LIVENEWSGUNS

By Linus Udoma The Federal Character Commissioner, Obonganwan Dorah Ebong in the middle of this October month is set to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, marking a remarkable journey of faith and service to God and humanity.  70 is a key to nationhood and Dorah is a fulfilled mother of nations just as the psalmist says: "Now also when I am old gray headed, O God, forsake me not, until I have shown thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come" conf. Ps. 71:18. At 70 she has amassed a wealth of knowledge and life experience that serves as a guiding light in navigating life's twist and thorns. Her accumulated wisdom offers valuable insights into handling challenges and making some sacrifices that is affecting so many lives positively.  As a result of this proven integrity and to honor this special occasion, a dedicated committee of friends has organized a week-long celebration filled with meaningful activities from October 15th to 20th, 2024. At...

In yet another inspiring move from the administration of Pastor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom is making waves on the global stage! This time, it's five brilliant students sponsored by the state government to represent Nigeria in an international debate competition in Singapore. Accompanied by Mrs. Stella Etukakpan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the team was seen off at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo earlier today.  This initiative highlights the state's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting excellence among its youth. Stay tuned as these young minds prepare to showcase their brilliance on an international platform!

   _"Resources that would have been spent on political battles are now being channeled into impactful projects. These include sending Akwa Ibom children on educational exchange programme in the UK, building world-class schools and modern Primary Health Centres, feeding the less privileged, providing housing for the poor and junior civil servants, clearing outstanding pensions and gratuities, constructing more roads and bridges among others. By daring to lead differently, the Governor has been able to fulfill nearly all his campaign promises in the ARISE Agenda within just 15 months._  *By Henshaw NYONG*  Yesterday, while tuning in to a lively radio discussion on one of the local stations, I heard two political analysts dissect the just-concluded Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom. One of the analysts, a seasoned journalist, highlighted a remarkable shift in leadership under Governor Umo Eno. He pointed out that Eno, unlike many of his co-travellers, has chosen a...

  LG Poll: Dorah Ebong charges Chairmanship candidates on patriotism  The Federal Character Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, Obongawan Dorah  Ebong, has charged all the Chairmanship candidates of all political parties that feature in the forthcoming, October 5, 2024 Local Government Election to be patriotic and work for the overall interest of Akwa Ibom citizens. Ebong made this charged  during a one day Critical Stakeholders Engagement  with the theme : "Towards a free , fair and  credible 2024 Local Government Election in Akwa Ibom State" held yesterday in Uyo, Federal Character Boss who was Mother of the day , tasked Chairmanship candidates to embark on life touching projects to raise the standard of living in the rural communities. In her words, "If those contesting for chairmanship position in our various Local Government Areas are not here for the signing of peace accord, it means they're seeking for selfish interest rather than serving , pr...

  •••Any land associated with criminality will be taken over By Ifiokabasi Abia The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged residents to verify the status of any land from the Ministry of Lands and Housing before making a purchase. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the land is not government property to avoid losing it. Governor Eno made this statement during a media parley with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council. He stressed that all land in the state belongs to the government and must be properly documented. In his words, "Any land associated with criminality will be taken over by the government. No one owns any land except the Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG). If the government is executing a road project that affects your house, AKSG will compensate and demolish the structure. However, if the land is undeveloped, it is government land, and no compensation will be paid. Before buying land, verify its status with the Ministry of La...

 SSA Tourism Imaobong Zoe  urges BRACED to impact on youths By IFIOKABASI ABIA   The Senior Special Assistant on Tourism (Hotels), Mrs Imaobong Zoe has called the newly inaugurated executives of Bayelsa, Rivers , Akwa Ibom , Cross River, Edo and Delta State, BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative, BTPDI, Executive Council to impact on youths through  Tourism potentials.  Zoe gave this assertion on thursday while presenting her goodwill message to the  BTPDI inauguration in Uyo   at Ibom Icon Hotels and Gulf Resort. According to her  "The youth should embrace tourism, there is beauty and peace in it. To BTPDI  Executive Council. Am very pleased to see a team of women executives in BTPDI, it means women are coming into Tourism. My advised is that, there should introduce Tourism to youths all round the world." "The youth should be advised on the beauty and peace in Tourism . I, implored them to speak Tourism, preach touris...

