Uyo Fed. Const. women declare support for Gov. Akpabio, wife …Extol leadership qualities

Obonganwan Eberefiak and Obonganwan Tommy

The women of Uyo Federal constituency have reiterated their determination to support Governor Godswill Akpabio and his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio in recognition of their leadership qualities and selfless service to people of the state.

During a well attended meeting of the women at the Ibom Hall grounds on Thursday 20th February, 2014; the women which were drawn from the four Local Government Areas constituting the Uyo Federal Constituency; Nsit Atai, Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan and Uruan described the Governor as a gender-friendly fellow who has not discriminated the women of the state. According to them, the empowerment packages of the governor have gone across the entire people of the state especially women, widows, less-privileged and the orphans.

2015 and the ark of governance in A’Ibom By Joseph Okon

A good look at the leadership of Akwa Ibom State since Nigeria’s return to democracy can be likened to the biblical ark of covenant which was built by Moses. An interesting feature of the ark was its ability to discern and allow only those qualified by God to touch or carry it. Any unauthorized possession of the ark by persons not destined by God usually brought calamity, sorrow and tears to the land.

Just like Akwa Ibom State, God valued the ark so much that when Uzziah who saw the ark falling off was about to stretch his hands to prevent the fall, the anger of the Lord was rose against him and he was killed there by the ark– because he was not destined to have anything to do with it. 

The condition of that Ark of Covenant is very symbolic to the governance of Akwa Ibom State, a State named after the God of heaven and earth (Abasi Ibom).

Annang Nation honours Enoidem as Best Commissioner

Barr Emmanuel Enoidem (r) receiving the award of Best Commissioner from Annang land from Obong Aniebiet Idiong, President - Annang Peoples Assemmbly

Commissioner for Special Duties Barr Emmanuel Enoidem was last week honoured by Annang nation as the best commissioner from the region.

 Speaking under the auspices of Annang Peoples Assembly, the President of the group Obong Aniebiet Idiong popularly known as Tanker said the Assembly after a thorough assessment and a call for nominations amongst members had voted and Enoidem was found fit as the best commissioner to have ever come out of Annang nation.

Idiong stressed that even though the award is not to create ethnic divisions in the state, he maintained that Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem has demonstrated uncommon leadership skills and is one of those that has completely interpreted the goals and dreams of the state Governor Chief Godswill Akpabio whom he described as a leader with the heart of gold.

What PDP Man of the Year Award means to me - Prince Akpabio

As soon as Prince Ukpong Akpabio was decorated with the award as the Essien Udim PDP man of the year, THE INK set out to have an interaction with him to have the Essien Udim PDP man of the year air his mind on how he sees the award. What the award means to him and other sundry issues. Excerpts;

What does the award means to you?

The Peoples Democratic Party is the largest political party in Africa, whose followership is driven by the ideals of its founding fathers. In Akwa Ibom, His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Godswill O. Akpabio is the leader of the party whose uncommon transformation is driven by the ideals of the party. Thus, this honour given me by the Party in Essien Udim chapter has encouraged me to continue my selfless efforts in complementing the efforts of theuncommon transformation agenda of His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON. I feel a sense of belonging in the uncommon transformation team. This award means a lot to me, especially as it is coming from my home. You know they say charity begins at home and if your home front has found it fit and necessary to honour you, then it is a feat. It is a milestone. I will forever value and treasure this award. I commend the organizers and I will do the best I can to ensure that I keep contributing my very best to the development of the Party and human resources.

Did you ever envisage the award coming to you?
No! I never knew about such an award. It came to me by surprise. Ordinarily, I would have rejected the award but party discipline is enshrined firmly in our code of conduct. I had to accept it. Furthermore, my contributions to the growth of the party at all levels were not borne out of any expectation for reward. What my friends have encouraged me to contribute to our party is part of our character. Hence, whether or not I won the award this year is immaterial. I am a loyal party man.

What will the award do to you, will it motivate you to do more for the party or will you be convinced that with the award, your works for the party has been noticed and hence no need to contribute to the party again?
The award is a booster. It has encouraged and will encourage me to know that no good effort goes unnoticed. Like I said earlier, His Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio’s uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom state is a testimony of PDP’s performance. So I have a burden to support, promote and compliment this legacy anywhere I find myself andEssien Udim LGA is my home town and I have by the grace of God I have created an impact there because “Charity, they say begins at home”. This award will not only inspire me alone to do more, but will also act as a catalyst for our great party men and women, to continue to work for our party.

