Thursday, 2 October 2014

A communiqué issued at the end of a 3-day meeting of the Central Working Committee/National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin, Edo State at Randekhi Royal Hotels on Saturday, September20, 2014.

The conference was attended by the National President and members of the Central Working Committee, Officials of the Six Zones, Chairmen  and Secretaries of the 35 State’s Councils and Abuja, National Chairperson of NAWOJ and National Chairman of SWAN.

The NEC in Session observed a minute silence in honour of its dead members – Late Mr. Ndagane Akwu, former National President, Mr. Mohammed Khalid, former National Secretary and Mr. Dimgba Igwe of the Sun Newspapers 

After extensive deliberations on various issues affecting journalists in the performance of their duties, the Nation and the forthcoming 2015 General Elections, the NEC in Session resolved as follows:

Solar Energy: Solution to power outages - Expert

Solar Energy:  Solution to power outages - Expert

An expert in installation and troubleshooting of Solar Energy, Engr. Anietie Akpabio has described embrace of Solar Energy as the solution to incessant power outages experienced in the country.

According to the solar expert, “solar energy offers a range of benefits to business, utility companies and households, including the 100 percent renewable nature of the energy source”, and added that on the long run, it has proved to be cost effective.

Engr. Anietie who is the Manager of Offbam Holdings Ltd along 107 Ikpa road while speaking to our reporter on the benefits of Solar power said that alternative energy is not only for the elite as “low income earners can also key in as it can conveniently take care of their household and business needs”.

National President tasks Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA) Esit Eket chapter

National President tasks Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA) Esit Eket chapter

The newly inaugurated executives of Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliances (ACA) Esit Eket Chapter have been tasked to adhere strictly to the ideas and philosophy that necessitated the formation of the association.

They have also been advised to put aside personal ambitious, but work assiduously to achieve the succession plan of Governor Godswill Akpabio to sustain the uncommon transformation and industrialization of the state.

The National President, Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance (ACA) Pastor Andrew Uwanta gave the charge while inaugurating the 21 man executives committee at Uquo, Esit Eket Local Government Headquarters.

He further charged them to always take direction from their national and state champions who will update them appropriately.

Uwanta commanded the champions, co-ordinator and executives for the orderly conduct of the exercise which he adjudged the best in the state.

According to him, ACA family is large enough to accommodate all shades of interest, but warned them not to compromise for selfish benefit.

 “The presence of all major stakeholders, political heavy weight from all the electoral units and wards of the council signifies victory for us at the polls”. Uwanta noted.

In his remarks, the National champion and managing director of Niger Delta Development Commission, sir, Bassey Dan Abia applauded the party and Chief Godswill Akpabio for zoning the governorship position to Eket senatorial district in 2015. He asserted, the district will produce an acceptable and competent successor to Chief Akpabio to sustain and consolidate on his achievement after his tenure.

The political leader, Elder Benji Udobia in his contribution, recalled the association had commenced intensive mobilization and sensitization in all the wards. He emphasized the resolve of the group to supports the uncommon transformation of Chief Akpabio by working hard to ensure the emergence of a competent successor for Chief Akpabio is irreversible.

The Chapter Co-ordinator, Deacon Ibanga Etang in his acceptance speech applauded Governor Akpabio and wife, Ekaette for initiating several welfare packages for youths, women and the physically challenge.

He thanked Chief Akpabio for the appointment of a notable son of the area, Sir Bassey Dan Abia as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

He thanked the National President for the confidence reposed on him and his executives and Pledged to deliver on assigned responsibilities.

Other members of the 21 executives inaugurated includes Mr. Iniobong Robson, Deputy co-ordinator, Prince Edet Inyang Bassey, secretary, Mrs Nko Assam, treasurer, Mrs. Enoabasi Idasi, women leader, Elder Edet Etangnkanga, Public Relation Officer amongst others.

High point of the event was the commissioning of the chapter office at Uquo plaza.

2015: No zoning arrangement for Ikono/Ini Federal seat

The people of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency under the aegis of Ikono/Ini Peace Ambassadors (IIPA) has made their position of anti-zoning known in the federal seat of the area come 2015 election.

In a press release signed by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Kufre Peters and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday.

The group in its release opined that in 2015, the contest should not be limited to aspirants from only one Local Government of the Federal Constituency, rather it should be opened as usual to aspirants from the two LGAs, making the Federal Constituency.

Youth Leader denies adopting Ephraim Akpan

Youth Leader  denies adopting Ephraim Akpan
The National President of IkpaIbom Youth Forum, IkpaIbom Clan, MkpatEnin Local Government Area, Comrade UduakNkanga, has refuted a publication in some news media accusing him of adopting the incumbent Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ephraim Akpan for State House of Assembly come 2015. 

The Youth Leader while briefing members of his Executive of the ugly incident during an Executive meeting held at his country home IkotAkpaEkop is said to have expressed regret over the radio announcement and newspaper publications. He said, “… I was not invited to such meeting. I never attended such meeting and I know nothing about the purported adoption of Hon. Ephraim Akpan for whatever thing. Therefore, I exempt myself from it.

OBA: Leadership and the future of A’ Ibom BY AMOS ETUK

OBA: Leadership and the future of A’ Ibom BY AMOS ETUK

“The true leader serves people, serves their best interests, and in doing so will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price”
     -Eugene B. Habecker

A leader’s first responsibility is to define reality and as he progresses, he becomes a servant of the people, understanding the challenges and preparing for the task to serve.
A good leader inspires confidence on the people, shapes character for greater results as this remains the indelible mark that determines the only true value of all people and all their mark.

