of how to produce a Local Government Chairman in the next few months and House of Representatives member in 2019. Ekpenyong is said to be fronting his nephew who is the current Transition Chairman of Ukanafun, Barr. Samuel Udokoh; while ceding Vice Chairmanship to Eno Akpan who has similarly embarked on intense campaign for his nephew and member representing Ukanafun State Constituency. Sources at their regular meetings said if the Governor does not help them to actualize their aspirations that they are going to embark on intensive media campaign to dent the State Government led by Governor Emmanuel.

Nse Essien to build house for God

BY GODWIN SAM

It was a gathering of who is who in the State on  Sunday 21st February, 2016, when the Member Representing Onna State Constituency, and the Deputy Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Otuekong Nse Essien, held a thanksgiving service at House of Gold Ministries International along House of Assembly Road in Uyo.

A visibly elated Nse Essien in thanking God said he has so many reasons to be grateful to God for; enumerating some of the reasons to include ten years in marriage, and still standing strong; three beautiful daughters as products of the union; and the privilege of being alive and being lifted by God to the position of a House Member. Other reasons enunciated by the Deputy Chief Whip of the 6th Assembly for thanking God were the successes recorded by Akwa United Football Club of the State, a team where his is the number one individual financial sponsor, and the Supreme Court victory of the Governor, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Hon. Nse Essien said “I am what I am today because of God’s faithfulness. I could not ask for more than representing the Governor, my senior brother at the House of Assembly. God has been so kind to me and my family, and I return all the glory to Him in Jesus name, Amen. This thanksgiving is in fulfillment of my vow to God. I promised god that if He makes me the House Member I will build a worship place for Him. I came this morning to fulfill that promise. I thank God Almighty for His grace and mercy towards me. I thank the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for always being there for me and for always heeding to my calls. I thank my wife who has always been there for me in thick and thin. She is always the last man standing, my source of motivation, the consoler, and my number one team player. I thank my children for being good children. And finally, let me use this occasion to thank and celebrate my Pastor and his wife for always believing in me and always praying for me.”

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

FEYReP collaborates with neimeth to deworm Ak. Children

The Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Programme (FEYReP), a pet project of the wife of Akwa Ibom state Governor Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel and Niemeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc. are partnering to deworm Akwa Ibom children with a view to promoting a healthier and better living in the family.

Speaking during the flag-off the deworming exercise held at Ibom Hall, the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel said the partnership became necessary as available statistics indicate that more than 25 million Nigerians are currently infected by worms, adding that the figures for children are even scarier at an estimated 80 percent of the population.

Mrs. Emmanuel applauded Neimeth Pharmaceutical for being at the forefront of the fight against the scourge pointed out that  Akwa Ibom has one of the highest prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthes (STH).  She noted that providing vital and affordable medicines for mass de-worming, shows the  important role the company is playing in improving healthcare in our country and as well appreciated them for living up to theircorporate social responsibilityof investing  and creating awareness on this critical health care challenge.

Gov. Emmanuel to implement one teacher one subject in Akwa Ibom

Gov. Udom  Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has averred that the state will soon implement one teacher one subject in public primary schools in Akwa Ibom.
Emmanuel stated this in Eket during the Commissioning of a renovated five classrooms block at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Ikot Ibiok, Eket in Akwa Ibom on Saturday.

Our Correspondent reports that Mr Andrew Okon renovated and donated the five classroom blocks with dual desks to St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Eket.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Aniekan Akpan said that the innovation was to create quality education into system.

“Government is coming up with a policy of ensuring that we utilise effectively our own teachers who have specialise in different areas starting from next year. 

Udom’s journey to Governorship

BY JOE INIODU

The aftermath of April 11, 2015 governorship election in Akwa  Ibom State foisted great uncertainties and turbulence on the once congenial polity the State was hitherto known for. A slew of desperation was introduced with all its attendant consequences. From the Tribunal to the Appellate Courts including the Supreme, tension and fear ruled the heart of men with propaganda taking its toll to add to the confusion. 

