GEOSA week ends in glamour

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER

Activities marking the Geography Students Association (GEOSA) week of the Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management were brought to a close on Friday 25th September with a pageantry/ banquet and awards night held at the Onyeama Ugochukwu auditorium of the University of Uyo, Uyo.
Organized by the (GEOSA) for its students, the event began on Monday 21st of September 2015 with the finals of the HOD cup/tournament played by students of the department; followed by a debate competition (GEOSA Speak out Challenge) highlighting the Difference Between Human and Physical Geography as well as their roles in the environment” on Tuesday 22nd; talent hunt/carnival float took place on Wednesday 23rd, cooking competition was on Thursday 24th and the pageantry display/banquet/awards ended the event on Friday 25th September 2015.

FASA elects new parliamentarians

The Federated Abak Students Association (FASA) Worldwide, has elected new Parliamentarians to work and implement the programmes and policies of the Association. At the end of the election, Comrade Abasiofiok Ime Joe emerged the Speaker, Comrade Usenemem Manasseh Mkpang-Deputy Speaker while Comrade Imowo Matthew Sampson was elected as the Chief Whip. Similarly, Comrade Daniel Monday Umoh emerged as the Leader while Comrade Nnateiye Monday Udofia was elected as the Clark of the Parliament.

Emmanuel Udosen and the strength of a vision BY SAMUEL AYARA

 

In a society where mediocrity was a legal tender and hooliganism a celebrated culture, little about hardwork and commitment was heralded and no mention was made of intellectual capability. Imminently established was moral decadence, restivesness and other such vices occasioned by the constant fall from acceptable societal values. 

Uncertainty had its hold and not everyone dared a change while the few who did, had so much to contend with the societal cancer of the pull him down syndrome; that had become a courted order. This had in ways more than few impaired growth and progress cos most people had rather appreciated maintaining the status quo instead of daring new heights that may engender a fall in the believe that “ a man who is already on the ground fears no fall”. And forgot all about the joy of attaining new heights.

The low culture of appreciation for excellence from the society had in no small measure added to the decrease in drive to attaining new heights. Since appreciation and acknowledgement are boosters to the culture of ingenuity, honesty, hardwork and land mark successes. It is worthy to note that despite the waning culture of appreciation, people from time immemorial have striven to live up to their dreams in confirmation to the words of Victor Hugo, who said, “nothing in the World is more powerful than an idea whose time has come”.

UNIUYO FM bounces back

The University of Uyo campus Radio Station last week resumed full broadcasting activities after months of low-key service due to the re-branding process in the studio. The announcement was made known by the studio manager, Pastor Idy James in a meeting with presenters of the station.

At the meeting, he also announced the arrival of a new transmitter with a capacity bigger than the previous one. 

The station which transmits on the frequency modulation of 100.7 megahertz is located at the town campus of the University and has modern studio facilities to boost its service delivery.

What makes All Weather Schools thick - Chairman

 All Weather group of Schools is an institution that has lived the test of time. It has produced graduates and people who are making that state and nation proud. Founded a long time ago by Mrs. Essien today, it has continued to remain one of the most reliable and dependable Educational institution. On the first of March, next week Saturday, the institution will be holding her 2014 Inter House Sports competition, it promises to be explosive, all inclusive and an event that will stand the test of what it is meant to be. In this interview with THE INK reporter in Eket, the Chairman All Weather Group of Schools Chief Uduak Essien and the Principal of the School Deaconess Esther Essien shed lights on why the Institution has remained the toast of this generational Education. Enjoy Excerpts

 

Please can you tell our readers who you are in a nutshell?
Thank you, I am Chief Uduak U Essien, the group chairman of All Weather International Schools, I happen to be an Eket man. All Weather has a branch in Onna and also in Idua. All Weather was established in 1973 by the late Chief Edna U. Essien of blessed memory. It was founded as a school and it has remained as a school till today. 

 

It is not for commercial activities, it is an educational based Institution and our products speak for us. From 1973 to about 2005 All Weather had been operating with a nursery and primary until about 2005 we had secondary section although the approval for the establishment of a secondary school was given by the government in 1995 during the days of the founder but due to one reason or the other it could not take off but it is in this dispensation that we took off. We have written WAEC and NECO twice and the results are very impressive. All Weather Schools is blessed with thorough bred professionals as teachers and management staff.