A leader’s character is the firm foundation stone upon which one must build to win respect; it is built and sustained by choice, courage and determination.
A great leader is the man whose competence is not in question as his service records have proven to be able to speak on the achievements which the people must have the opportunity to assess and endorse as a great choice.

Nsit Ibom Council boss felicitates Michael Afangideh on national honour

Nsit Ibom Council boss felicitates Michael Afangideh on national honour
The Executive Chairman of Nsit Ibom  Local Government Area, Obonganwan Mfon Ekong has felicitated a frontline elder statesman in Akwa Ibom State, Chief Michael Afangideh on his recent honour as a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Obonganwan Mfon Ekong told newsmen in Uyo that Chief Michael Afangideh remains a pride to the people of Akwa Ibom State as he has been a strong catalyst and pillar in the Governor Godswill Akpabio’s Uncommon Transformation success story and his selfless service and candid advice have sustained the unity of the people of Akwa Ibom State.

2015: “Benjamin Okoko is a visionary leader “ - Emmanuel Ekpenyong

2015: “Benjamin Okoko is a visionary leader “ - Emmanuel Ekpenyong
As Nigeria get closer to the much anticipated 2015 general elections, more young youths are taking a stand for their future and home state. For this reason, the Business Management graduate from one of Ghana’s prestigious tertiary institutions, Knutsford University College, Accra has come out to make a statement regarding one of the top ranking aspirants in Akwa Ibom state for the governorship ticket, Hon. Benjamin Okoko.

Mr. Emamanuel Ekpenyong during a media chat with newsmen in Uyo said that the aspirant who is a seasoned professional has good intentions for Akwa Ibom people, both young and old. In the aspect of helping the youths, he hinted that the Mr. Benjamin Okoko believes in the youths and his led government, come 2015 will provide functional education to augment with the free and compulsory education being enjoyed in the state courtesy governor Obong Godswill Obot Akpabio. This new educational programme will give chance to those who aren’t able to make it through institutional colleges, either due to financial constraint, or lack of zeal/passion. With a functional education, we’ll be sure of having good technicians, plumbers, tailors, to mention but a few. And this development will mostly be made available in the utmost rural areas.

Nigeria @ 54: Akpabio hails President Jonathan

Nigeria @ 54: Akpabio hails President Jonathan
Governor Godswill Akpabio has admitted that sustained military incursions in the country impeded meaningful development, saying that the return of democratic governance 15 years ago has brought forth meaningful gains in all areas of development.

Akpabio, who gave stated this Wednesday during Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary celebration held at Uyo Sports Stadium bemoaned that “There was massive infrastructural decay, dilapidated public utilities, growing unemployment, inflation, devalued currency, mismanaged economy, epileptic power supply, and eroded educational system amongst others.

The  Governor hinted that “For over three decades, democracy which has been adjudged as a veritable vehicle for development had eluded our nation. But the return of democratic governance 15 years ago has brought forth meaningful gains in all areas of development. We have made reasonable strides and restored our Nation to that of our founding fathers’ dream”.

Obong Victor Attah: The Fulcrum of Ibibio Rebirth BY IDORENYIN AQUAISUA

Obong Victor Attah: The Fulcrum of Ibibio Rebirth BY IDORENYIN AQUAISUA

More than before, there is a growing concern that the Ibibio people have been systematically marginalized and incapacitated. And in many circumstances, this position has been justifiably argued and defended. Many have evaluated what the Ibibios are passing through as a political deluge ordained by a few, with selfish political commitments, to socially weaken, economically deprive and impoverishand politically cow, subdue, exploit and enslave the Ibibio nation.It is arguedthat though the impacts of these commitments are debilitating, the Ibibios, by their republican nature, have only made near passive attempts to collectivelyresist conditions that havesustained their incapacitation in recent years. This, for many, is one of the many challenges confronting the Ibibio civilization.

Eshiet Offiong: An Apostle of emancipation BY OFONIME UDOTU

Eshiet Offiong: An Apostle of emancipation BY OFONIME UDOTU
He is perturbed by the plight of his people in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency. He has the vision of how to improve their lot. Anchored on the fear of God and humanity, he visualizes the way out of the problems every now and then as he is set for the task if given the mandate in 2015.

Deacon Eshiet Offiong has taken a bold step to represent the good people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency to give them effective representation that would impact positively on their daily lives. He believes in politics as an essential tool for the development of the people and not for exploitation. This is what an American statesman, John Calhoun (1782-1850) meant when he said, “the very essence of a free government consists in considering offices as public trust, bestowed for the good of the country and not for the benefit of an individual or a party”. The 39th American president, Jimmy Carter was not different when he explained that “the essence of a good government is to have a nation with a government that is good and honest, decent and competent and compassionate and as filled with love as are the ——people”.

2015: Why A’Ibom people want Udom Emmanuel as Governor BY JOSEPH OKON

2015: Why A’Ibom people want Udom Emmanuel as Governor BY JOSEPH OKON
It is no longer news that the support based of the Secretary to State Government, Mr Udom Emmanuel has continued to tremendously increase by the day in Akwa Ibom state with more groups and individuals in the state declaring their supports for him and called on him contest the 2015 governorship election in the state.

Today, many people have come to appreciate the good leadership qualities and capacity of the SSG in giving the state an effective and people oriented governance in the state. A lot of people who never supported, believed or visualized the success of this course when it started have continue to key-in and join the new leadership train in the state that can best be describe as “the people’s train for good governance” being pilot by Mr integrity himself who is the secretary to state government, Mr Udom Emmanuel.