LIVENEWSGUNS

  When I write about thorny issues of Biafra, the proponents of Biafra always tell me my observation is one-sided. This makes me laugh. What have they been doing since the end of the war? They have been telling one sided stories. I can’t help it but laugh. What were they expecting from me? Were they expecting a love letter that extols their braggadocio? Were they expecting me to accept the lies and grandiosity of Mr Kanu? This is ridiculous.    Nigerians are beginning to counter the lies that the Biafrans have been telling their children. These people are emotionally disturbed that the only answer they have is emotional subterfuge that short circuits the observation that led to our present discontent. Telling me that they are angry does not become a corollary to the facts that created our present history.    Most things the current Biafrans say are not factual and they Know it and also stretch the truth that makes any third party and independent observer give th...

  BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE   There is no deliberate policy to kill Christians. The crisis in the North since the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70’s and today is about land. The Hausa and other natives have the land and the Fulani people have no land.   The military throughout the past years tried to use government decrees to forcefully take land from the natives and give it to Fulani. One of those laws is the Land Use Decree authored by Olusegun Obasanjo.   Still, the natives resisted it. It is this struggle for land that led to various crises. The Fulani people are nomads. They used to be transient and seasonal visitors. Due to climate change and other modern issues, they now see the need for livestock settlements.  They have also become desperate.   Those using cow dung as manure for their farms are now hostile because the Fulani people are staying longer and beginning to have an attachment to the land that was not there. They tried very hard to use the military and t...

  The First Senior Advocate from Bayelsa State, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli, on Sunday described Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as a paragon of virtue, compassion, and elegance. ‘’We will congregate on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Lagos to bid a fond farewell to a luminary whose radiance illuminated our lives for 93 extraordinary years. My mother, a paragon of virtue, compassion, and elegance, leaves behind a legacy that transcends mortal bounds. In an emotional tribute, the former Bayelsa State Attorney General called Elsie Ajayi Ikoli the epicenter of the family, the thread that stitched them together with love, laughter, and tears. "Like a sunrise that banishes the shadows, her presence brightened our lives, casting a warm glow that will forever be etched in our hearts. Her love knew no limits, her kindness unbridled, and her generosity boundless. She was the epicenter of our family, the thread that stitched us together with love, laughter, and tears’’. The foremost lawyer talked abou...

  ...Commissioner Declares Akwa Ibom Among Safest States in Nigeria By Ifiokabasi Abia The Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG), through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has announced its partnership within the Akwa Ibom Food Festival (AKIFF) 2025, scheduled to hold from November 18 to Saturday, 22, 2025, at Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo The event, themed "Optimizing Akwa Ibom Cuisines, Taste, Tourism, and Economy,” l aims to showcase the state’s rich culinary heritage, promote cultural tourism, and boost economic opportunities across the food and agro-allied sectors. Speaking during the official unveiling and media parley in Uyo, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Nseowo Udofia, described tourism as “the heartbeat of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda,” emphasizing that the quality of local cuisine forms an essential part of the tourism experience. “The Ministry of Culture and Tourism will partner with AKIFF to promote our culture, cuisine, and economy while ...

  By Clement Warrie On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after returning from the flag-off ceremony for the ARISE Youth Friendly Center in Nsit Ubium, I decided to make a brief stopover at the Tropicana Mall on Udoudoma Avenue to pick up some groceries. As I exited the mall, my ears were pricked by the sibilance of heavy construction work at the Ibom International Hotel, located less than 400 meters within the 82-hectares of the Tropicana complex.  Drawn by curiosity, I skirted around the mall to the construction site. It was a busy hive of industry, swarming with haulage trucks, day laborers, engineers, and safety professionals in reflective gear. And towering over it all was the gigantic 14-storey hotel building, wrapped in skeletal scaffolding. A few men as little as birds, perched on the steel framework, while a massive crane arched close to the building. For over 15 years, this 200-room, abandoned 14-storey hotel stood in infamy, with its massive grey concrete and sun-bleached ...