Who are you dedicating the award to?
The answer is not farfetched. I am dedicating this award to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief (Dr.) Godswill O. Akpabio, CON, whose uncommon passion for development cannot be over-emphasized. And also to Her Excellency, our “Mother Theresa”, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio, whose motherly love and support has seen me through my years in the uncommon transformation team.

What advice do you have for the younger people who are looking up to you as a role model?
Firstly, I advise our young people to draw closer to God. My life as a politician has been shaped primarily by my relationship with God who is greater and wiser than all men. “Righteousness exalts a nation”, so, let our young people seek God and his righteousness and shun all negative vices that will do them no good.

Secondly, focus. Every individual has unique life goals which are achievable when he or she is focused. When you work hard and focus on your goals, success is not far from you.

The people of Essien Udim are not blind. Men and women and children from all nooks and crannies have tested His Excellency’s uncommon transformation. By the grace of God, in my little capacity, I am only complementing the efforts of His Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio. So I was not surprised to see all the troops that came out to celebrate with me. My prayer is that I will not fail them and God will continue to bless them and the whole people of Akwa Ibom State.

More honours for David Etuk

Nsit kingdom in Akwa Ibom State last Saturday honoured Hon David Etuk, a Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects with an Award of Excellence for his contributions towards the development of humanity.

Presenting the award to Akparawa (Hon) David Etuk, the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, His Eminence, Akwa Edidem (Dr) Manasseh S. Akpan said the award was given to the recipient based on his track records of service to mankind which has made him stand out amongst his contemporaries.

2015: I am humbled by the call to serve - Effanga

 At times like these when politicians see politics as an avenue to loot and take money from where they did not sow, Hon Samuel Effanga, the Uyo born Political maverick sees politics as a call to serve, he is of the opinion that when we are discussing politics, it should be all encompassing and all-embracing were every member of the society is allowed to partake and also contribute to the growth of the state and the nation. It was a beautiful morning last week when this reporter had a phone interaction with Effanga and it was not difficult for an appointment of an interview to be brokered with the youthful and ever smiling politician that afternoon. At three O’ Clock, this reporter strolled into the OsongAman residence of Samuel Effanga for the exercise. Effanga was clad in a red stripped T shirt with a grey coloured Chinose and a utility shoe to match. Effanga was in his elements when he poured glowing tributes to Governor Godswill Akpabio whom he described as a man that understands what leadership is all about. He admitted that he has been under pressure to contest the Uyo federal constituency seat come 2015. He regretted that there is a challenge in the PDP his party at the national levelbut expressed optimism that the National Chairman, Adamu Muazu will weather the stop and reconciles all warring actors. It was an interaction that was worth the time. Read Excerpts as served from the Newsroom of THE INK Newspapers.

Hon. Commissioner, a couple of days ago you hosted the crème of Uyo federal constituency to a get together, what gave rise to such a gathering?

Samuel Ikon @ 41: A Testimony of a patriotic life

Elder Samuel Okon Ikon who presides over the 5th Assembly as the 9th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly was born on the 1st of February 1973 to the family of Elder Okon Ikon of Mbioto Ekpene Ituen in Etinan Local Government Area.

As a child, Elder Samuel Ikon grew under the watchful eyes of his parent, known for strict discipline who instilled those priced qualities in him that have stood the lawmaker out among contemporaries both within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
The steady rise into prominence of Elder Samuel Ikon is in connection with the biblical statement that God resist the proud but gives more grace to the humble. Despite coming from one of the few privileged homes in this part of the world, Elder Samuel Ikon submitted himself to discipline right from home up to school both at the primary and post primary school levels and while at the University of Calabar where he obtained his first degree in Economics, Sam Ikon as he is popularly known denied himself the luxuries often associated with children of such homes like his own.

As noted by the Paramount Ruler of Etinan, His Majesty, Edidem Ime Dickson Umoette during a thanksgiving service by Elder Samuel Ikon and his supporters, “Elder Samuel Ikon has gone far in life because he has created a special place for God in his life. He is humble and God fearing and God have lifted him to envious heights in life”.