Tell us your background

Mkpat Enin schools to participate in (SPE) Science and Engineering Fair By Victor Ufot

In keeping with his campaign promises to Mkpat Enin students, the President National Association of Mkpat Enin Students (NAMES) worldwide comrade Usenobong Ekponyoh has through his office secured four slots for secondary schools in MkpatEnin local government to take part in the forth coming Society for Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Science and Engineering Fair 2014 to be held at Shell R.A Port Harcourt, River state, next month.

The schools to represent the local government at the exhibition Fair include Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio Itong, Government Technical College, Ikot Akata, Hope Academy Secondary school, Ikot Ekpe and Community Secondary school Mkpat Enin.

Speaking to THE INK newspaper, comrade Ekponyoh explained that the fair is an exhibition where schools will have to chose a particular project, construct it and explain how the project can solve a problem in the society. The president also promised to attract more of such developments to the students of Mkpat Enin local government both in the secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Phone thieves caught in UNIUYO campus BY GLORY ODOEMELAM

Two men were caught in the early hours of the  Friday 14th February, stealing phones and gadgets from the female hostels of the University of Uyo town campus.

According to an eye witness, the men were caught by the school authorities as they attempted to jump over the school gate with their loot.

Another eye witness disclosed that several female students ran out of their hostels to have a glimpse of  the “window men” when they head that they had been caught but the school authorities took the men away from the angry students for fear that they might be  lynched by the already furious students.
This incident which is the second to occur in the school campus is yet to receive the necessary reaction from the school authorities to forestall a future occurrence.

Akpabio’s family celebrate prince over PDP Man of the Year honour

* He deserved it, says Essien Udim PDP Chair
* I never knew my works for the party were noticed  - Awardee

The Akpabio’s family has united to celebrate the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on General duties, Prince Ukpong Akpabio following the recent conferment on him as the PDP man of the year, Essien Udim Chapter.
The peoples Democratic Party in Essien Udim had after a thorough assessment of the qualities and attributes of the Political Science graduate found him worthy to be decorated as the PDP man of the year for 2013 in an event that was attended by all the stalwarts of the PDP in the state led by the Party Chairman Obong Paul Ekpo.

The event was held penultimate weekend and attracted the who is who in the Akpabio’s family and beyond,they all had kind words for Prince Akpabio who is being regarded as the pillar of Essien Udim youths.
Ibanga Akpabio in his goodwill message noted that the decision of the PDP in Essien Udim to honour Prince Akpabio with the PDP man of the year 2013 could not have come at a better time than now.

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.

Late Prof Abasiatai set for burial BY AKANIMO KINGSLEY

All is set for the final transition of one of the most respected Don in the University of Uyo, late Prof. Monday Benson Abasiatai who passed away on Monday 9th of December, 2013 after a brief illness. The late Onna born Professor of History held a Bachelors degree in Arts (London), a PhD from the University of Ibadan and Graduate Certificate in Applied Economics from Washington DC, USA. As a scholar par excellence, Prof. Abasiatai served as the National President, Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Former Head, Department of History/International Studies, Former Dean of Arts and Former Director, Center for Cultural Studies, all in the University of Uyo.

Campus journalism: UNIUYO to revive union BY AKANIMO KINGSLEY

 

In a move to give journalism its rightful place on campus, the Students’ Union body, in collaboration with stakeholders of campus journalism in the University of Uyo have decided to revive the defunct Nigerian Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ). This is in line with the yearning of campus journalists in UNIUYO to bring orderliness and foster the promotion of the fourth realm of power on campus.
To ensure the success of the plan, the SUG directorate of information had set up a committee to see to the formal reformation of NUCJ in the school premises.

Anjel Big Boy celebrates birthday with Stars

Anjel Big Boy is one of numerous budding talents from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A 400-level Political Science student in the University of Uyo, Anjel Big Boy could be considered the ‘Grand Father’ of Ibibio Rap as he introduced the use of Ibibio dialect in his first major hit ‘Mbre Ikpa’ in 2006.

This Ibiono Ibom-artiste from a family of 4 has been able to drop series of hits including Mbre Offiong, Old Skul Party, Eradication and Nnati Party with the latest being ‘Kokoriko‘.