•Dr EDWIN EKANEM ABASIABIAMKPO DIVINELY EMERGED  It was a day of celebration and cultural splendour at Ikot Anung, Ituk Mbang in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as the community unanimously elected His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo as the new Family Head of the royal lineage of Nung EkanemAbasi Abiamkpo. The event, which attracted traditional leaders, youths, women, and dignitaries from within and outside the community, was marked by tributes, traditional dances, and displays reflecting over three centuries of enduring royal heritage. Speaking with journalists, the Secretary of Ituk Mbang Village Council, Chief Asuquo Edet Asuquo, described the emergence of Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo as divine and in line with tradition.  “What God has ordained must surely come to pass,” he said. “Today, God has chosen His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo to lead the people of Ikot Anung. His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo divinely emerged.” He urg...

  The Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Monday narrated how the third executive governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan used his experience and game plan to bring greater respectability and development to Delta State. ‘’Today, many well-meaning Nigerians are celebrating your diligence, uprightness and humility in public office. They are united in their views about your success and landmark achievements, generosity, commitment to the growth of the family and ideals of integrity, unity and service’’. The Warri High Chief applauded the former governor for leading by example, persuading others to follow through superior logic and running a transparent administration’’. In a statement entitled ‘An exemplary citizen of Nigeria’ the Alema of Warri commended the ex-governor for focusing on the principles of good governance, equity, and unity in Nigeria and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people through people oriented policies...

     The Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation on Sunday announced the passing of Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.    "Elsie Ajayi Ikoli departed this earth on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in the quiet of her Lagos home — not with fanfare, but with fulfillment. She was 93.   A statement in Lagos described Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as a good mother, a church servant and a quiet revolution.    "Mama Ayo, as friends, family members and neighbors called her turned duty into destiny, grief into gospel, and labour into love’’    The statement from the Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation called Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli a woman of the altar, industry and unyielding grace. "Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was born beneath the golden skies of Kaduna on June 24, 1932"    The statement highlighted Mama Ayo's intellect, resilience, wisdom and sobriety.   "Mama Ayo’s mind was a boundless library. She devoured books not for ornament, but for illumination — a habit that would...

  . . . Urges Gen Z Parents to Uphold Morals The Executive Director of the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) and Akwa Ibom State Representative, Mrs. Affiong Israel Ibanga, popularly known as Affi Ibanga, has commended the Values Restoration Campaign of the Akwa Ibom State Government, describing it as a vital step toward curbing crime and building a morally upright society. Mrs. Ibanga made this remark during an interactive session with journalists in Uyo, where she reflected on the increasing challenges confronting parents of the Gen Z generation. The Immediate Past President of the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UYOCCIMA), who also serves as President of the Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network (WEPDN) and the Happy Hour Connect Initiative (HHCI), lauded Governor Umo Eno’s moral reawakening drive, describing it as both timely and visionary. According to her, “Society must take charge...

  By Bush Udombo In an era where leadership often sinks into self-praise and hollow promises, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, stands as a luminous figure of purposeful governance. His style is not flamboyant, yet profoundly effective — a blend of pastoral humility and administrative precision. He governs not for the gallery but for genuine transformation. The blueprint he carries is not a political ornament designed to please voters; it is a working compass guiding Akwa Ibom into a new dawn of sustainable development. It is both spiritual and strategic, merging vision with verifiable impact. Each page of his plan speaks of inclusion, compassion, and empowerment — the real DNA of progress. True leadership is never about occupying power but about inspiring trust. Pastor Umo Eno embodies that creed. His leadership is moral, methodical, and measurable. As a pastor, he understands the language of empathy; as a governor, he translates that empathy into economic empowerment, rural up...

  The Member representing Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, has equipped the newly constructed six-classroom block facilitated and donated by him to Technical College, Ayadehe, Itu LGA, in fulfilment of the furnishing aspect of the project. In a press statement over the weekend, the lawmaker said, "Though the furnishing of the classroom project, donated to the school earlier in the year, was to come later due to the procurement process, more needed to be done to ensure a better environment for the students. That is why I ensured electrical wiring and the installation of fans in those classrooms. "I am an advocate of quality education. Therefore, we will continue to encourage quality learning using resources made available by my office to promote effective education at the grassroots." Okon urged the students, teachers, and community members to protect the infrastructure and other amenities provided for their area so that development can thri...