Professor Abasiattai: “Fount of Wisdom” goes home in grand style

This is the story of a man who was born on a Monday, called Monday and died on a Monday. He came, he saw, and he certainly conquered the world. No wonder the crème de la crème of the society converged at Afaha Ikot Akpan Mkpe in Onna Local Government Area to pay their last respect to him when he was laid to final rest on Friday 7th of February, 2014.

The burial ceremony of the Late Prof. Monday Benson Abasiattai was conducted at the grounds of Bright Star Nursery and Primary School, by Qua Iboe Church Nigeria. The place was filled to capacity with people from different organizations present to honour one of their own.

Testimonies on the life and times of the Late Fellow of Historical Society of Nigeria were given by different groups beginning from the family to the church. The family described his death as heartbreaking but found consolation in the fact that he lived and impacted the family in many positive ways. The village representative however called on other educated people not to abandon their people at home but to go home and help the poor as the Late Elder of Qua Iboe Church, Prof. Abasiattai, used to do.

Esit Eket renews covenant with God

 

The authorities of Esit Eket Council, the political class, youths, women and choral groups converged at Uquo, the council secretariat to renew their vow to commit their activities to God for divine direction.

“My administration had made a covenant with God that on every 30th January, the council will gather to commit her activities, programmes and policies to God for divine direction”, Hon. Ibanga Etang said.

He noted the Solemn Assembly is in line with the social programmes of Governor Godswill Akpabio to build the state on the path of love, truth and unity.
The council boss, paid glowing tributes to Governor Akpabio for his wisdom to enthrone God first in all his dealings, which has resulted in the cordial industrial peace enjoyed in the state.

A thanksgiving of note

 

Awa-Iman in Onna LGAwas little known before January 26, 2014. History submits that it was formerly in Etinan LGA but was excised and added to Onna to beef its landmass and population which were viewed as too meager to constitute a Local Government Area. Onna LGA was created on May 3, 1989 with a substantial part of it carved out of old Eket LGA. 

History further states that the word ONNA is derived from a combination of the first letters of the clans that make up the area namely: Oniong, Nung Ndem and Awa. But Awa despite being part of this peculiarity remained largely unheard and unsung until January 26. It is a common saying that a bad Child is a constant source of shame to the mother while a good one is considered a pride to the father nay the community. On that fateful day, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel proved himself a pride to his family, community and indeed the State given the size and quality of people that thronged Awa-Iman to be part of a special thanksgiving service organized by his family to mark God’s faithfulness upon his life. It was indeed a memorable event. 

Udom Emmanuel goes spiritual BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

   ….Begs Governor for Support
   ….You will continue in 2015 - Akpabio

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel last Sunday appreciated God for His faithfulness upon his life, family and his recent appointment as the Secretary to the State Government. 

The special thanksgiving service was held at Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Awa-Iman in Onna Local Government Area. 

Udom Emmanuel while thanking God said he was humbled by God’s extravagant grace on his life looking back at the memorial stones of His love and blessings. He thanked the state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio for finding him fit to be the SSG and the people of the state for the support given him so far.

Maximizing your potentials (Part 1)

In Genesis 1:27; the Bible says ‘God created man in his own image and likeness’. We all acknowledge the wonders that he performed in the days of old even in our own days. This is the attribute we should possess at all time. We all are beneficiaries of this grace but to effectively utilize it and make a reality we need to maximize our potentials.

 
What is potential? According to Advanced Learners’ Dictionary; Potential is simply defined as something that can be developed in the future. In terms of the noun; Potential refers to the possibility of something happening or being developed or used. I will also put it this way that potential simply means the power or quality that exist and is capable of being developed. From the definition of Potential given above, worth noting are quality that exist; developed; happening; power; possibility etc. these phrases mentioned above should be able to give you a comprehensive knowledge of what potential is all about. 

Constituency project: Lawmaker commissions library BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

Hon. Efefiong Antigha with Corp members

A multi-purpose Library equipped by a Corp member serving in Okobo Local Government Area, Chukwu Anthony Amaechi, has been commissioned. 

The Library which is situated at the multi-purpose Civil Centre built by the member for Okobo State Constituency, Hon. Efefiong Antigha in Ekeya is a part of the Community Development Project of Corp Member Amaechi.

Expressing his happiness, Hon. Efefiong Antigha said that the Corp member has done him proud on the gesture, describing him as an achiever and pointing out that it will go a long way in uplifting the educational standard of Ekeya and Okobo as a whole. He said he had to change the structure of the building, from a town hall to a multi-purpose civil centre in order to accommodate the library.