The APC which has consistently demonstrated itself as being adept in the propagation of falsehood, demonizing of opponents and outright mendacity used these vices maximally. The victims were the unsuspecting public who were hoodwinked into their charade. These charades enjoyed barren credibility when the Tribunal and Appeal Court delivered judgments that gave them illusory victory. They celebrated the two judgments which had no justice in such a cacophonous and deafening manner that made PDP faithful believe that the end had eventually come for the party in the State. I recall them in the social media referring to PDP as ‘PDPigs’ and Governor Udom Emmanuel as ‘caretaker governor’. It was a period when the office of governor and the occupant were subjected to unconscionable desecration and despicable treatment. 

I will Restore Peacock Paint as Leader in Paint Market – Jose-Javier

Peacock Paint Company, Ikot Ekan in Etinan Local Government Area, one of the ailing industries in Akwa Ibom State has ben revitalized and put to full operation by Governor Udom Emmanuel. In this interview with ISRAEL NTIENSE, the General Manager of the company, Mr. Jose-Javier speaks of his preparedness to restore the image of Peacock paint as a household name in Nigeria among other sundry issues. Excerpts  

May we know you and what you  are here in Nigeria to do?
I am from Spain and I am here in Nigeria to Manage the Peacock Paint Company in Akwa Ibom State. My target and focus is on developing the business in order to expand to the whole Nigeria and possible beyond the coast of Nigeria in a shortest possible time. This is the main target I have for the time being.  Looking at the facilities we have at the factory, I think we are at a very good starting point. Our job is made easy at this point because with my experience and what we have on ground in terms of personnel and facilities, we going to expand and place Peacock Paint as a leader in paint market in Nigeria.

Peacock Paint before it became moribund was a household name in Nigeria, what are your plans to restore the glory of the company?
Yes, I have been told that Peacock Paint at a time was a sought after in Nigeria. We are ready to restore the image and glory of the company and bring back the Peacock paint as a leader in paint market. We are going to restore confidence of our customers and build a brand that will be distinctive in paint market. 

Tears of joy as Prince Ituen donates fishing boats, engines, cash to Mbiabo/Ayadeghe constituents

 

The number of the unemployed keeps   increasing, even as white-collar jobs are hard to come by. Those in position of authority encourage the jobless to be self-reliant through the provision of empowerment items. THE INK reports that the lawmaker representing Itu State Constituency in the State House of Assembly has given empowerment items worth over Seven Million Naira to some of his constituents in the riverine area of Mbiabo/Ayadeghe even as the people shed tears of joy.

As the country grapples with the challenge of unemployment as a result of lack of white-collar jobs, wealthy individuals and those in position of authority have been encouraging individuals, especially young school leavers and graduates to redirect their attention from being job-seekers to job-creators and employers of labour.

 

Gov. Emmanuel joins Onna State constituency member, Nse Essien in a family thanksgiving

Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel alongside his Executive Council Members, Members of the State House of Assembly, Political Class and People of Onna Local Government Area, shared in the thanksgiving service of the  Chief Whip and Member representing Onna State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Deacon Nse Essien 

Addressing the congregation during the service held at House of Gold Ministries Int’l Uyo, Governor Emmanuel lauded the lawmaker for giving God a prime place of honour as the source of his blessings.

He particularly commended the Lawmakers for the unity in the sixth Assembly and sued for more of such support to facilitate the return of the other four members at the re-run polls.

Aniefiok Dennis: A recap of an Achiever’s Scorecard

BY OFONIME HONESTY

There is a huge difference between pretenders and performers. A huge difference also demarcates excellence from mediocrity.  Mediocrity breeds passivity; excellence breeds impact. Mediocres falter; performers soar.  Our contemporary society - especially the political sphere- is littered with stark examples of mediocrity and excellence. While some public office holders reward the confidence reposed in them by bettering the lives of the populace, others, out of sheer greed and other ill motives, use the opportunities to plunder and betray the trust of the citizenry.