  By Ifiokabasi Abia The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rolled out a ₦1.5 billion empowerment initiative to support over 2,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Niger Delta region. Through this ambitious program, beneficiaries will receive grants and soft loans ranging from ₦200,000 for nano enterprises to ₦3 million and above for micro and small businesses, in a bid to strengthen local economies and stimulate sustainable growth. Covering Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Edo, and Delta States, the initiative underscores NDCCITMA’s firm commitment to inclusive economic development and poverty reduction through grassroots entrepreneurship. Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony of the Economic Development and Investment Partnership Scheme held at the Technology Incubation Centre, Uyo, the Vice Chairman and one   of the  Directors of NDCCITMA, Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Dr. Iniobong Esuene, reaffirmed th...

  By Ifiokabasi Abia As the saying goes, “When the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice.”This timeless truth perfectly reflects the leadership style of Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien, Executive Chairman of **Ikono Local Government Council. The 70th birthday celebration and thanksgiving service of Elder Edet Effiong Udofia, a seasoned administrator and long-serving works supervisor, held special significance as it coincided with the one-year anniversary thanksgiving service** of the Ikono Local Government Council. The atmosphere came alive with jubilation and cheers upon the arrival of the council boss. The electrifying excitement in the air reflected the people’s love, admiration, and social acceptance of the Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien-led administration—one that has remained steadfast in its people-centered approach to governance. Rt. Hon. Essien has consistently demonstrated a passion for human development and welfare. His leadership style bridges the gap between government and ...

  BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE   It takes time to form a country. It takes patience and dedication to change attitudes. When people from disparate places and cultures are brought together to form a Nation, it is never easy. In the long run, the tears and toil are worth it because the interactions lead to expansion of consciousness which drives human progress.    The journey of nationhood is not for timid souls. It was never easy for countries like India, China   and the USA to rise. It is not an easy journey. These countries have more divisions and more ethnic and religious cleavages and groupings than we can ever imagine.    America conducted an election in the midst of war. Nigeria conducted elections by declaring curfews and turning cities to militarized zones.  These democracies we try to emulate did not give power to their military to intimidate their citizens.   Since the advent of our democracy, we have used the military as a law enforceme...

  The South South APC Support Groups Leadership Caucus, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, joins millions of Nigerians and the global Christian community in mourning the passing of God’s General, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai. Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was an extraordinary servant of God whose ministry ignited revival, transformed countless souls, and served as a powerful voice of faith and hope across Nigeria and beyond. His healing and deliverance ministry brought light, restoration, and salvation to multitudes, leaving an indelible mark on the body of Christ. Through initiatives such as the *Uma Ukpai Theological College* and his numerous outreach programmes, he nurtured generations of ministers and believers. His guidance to the *Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)* and the *Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)* further strengthened unity among Christians nationwide. Rev. Ukpai was also a fearless voice for justice, openly condemning the persecution of Christians in Kaduna, Benue, and other parts of...

. . . Tackle economic challenges at grassroots  "Teach us how to fish and we will never lack fish." This age-long adage captures the enduring philosophy of the Niger Delta people. The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) was established to tackle economic challenges at the grassroots and promote sustainable development across the region. Its mission is to create economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, and local industrial growth. NDCCITMA seeks to collaborate and engage with major industries to establish vocational and technical training centres throughout the Niger Delta.  These centres will focus on under-water welding, gas welding, agricultural innovation, and other vocational trades, reducing dependence on imports while harnessing the region’s abundant resources.  This initiative aims to fight poverty, improve food security, and drive inclusive economic progress. The Niger Delta Development Commi...

  •CONDEMNS ATTEMPTS TO ATTACK THE A'IBOM STATE PDP BOSS In a resounding display of solidarity, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Akwa Ibom State paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Headquarters in Uyo, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and sustaining a free, fair, credible, transparent, acceptable, inclusive, and peaceful electoral environment in Nigeria. The IPAC delegation, comprising 18 members representing different political parties, was led by the IPAC Chairperson in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Blessing Umo. In his introductory remarks, Elder Inemesit Akpan, Publicity Secretary of IPAC Akwa Ibom State, took time to introduce the members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, highlighting their respective positions as chairmen of different political parties. In her address, Mrs. Umo, IPAC Chairperson, unequivocally stated that IPAC recognizes the Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan-led Executive Committee (EXCO) of PDP as the legitim...