Governor’s wife bags the sun awards

The wife of Akwa Ibom governor, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio (left) receiving a letter of invitation for award of Most Supportive First Lady, 2013 from Executive Director, Sun Newspaper, Mr. Eric Osagie during a courtesy visit on her by the sun Newspaper in Government House, Uyo recently

Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, has been selected for the Most Supportive First Lady Award 2013. A statement from The Sun Publishing Limited, organizers of the award, indicates that the governor’s wife will be formally presented with the award on February 22 during the prestigious annual “The Sun Awards” to be held in Lagos. 

Presenting a letter of notification to Mrs. Akpabio at Government House, Uyo at the weekend, a team from the Sun Publishing Limited, led by Managing Director, Eric Osagie, said Mrs. Akpabio had been selected for the award in recognition of her support for the uncommon transformation agenda of her husband, Governor Godswill Akpabio. “She is the uncommon wife beside the uncommon transformer of the state” Osagie said.

Man, know thyself … be wise BY NSIKAK ETUK

“And God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness”… Genesis 1:26

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him, male and female”… Genesis 1:27. And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul”… Genesis 2:7

“And God blessed them and God said unto them, be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it”… Genesis 1:28.

Homosexuality and Nigerian campuses BY AKANIMO KINGSLEY

Africa, a continent with natural uniqueness has always been a subject of experiment by western powers in terms of politics and imperialism. Perhaps, Europe was able to successfully implant her culture on the continent, yet there are several African norms that will never fade away irrespective of external influence. This is evident in the massive support by Nigerians on the recently signed anti same sex marriage law. In my view, it is not enough to applaud the presidential gesture. The law has been passed but the future of Nigerian youths who engage in this act of pleasure is what we must not take for granted. It is on this note that I choose to tow our minds towards homosexuality in our campuses and how to curb it.

New hour, new hope - Part 11

 

God bless you. Thank God for his unspeakable gift with undeniable proofs, you are the next in the testimony queue. 

 
We are still on our teaching series on the theme: ‘New Hour, New Hope Part 2’ and we are looking at Factors to be considered for fulfillment/manifestation of new Hope.

Seriousness: The beggar on the way to Jericho Luke 18:35 – 43
Have you ever seen a man that is passionate about change? He will go extra mile to ensure he get it. The scripture reads “Then it happened as he was coming near Jericho that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by and he cried out saying ‘Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me’ his miracle was an instant as recorded in verse 42 ‘then Jesus said to him Receive your sight: your faith has made you well and immediately he received his sight and followed Christ” this year your seriousness in pursuit of life will make you well.

Council boss harps on godliness

Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area Hon. Ekpedeme Amos Akpan have called on Akwa Ibomites to embrace the Godly way of life.

Amos stated this in a chat with THE INK reporter over the weekend in Uyo. He noted that as children of God, we owe ourselves the responsibilities of always doing the will of God at all times stressing that understanding and doing Godswill will help and benefit our society.

The Council boss who reiterated his commitment to ensure that he serves the people of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area with all amount of honesty and focused leadership appreciated the people of the area that has helped his government to achieve the feat it has so far recorded.

Making the best of 2014

Our parents taught us to study hard while in school, participate in sports and join various clubs. They taught us that these things would lead to good, steady sand secure jobs throughout life but they were wrong! There is no security left in corporate Nigeria. Gone are the days when we all went to school and got a job with a big company and then got on a fast track to an ever increasing rank and salary. Corporate consolidation, corporate corruption, outsourcing and downsizing has put an end to that era. However, one lesson that still holds significant in our parents advice is that preparation is the key that opens the door to accomplishments.

Udom Ekpoudom empowers Etim Ekpo again BY JOSEPH OKON

It was another season of celebration last Saturday at the premises of Rtd Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udom Ekpoudom as members of his Clan and Village gathered to receive gifts ranging from Motorcycles,Wrappers andfood items from him.

The gathering which was attended by prominent citizens of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area had in attendance, business moguls, political and religious leaders and educationists from the area including the 10 Ward Chairmen in the local government area.

While16 people smiled home with new motorcycles, the widows got items like Rice, Meat and Wrappers from the Rtd DIG and wife.