While the never-do-well public officials are despised by the masses, the do-well public officials always receive copious encomiums. Dear readers, after thorough assessment, yours truly can place Hon. Barr. Aniefiok Dennis into the dignified list of performing men who have imprinted their names in gold in the hearts of myriad persons.  

Exxon Mobil doles out oil spill palliative to Ibeno community

Exxon Mobil has doled out oil spill palliative to Ibeno Community in a ceremony which attracted stakeholders and held at the Paramount Ruler’s Palace in Ibeno, over the weekend.

Speaking at the occasion, the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government and Chairman State Council of Chiefs His Royal Majesty Owong (Dr.) Effiong Bassey Archianga, expressed joy that his three years in office so far has recorded peaceful reign, stressing that he has enjoyed the co-operation of the entire citizenry which has ensured development of the community.

He commended Exxon Mobil for keeping to their promise in the distribution of palliative projects which include building of a standard school, provision of the fishing gears such as nets, boats and outboard engines for 50 indigenes in batch two of the project and he warned the beneficiaries to use the facilities for the betterment of their lives and not to sell them out, noting that anybody found to have derailed in the usage of the facilities would be sanction by the traditional council.

Protest in Eket over demolition of structures

BY ASSAM ABIA  

Some traders along      Marina Road, Eket,      on Monday protested the on-going demolition of “illegal” structures by the Akwa Ibom State Government.  

The traders numbering over 100 demanded that they be paid compensation as their business premises was not illegal and has been earmarked for compensation.  

Afaha Youths call for speedy completion of East West road

The Ekid Chapter of Afaha Youths Association has called on the Federal Government to ensure to the speedy completion of the East West Road during this dry season.

The call was made during the group’s courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Eket, HRM Edidem Etim Charles Abia in his palace recently. 

Speaking, the Ekid Chapter Chairman of the group, Elder victor Okon Edukere said the Eket section of the road handled by Gitto Construction Company is not done according to contract specification, while demanding that the road should be dualized for justice and equity. 

Monday Eyo: A Model of Effective Representation

By nature, Honourable Monday Eyo is a quiet and unassuming person.  His reserved disposition tends to create varied interpretations about his strength and weaknesses, especially by those who may not have the adventurous cravings to venture into the world of the current member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to know him better. 

Nevertheless, for those who have had close interactions and interest in assessing his worth interms of political, social and religious participation in the society, so far they have plausible stories to tell about him, which the ignorant or misinformed ones need to know through this piece of commentary.
Hon. Monday Eyo who is from a humble background believes in the great grace of God in destining one’s life. This is why his rise to his present position according to him is God’s will. Those who know him well can attest to the fact that he rarely canvasses or lobbies for privileged positions, nor does he feels any wave of disappointment if any opportunity passes him by. When he had done what is needful to be done, he leaves the rest to God. 

Dr. Val Attah seeks protection of natural environment

Following advocacy for the socio-economic development of Nigeria in the face of dwindling oil prices, a development expert Dr. Val Attah, has called for sustainable uses of biodiversity and protection of eco-system to ensuring economic balancing saying that lack of sustainable usage of these resources has posed serious environmental risks with attendant generational problems.

Dr. Val Attah a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Forestry/Natural Environmental Management, University of Uyo and a retired Permanent Secretary with Akwa Ibom State Government, said this while interacting with Newsmen, stressing that Nigeria and the Akwa Ibom State in particular is blessed with abundant forest resources which if harnessed would serve as an alternative to the oil especially as the prices has dwindled in recent past noting that eco-tourism and development of the agricultural sector will turn around the economy of the nation and Akwa Ibom while calling for implementation of laudable, policies that would sustained economy development

TOIS mark 5th Inter-House Sports Festival in style

BY KENNETH JUDE

Tower of Ivory Schools, Ediene- Abak, Akwa Ibom State has held its 5th Inter-House Sports Festival with the theme “The Discovery of Champions’’ (Season One). The colourful outing held last Saturday in the school compound as guests and sports’ lovers turned out in their large numbers to share in the momentous occasion.

