LIVENEWSGUNS

  •••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 tourism, live tourism." "As Senior

  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 million each to 12 communiti

 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 holders in Rive

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 over and charg

 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 people," "We want t

  ...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, Morocco  and seve

  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 said th

  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 P

  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

Gov. Umo Eno Encourages PDP Ward Leaders to Welcome Back Returning Members In a meeting with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ward leaders in his hometown of Ibiakpan Obotim Ward2 center, Nsit Ubium local government areas, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State emphasized the importance of welcoming all returning members back to the party.  This initiative aims to bolster and strengthen the PDP’s support base and reinforce the party’s presence across the state’s 368 wards.  Governor Eno stressed the importance of these ward gatherings, highlighting them as an opportunity to embrace the increasing number of returnees to the PDP.  He stressed that the party’s responsible for governance and capacity to deliver have attracted many individuals back to the fold, even after the conclusion of the last general election.  The Governor expressed his delight in the increasing number of members returning to the PDP and emphasized that this development showcases the party’s stronghold in the state. 

 GOV. ENO RELEASES N778.99 MILLION FOR WAEC FEES COVERING 48,797 STUDENTS The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially released N778,998,500 to cover fees for the 2023/2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebiet, revealed in an interview that this payment is for 48,797 students participating in the exam, including fees for NIN registration, biometric registration, administrative costs, and 50% of the WASSCE fee. She highlighted an increase in sundry charges, raising the State Government's yearly payment from N1 billion to N1.5 billion, with the WASSCE fee now standing at N27,000, up from N18,000. The initial payment aims to facilitate student participation in the exam, with an additional balance of over N700 million expected to be paid by the Government in the future. Mrs. Etiebiet praised the Governor's dedication to students' welfare amid economic challenges, expressing confidence that students wil

 ° ° ° Social affordable housing Looms  By IFIOKABASI ABIA It was a moment of dissecting and diagnosing Housing Deficit in Nigeria as Arc. Ezekiel Nya-Etok, Executive Director (Estate Services), Federal Housing Authority said housing is the fundamental needs of Nigerians and President Amed Tinubu is passionate and committed to provide affordable social housing to every Nigerians. Nya-Etok gave this assertion on April 2nd, 2024 on ARISE TV Tinubu's Renewed Hope Housing agenda talkshow. In his words, "Let's go into Nation building. Politics is over now. If I come here to acquire houses for myself. May it not be well with me.  I will tell  you something, Social housing is my dream. Social housing is a subsidized housing. Housing is the fundamental needs of Nigerians. " "It is on peg of patriotism I am serving. I will tell something. social housing is a department in Housing Authority. social housing is a subsidized housing. All hands are on deck to do justice to the

Herdsmen sack A'Ibom Community  ° ° ° flouts Anti - grazing laws   Scores worried by incessant attack on farms by herdsmen despite the Anti - grazing laws undermining the efforts of Akwa Ibom State Governor to encourage people back to farming for food sufficiency,   distraught farmers in Ifa group of six villages, Uyo  local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State yesterday protested over the invasion of their farms by herdsmen. Confirming the incident, Women from the affected communities, namely: Ifa Ikot Akpan; Ifa Ikot Abia Nkpo; Ifa Ikot Obong; Ifa Ikot Idang;I  Ikot Akpabio; Ifa Ikot Abia Ntuen who were numbered in hundreds jointly cried to Akwa Ibom State Governor whom they said they gave their undivided mandate, to please kindly Save their Souls as herdsmen may one day kill their people. While counting their losses on the invasion, the farmers said the herdsmen led their cattle to plod and graze on their farms in defiance of the state government’s ban on open grazing.  Speaking w

 °°°AS GOV ENO FACILITATES CHRISTIANS ON EASTER BEING THE TEXT OF THE EASTER BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE, MARCH 31ST, 2024 “HE AROSE THAT WE MAY ARISE” 1.Fellow Akwaibomites 2.My wife, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, and I join you in celebrating the joy that Easter represents. 3.Easter is an important event in Christendom. It signifies the trial of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the pain and suffering he experienced leading to His crucifixion, and His ultimate victory over death through resurrection, which has brought salvation and redemption to mankind. 4.It is also the ultimate display of sacrifice and of love as aptly captured in Ephesians 5:2 (KJV) “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as offering and a sacrifice to God.” 5.This is my first Easter broadcast to you my dear AkwaIbomites, since you massively elected me on March 18,  2023, to be your Governor. My gratitude to you f

PDP Returnees Seek Realignment into party ...as Ward Meeting holds across the State Priscilla Akpanettot No fewer than 52 political returnees in Uyo, Ward 8 have appealed to be reabsorbed and realigned into the People's Democratic Party (PDP). They made the appeal on Saturday, March 30, 2024, on the occasion of the Party's Meeting held at Use Ikot Ebio Offot Town Hall in Uyo. Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Hon. Mike Edem and Elder Aniefiok Awah expressed that they didn't abandon the PDP but rather went on a sympathy mission to other Parties. "It's quite unfortunate that our sympathy didn't help those we gave it to so, we're back to base", Hon. Mike Edem said. He then appealed that they be reintegrated so as to work hard and help secure Governor Umo Eno's second term bid. Receiving them, the Political Leader of the Ward and Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Sir Charles Udoh charged them to remain steadfast and resolute with t

  IKOT ABASI WINS 2024 AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNOR'S CUP … Governor Umo Eno to receive first, second and third place teams on April 3 Ikot Abasi local government area will pocket a whopping sum of Five Million Naira (N5,000.000.00) for emerging the champions of the 2023/24 Akwa Ibom State Governor's Cup competition after beating favorites Uyo local government area 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. At the final which had the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno as the Special Guest of Honour at the Uyo Township Stadium, Ikot Abasi took the lead in the second minute of the encounter through Abraham Bassey, before Shedrack Anthony level things up for Uyo five minutes from half time.  The second half started with an early scare from Uyo, but the effort was ruled offside by the FIFA badged centre referee, Mfon Akpan. Uyo continued to threaten, but missed a golden opportunity to grab the winner in the 83rd minute when striker Shedrack Anthony failed to convert his spot