  Governor Eno reaffirms commitment to citizens well-being  Doles out grants to 12 Communities  By IFIOKABASI ABIA As long as Governor Umo Eno is in office, the poor and vulnerable will have reasons to smile, with SMEs prioritized for grants and business support to achieve sustainability. In an address last week, the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, reiterated his unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of the state's citizens. "I'm elected to serve the interest of the people, especially those at the down end of the ladder," the Governor stated. "I'm their advocate while also serving the other side of society. This is because I was once like them." He further emphasized the inclusive nature of his administration's policies and programs, designed to ensure that all citizens feel the positive impact of governance. "We reassure them that Government is for them to make them feel better an...

GOV ENO TO EMPOWER 3,055 HOUSEHOLDS, ENTREPRENEURS WITH OVER N600M, TODAY  By Emma Akpabio  Barely few weeks after he empowered 800 budding entrepreneurs with N400 million, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno will tomorrow disburse over N600 Million to the beneficiaries of the Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, AK-CARES, Phase 2.  The empowerment programme scheduled for noon at the prestigious Ibom Hall in Uyo, is part of the activities to commemorate the Governor’s one year in office.  In an interview with journalists in Uyo, the Chairman steering committee of AK-CARES and Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr Emem Bob, said funds will be disbursed under Result Area 1 and Disbursement Linked Indicators, DLI 1.3 Livelihood Grants as well as DLI 3.2 Nano, Micro and small business Enterprise.  “The Wednesday empowerment programme will witness N150,000 each, doled out to 1,055 beneficiaries of livelihood grants under DLI1.3, N18 mill...

 RIVERS CRISIS: WHOM THE GODS WOULD DESTROY, THEY FIRST MAKE MAD   By Aniekan Udofia  The latin concept, "Quos Deus vult perdere, prius dementat," which literally means in English: Those whom God wishes to destroy, he first deprives of reason, captures the political situation in Rivers State.  When the crisis began in Rivers State, there were those who knew that the battle was only dictated by the former governor Nyesom Wike because the current governor had not found his footing. In what many laughed at, it was an act of scorn by former governor of Ekiti State  Ayodele Fayose to look an incoming governor in the face and warned him not to try his predecessor that he would crush him. The likes of Fayose and some others have extolled Wike to the point that the former governor of Rivers State saw himself larger than life. Like an emperor, Wike reigned supreme in Rivers State and, in his own word, singlehandedly bought the forms for all the elected political office h...

Late Raphael Edem laid to rest  ...Our candle is broken - Commumity ...my father means so much to people - Family  By IFIOKABASI ABIA  It was a moment of encomium, glamour and fanfare as a doyen of all time, Late Noble Brother Raphael Edem , KSJI laid to rest in his country home. The funeral mass was conducted last weekend by St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ikot Inuen, Nkwot, Ikono Local Government Area. In his homily, the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. John Ayah said the Life we live is not our own and we should do every thing to please our Creator so that when the day of transition to glory come we will not be found wanting. According to Ayah, "I knew our brother very well, Late Noble Brother Raphael Edem lying here. He was dedicated to the service and things of God. He is a testament of encouragement, focus, passion, support for the needy and never give up." "Late Edem never seat on the fence. He was hospitable and accommodating to all who came his ...

 Invest wisely and avoid distractions, EARCOM Boss advises EAP Beneficiaries  Beneficiaries of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, EAP, initiated by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno have been advised to invest the 500,000 Naira grants wisely by ploughing same into their businesses and avoid spending the money on other distractions that will defeat purpose. The charge was given by the Executive Chairman of the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, EARCOM, Dr Dorothy Thompson during a chat with newsmen in her Office.  Dr Thompson who commended Governor Eno for keeping his pledge to support entrepreneurs and create wealth described the release of N400 million as grants to 800 beneficiaries of the State's Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, as a welcome development which will energise the business sector of the State and enhance the potentialities of small and medium scale enterprises.  The EARCOM Chairman said the era of free money is...

 NIGERIANS SHOULD EXPECT AFFORDABLE DIASPORA HOUSING BEFORE DECEMBERS 2026 -  MD/CEO FHA   The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) saddle with responsibility of providing affordable housing for Nigerians have sealed a new partnership on the Diaspora Housing Project is to develop 5000 affordable housing units for Akwa Ibom people. The project which is an initiative of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government is aimed at providing affordable housing for civil servants in the country with flexible payment plan. Speaking at Novone Dream  garden estate, Uyo last weekend , the Managing Director of FHA  and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Oyetunde. Ojo, Said Federal Housing Authority, FHA saddle with responsibility of providing affordable housing for Nigerians. In his words, "Talking about the economic benefits such as creating employment, and all the other areas that you have talked about, we will give you all the necessary support for the benefit of our peopl...