 He was a year older on Friday 17th January 2014 and loads of top shots in the music and entertainment industry turn up en mass to celebrate with him. Among the stars and celebrities present were Zillionz, Anjel Big Boy, Pope Don X,PHarmony, Lybra, Sir James, M-zee, Jimmy D Young, Faith Ukpe a.k.a Krox of Pearl Studios and Aniekan Ekah of Daily News/Wetinhappen.com.ng

Surcharge: UNIUYO VC may be dragged to court

Following the decision of the management of the University of Uyo to slam some sum of money on the students as a result of the wreckage that accompanied the June 12 mayhem where properties were destroyed, a law chamber based in Anambra has decided to wade into the matter with a call on the university management to rescind its decision of charging the students a fine otherwise face a legal action.

In a letter captioned ‘pre action notice’ and addressed to the Governing Council of the University of Uyo through the Vice Chancellor, the principal partner of  Ewa Hermmes and associates the firm interested in the matter noted that “In view of the decision of the University of Uyo Governing Council at its 61st meeting of 25th and 26th  September 2013 to surcharge the entire students of the University of Uyo for destruction of the institution’s properties during the June 12th 2013 students crisis perpetuated by only a fraction of the entire students population.

Iman Ibom students’ leader under fire as impeachment looms

The umbrella body of Iman Ibom students, National Association of Etinan Local Government Students (NAELGOS) has again been enveloped with crisis emanating from a face-off betweenmembers of the executive council and the worldwide President, Comd. Oku Amos. 

 
Information revealed by a close source has it that the President, since his inauguration has been involved in activities that are not in consonant with the constitution of the association, adding that his actions has constituted a gross misconduct on his part.

Funding is our problem in UNIUYO - VC

PREAMBLE & APPRECIATION
Dear gentlemen of the Press. I give God the praise for the opportunity given to me to host this event with great joy in the beginning of the year. 

I welcome you all to the University of Uyo, an institution on a Mission, to enlighten not just Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, but also the global community.
I am glad this event has given some of you a singular opportunity of visiting the four Campuses of the University and seeing things for yourselves, for seeing is believing. 

In few occasions media persons have had to call me directly for information about the University or its programmes.  This occasion will give us opportunity to interact and appreciate one another better as partners in the development of the outstanding Federal presence in Akwa Ibom State.

Because you are one of us: Tribute to Gov. Akpabio at 51 by Christy Edwards Usen-Akpan

I write today as a product  of history and a former leader of Nigerian students to pay tribute to a man who rose from a fairly modest background to champion an inspiring legacy for Akwa Ibom State and for my generation. Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, has become an icon of this generation, a champion of uncommon transformation, a true leader and a dynamic manager of people, resources and processes. Nigerian students and former students’ leaders cannot but reckon with you; we are proud that you are one of us, being a former students’ leader yourself. 

Your Excellency, your administration has gone on record as the most student-friendly administration Akwa Ibom State has ever had. This administration’s student-friendly  policy interventions include, but are not limited to, the free, compulsory and qualitative education scheme, overhaul of school infrastructure in hundreds of primary and secondary schools across the state, infrastructural rehabilitation and support grants to the University of Uyo and other tertiary institutions in the state, take-off and scaled-up funding for the Akwa Ibom State University and consistent bursary and scholarship opportunities for students of the state origin, including grants and laptops to Akwa Ibom State students at the Nigerian Law School.

AKSG to sign MoU with Central Bank

The State government is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Bank of Nigeria to access N2Billion from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSNEDF) to support micro and small businesses in the State.

The Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Akan Okon gave the hint during a meeting with operators of Micro Finance Banks in the State, held at the conference room of the Ministry last week.

AKSG to sign MOU with Central Bank

 

The State government is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Central Bank of Nigeria to access two billion naira from the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSNEDF) to support micro and small businesses in the State.

The Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Akan Okon gave the hint during a meeting with operators of Micro Finance Banks in the State, held at the conference room of the Ministry yesterday.
Mr. Okon said the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria has made available two hundred and twenty billion naira to States with each State entitled to access two billion naira for micro, small and medium scale businesses.

WHO SLAPPED ONOFIOK LUKE?

 

Words about the assault on Hon Barr Onofiok Akpan Luke was a bolt from the blue when it reached me during my vacation at Calabar. My response betrayed the supposed secrecy and in a second everybody at  the table with me where I was having a little soiree was eager to know what had happened to Onofiok whether they knew him or not. The next question that came from one of my friends was “so, who is he?” by this time I was already up and away from the table pacing to and fro making enquiries on phone asking questions hoping the news were a ruse.