  The event was well attended and had all the trappings of a top notch ceremony with the students treating guests to captivating performances, calisthenics and lots more. The Special Guest of Honour and Commissioner for Education, Elder Aniekan Akpan was represented by the Director in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Anthony Asuquo.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman on the occasion, Rear Admiral Uduak Essien, while thanking the School management for putting up the Inter-House competition, stressed the need for the revival of sports in schools, an exercise he noted has lied dormant in recent times. “Let today’s event serve as a springboard for the revival of schools’ sports across the state and beyond. I thank all of you for your patience and I pray God to bless you all for coming.’’

Governor Emmanuel and the imperative of cabinet shakeup

BY ETORO-OBONG INYANG

 

The recent rebuttal by the chief press secretary to the governor, Ekerete Udoh to speculations that his boss was contemplating a cabinet shake up following his victory at the Supreme Court might have gone midway to douse tension among members of the state executive council , but, one thing looks certain, whether now or in the nearest future, the governor would have need to reconstitute his cabinet for obvious reasons, in the final analysis, this is Udom Emmanuel’s government, and he would take absolute responsibility for the success of his government or otherwise, irrespective of the forces that aided him to become the governor. 

A’Ibom to supply poultry equipments to Nigeria - Ufot Ebong

The senior special adviser, Bureau of technical matters and due process, Elder Ufot Ebong, says Akwa Ibom state will in no time from now supply Nigerians poultry equipments that before now were imported.

Elder Ebong, said the development is part of the state governor’s dream of completely industrializing the state and as well provide employment to our teaming youths, hinting that within the few months of Governor Udom Emmanuel, in office, over 1022 youths in the state are gainfully employed.

Elder Ebong, made the disclosure while interacting with journalists in his office where he took time out to explain what the Udom Emmanuel led administration was doing in the state to better the lots of the citizens.

Oil Spill Palliative Projects: Royal Father receives recomendations

Commendations have trailed the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Traditional Rulers Council and the Paramount Ruler of Iben, HRM Onwong Dr. Effiong Bassey Archanga for his equitable distribution of  Oil Spill Palliative Projects to engender peace in his domain..

This commendation came from Exxon Mobil an international oil giant operating in the area during the presentation of the second batch of Exxon Mobil Oil Spill palliative project, comprising special school projects, fifty outboard engines and fibre boats, fishing nets and life buoys.

Nya Ebito confronts Udom *says we were schemed out in your favour

 *no, God dragged you back to the pulpit- Governor fights back

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN 

A former Peoples Democratic Party  (PDP) governorship aspirant and Senior pastor, House of Gold Ministries International, Uyo, Apostle (Dr) Nya Ebito has finally spoken after he lost out in the December, 2014 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Akwa Ibom State.

 Nya Ebito said himself and other top-notch governorship aspirants were schemed out of the PDP primaries in other to favour Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the party’s flag bearer who was later elected as the Governor.

We will demonstrate our grievances against APC come March 12

*says Ibesikpo Asutan electorates
 

Electorate in Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency has vowed to demonstrate their long drawn political enmity and hatred against APC in the forthcoming re-run polls in the area slated for March 12, 2016.

Rising from a crucial meeting of the political stakeholders of the PDP Monday, the electorate which cut across both the ruling party and the opposition APC in the state took a swipe on the APC candidate, Mr. Gabriel Okon Akpan, for offering himself as an instrument to drag the political future of Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency backward and anti-clockwise.

The leader of the group, Chief Inemesit Effiong, who said he was not a politician but only an Elder statesman, said history will never forgive or forget anybody or group of persons, who stock in trade was to remain a cork in the wheel of progress of Ibesikpo Asutan people in their collective quest to get to the top of their political echelon by all means.

Govt hails Aka Offot on peace initiatives

The Akwa Ibom State Government has commended the decision by the host communities of Aka Offot Industrial Estate/Banking Layout to embrace and give peace a chance, by agreeing to the peace process brokered by Government, geared towards industrialisation and sustainable development.

This commendation was made by the Executive Chairman, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Dr. Elijah Akpan while receiving the youth leaders of the four host communities of the Industrial Area, who under the aegis of Coalition of Youth Leaders Forum had visited him in his office.