  ...We have lost a Colossus, philanthropist- Family By IFIOKABASI ABIA All is now set for the funeral mass of quintessential philanthropist and retired Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Special Duties , Late Sir Raphael Achibong Edem KSJI. Speaking with newsmen in Uyo, Mr Edet Edem described Late Sir Raphael Achibong Edem KSJI as a Colossus and humanitarian who contributed immensely to humanity, adding that they have lost a good man and prayed for God to grant  repose to  the departed soul. In his words, "He was the first person to donate trophies and cash for grassroots sports development. Sir Edem was also dedicated to serving his community, contributing to numerous projects for human and infrastructural development.   He was an active member of the International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404A, Uyo Treasure Base Lions Club, where his selflessness led to his appointment as the 3rd President in the 2011/2012 Lionistic year. He travelled to Australia...

  Connect Initiative Empowers 60, Visits Hospitals, Prison for Gov. Umo Eno's 60th Birthday To commemorate the 60th birthday of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, a socio-political group, Connect Initiative has  empowered 60 vulnerable people as well as paid compassionate visits to hospitals and prison in the state. The group made up of professionals and entrepreneurs kicked off its activities with a low-key ceremony where 60 indigent people were given financial support. The beneficiaries were carefully selected from across the 31 LGAs of the state. In his opening remarks, the group's Chief Conector, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, stated that the organisation decided to toe this line because it is the right thing to do putting into consideration the present realities in Nigeria. He noted that the event which was to commemorate the birthday of Governor whom he described as a humble, compassionate and visionary leader that believes in development  from the bottom up. Dr Frank s...

  Late Francis Mendie Udoma laid to rest  It was thrilled and fanfare amid pump pageantry as the sleepy Ekpenyong Atai l came alive for the funeral mass of a community leader, Late Mr. Francis Mendie Udoma was laid to rest, the funeral mass held last weekend at St. Anthony's Parish, Ekpenyong Atai l, Essien Udim Local Government Area. The clergy, Very Rev. Fr. John Ebebe in his homily eulogized Udoma's exemplary life and called the church to emulate his life and live in peace with one another. Adding that the deceased was faithful in his service and devout Catholic faith. He maintained that Udoma has not segregate anyone who came his way. But accommodate all the people both in the church and Ekpenyong Atai l community. In his words, "it is right for children to bury their parents and not for parents to bury their children. He lived to sacrificed for his people. Late Udoma never stay away from God. Until his demise, he received Holy Communion before sleep to eternity."...

  Gov. Umo Eno at 60:  60 A'Ibomites to Benefit from Connect Initiative's Empowerment Programme As Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno is set to celebrate his 60th birthday, a foremost support group, Connect Initiative has concluded plans to empower 60 vulnerable Akwa Ibomites drawn from across the 31 Local Government Areas. Connect Initiative, a socio-political group of entrepreneurs and professionals is marking the 60th birthday with empowerment in line with the compassionate disposition of the Governor. The empowerment programme scheduled to hold in Uyo, the State capital on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 will witness the presentation of financial support  to the beneficiaries. A statement by the Connect Council noted that “knowing full well His Excellency's modest and humble disposition, we totally agree with his decision not to throw any huge party when many of our people are struggling to meet their basic needs, which has led the state government to establish the Bulk...

  You're a Symbol of Peace, National Unity,  Group tells Gov Umo Eno Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno has been described as a symbol of National Unity for his bipartisan politics and all inclusive governance. Executive members of Advocates for Good Governance and Humanity, the Renewed Hope Agenda, led by Hajiya Zainab A. Ibrahim Director General made the remarks on Friday during a call on the Governor in Abuja. The group maintained that the governor has not only concentrated in delivering democracy dividends across the nooks and crannies of Akwa ibom state but has ensured political inclusion, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among every group irrespective of political leaning in discharging his duties. "We are happy that you are one outstanding governor who understands that political parties are just mere vehicles to get to political office but more importantly you understood the need to unite the people for the purpose of ensuring unity, love and general good of al...