AKICORP boss hails Gov. Emmanuel

The Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) has joined the good people of the State and, indeed, all men of goodwill across the nation and beyond, in celebrating the victory of the affirmation at the Supreme Court of the divine mandate of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the authentic Governor of the State.

In a message of goodwill to the Governor, signed by the Executive Chairman, Dr. Elijah Akpan, on behalf of the Management and staff of the Corporation, as well as all of Government-owned Enterprises/Investments over which it has oversight function and, indeed, all its Subsidiaries, the Corporation heartily felicitated the State’s Chief Executive Officer, whom it described as “our performing Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel” on his well-deserved victory at the Supreme Court.

According to the message, AKICORP identified with the Governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State on this epoch making occasion, adding that with this affirmation, he would be focussed on proving his mettle as the performer and achiever that he is.

Aftermath of Ibaka Inferno : Residents Count Loses , Seek Help From Government

Residents of Ibaka fishing settlements  in Mbo local Government area of Akwa Ibom State have cried and pleaded with Federal, State and local Governments within the sphere to come to their aid by providing relief materials and some cushion compensation to enable them get back their Business life.

The people also solicited the state Government to consider building and equipping a fire station in the area, rearrange the fishing settlements with a town planning to help end the incessant fire outbreak that is a ritual in the area. 

They dropped the plea amidst tears and anguish when a team of selected Journalists who were on a fact-finding mission to ascertain the remote cause of the fire outbreak and possibly draw government attention to the plight of the people therein. 

An open letter to Governor Udom Emmanuel concerning 2011 oil spill paliative for Eket.

My dear Governor, this letter is being  written under the influence of drugs. 

I am not high nor feeling the least bit euphoric, jittery, or spaced-out. My brain is not acting entirely under its own power, because a few hours ago I took 200 milligrams of the anti-tiredless drugs known in the political pharmacy as DAKKADAMACIN.

With the assistance of this stalwart pharmaceutical sidekick, I have been able to spend the last couple of hours poring over an issue which may soon attract international attention, negatively though, to Akwa Ibom State, by way of youth restiveness in Eket propelled by the non payment of the 2011 Oil Spill palliative to Eket Local Government Area. 

In honour of Late Lawrence Okorie

By Amos Etuk

I have dreaded writing this  piece especially facing the  reality of perhaps writing a tribute in memory of a friend whom I could sincerely describe as a brother and confidant. This is one script in my life I have found so painful to start the first lines, but I must bear this courage to celebrate a vibrant leader and great sports lover who in his own stead gave salient contributions to the growth of sports development in Akwa Ibom State.

There would have been so many issues on the burner in the ever expanding dynamic world of sports to have analysed especially with the commencement of the new football professional season and the chances of our darling side Akwa United where hopes have been raised with a possible top four finish with the strong quality in the side, I would have written about the FIFA elections coming up and the chances of a possible successor of Sepp Blatter from Asia, I would have written about the return leg of the first round fixture of the CAF Confederation Cup holding in Uyo this weekend between Akwa United and Vitas Mokanda Football Club of Congo or the lingering postponements of the National Sports Festival which has now become a national embarrassment, but I must pay tribute to Late Lawrence Okorie, the immediate past Vice Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter who passed on eternal glory on Wednesday, January 20, 2016.

Akpan Bassey says Akwa United have high expectations in the Nigerian Premier Football League

Akpan Bassey says Akwa United have high hopes in this season’s Nigerian Premier Football League
 

Ten-man Akwa United forced Sunshine Stars to a 1-1 draw in match day one of the Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday.

Goal caught up with Akpan Bassey, a goalkeeper of the Promise Keepers shortly after the tantalising clash at the Akure Township Stadium.

“God is the secret of the Promise Keepers. He has always kept his promises to us,” Bassey told Goal.

“Akwa United is a team that is dedicated to God. The team is a united set-up.We have an outstanding technical crew led by coach Maurice Cooreman. He understands the whole set-up and knows what he wants.