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Showing posts with the label Human interest

Boko Haram Ideology Requires More Than Force, Cleric Cautions FG

Prophet Ekong Ituen has raised fresh concerns over the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts, warning that alleged infiltration of insurgent sympathisers within President Bola Tinubu’s administration could undermine the ongoing fight against terrorism. In a statement issued on December 8, 2025, the cleric said President Tinubu is committed to combating terrorism but may have unknowingly placed trust in individuals who do not support his mission. He argued that only divine intervention, alongside careful internal scrutiny, would expose those working against the government’s security objectives. Ituen stressed that Nigeria must combine spiritual vigilance with military operations, noting that Boko Haram functions as an ideology-driven movement. According to him, inducements, negotiations or appeasement are unlikely to deter the group from its long-standing agenda. He urged the government to take decisive action once any saboteurs are identified, warning that delays could weaken ...

OKONGKO CHARITY FOUNDATION FETES A’IBOM DISABLED PEOPLE COMMUNITY

  • Doles Out 3M Business Grants • ‘You're Our VVIPs’ —  DG Redemption FM By Kendi JUMBO  It was a historic day of merrymaking and impact when the leading humanitarian service provider in this part of the world, the Okongko Charity Foundation, led by a Canadian-based scholar and astute businessman, Dr. Chris Okongko, played host to Akwa Ibom disabled community on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at its office, 118 Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo. The annual event was yet another occasion the Foundation set aside to celebrate, fete, parley, and empower the SPECIAL PEOPLE drawn from the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, with business grants and special treats. Historically, the Okongko Charity Foundation, in partnership with Redemption FM Radio Abak, has been organizing a special event not just to celebrate but also to encourage and empower people living with disabilities in the state. This year's edition came with a bang and fun memories. Setting the tone for the event, t...

Senate Assures Police Retirees of Exit From Contributory Pension Scheme

  President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has assured protesting police officers who have been keeping vigil at the gate of the National Assembly over their inclusion in the Contributory Pension Scheme, that their problem is over. He assured the leadership of the retirees that the issue would be given a speedy hearing and concur with the House of Representatives, which had earlier passed the bill. Akpabio gave the promise while receiving in courtesy the leadership of the retired police officers in his office on Thursday.  A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, " the policy, from what you have told us, was not well thought out. But take it that you have to disperse from the gate, that problem as far as the law is concerned is over. "On Tuesday next week, we will concour with what the House of Representatives have done and produce an Act exiting you from the Scheme. I know that President Bola Tinu...

A'Ibom INPA Reaffirms Commitment to Member Welfare, Synergy, Sustainable Growth

  By Ifiokabasi Abia  The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Independent Newspaper Publishers Association, INPA, Akparawa Emmanuel Sam, has applauded members of the Association for their faith and zealousness in the publications business, adding that INPA is fully registered with CAC in Nigeria. "The Independent Newspapers Publishers Association (INPA) in Akwa Ibom State is a dedicated body established purely for the business interests of newspaper publishers. It is not a government support group nor aligned with any political agenda. "INPA’s primary aim is to foster an environment where publishers are empowered to succeed independently, driven by their passion and commitment to their craft. "As independent-minded professionals, members of INPA are encouraged to embrace self-reliance and resilience. The association does not impose restrictions on what members should or should not publish; rather, it respects the independence of each publisher. "INPA’s role is to provide s...

NSE Abak Branch Presents Roadmap for Sustainable Electricity Supply to Akwa Ibom Government

  By Ifiokabasi Abia  The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abak Branch, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to adopt a strategic, technology-driven, and investment-backed approach to achieving sustainable electricity supply across the state. The recommendations were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Society’s general meeting held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Abak Library Hall, NSE Abak Branch Secretariat. The meeting featured a technical session delivered by Engr. Uduak Effiong Essien, a Chartered Electrical Engineer, on the theme “Sustainable Electricity Supply in Akwa Ibom State: Challenges and Opportunities.” The session examined the current state of power supply in the state, identified critical challenges, and highlighted opportunities for achieving reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly electricity access. In the communiqué signed by the Branch Chairman, Engr. Nsikak Akpan, and the Secretary, Engr. Edidiong Udofia, the engi...

CAUSES OF ETHNIC CLASHES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

  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...

Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo Emerges Family Head of Ikot Anung

•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...

FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MADAM ELSIE AJAYI IKOLI'S PASSING

     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...

SOUTH SOUTH APC SUPPORT GROUPS LEADERSHIP CAUCUS COMMISERATE WITH REV. UMA UKPAI FAMILY - LIVENEWSGUNS

  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...

OKONGKO CHARITY FOUNDATION POISED TO ENGAGE MORE A'IBOMITES IN HINTERLANDS, PARTNERS ROYAL FATHERS

  • Commences Modalities For Empowerment Of PLWDs, Aged • Gives Scholarship To 2 A'Ibomites  BY Kendi JUMBO Dr Chris Okongko, a Canadian-based business mogul and globally-acclaimed 2025 South-south Nigeria Humanitarian Personality has continued to break new grounds in a bid to expand the reach of his Foundation's humanitarian services to the people living in the hinterlands of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the African continent at large.  Resolved to accommodate more communities in Akwa Ibom in his scheme of things, the management of Okongko Charity Foundation, led by the African Representative, Sir Daniel Ekanem, Monday, 6 October, 2025, embarked on a solidarity tour to the palaces of the Paramount Rulers of Ukanafun, Oron as well as other humanitarian engagements in Abak, and Uyo local government areas, respectively. In Ukanafun, the team while paying homage to the Paramount Ruler of the area, HRM Akuku Engr Amos Daniel Akpan, described the visit as a homecoming, noting ...

VISUAL CONFERENCE: GOV ENO URGES YOUTHS TO BE INNOVATIVE, DARING, FOCUSED

  ... describes visioner, Adiakpan as determined star Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on youths to emulate the innovative and daring spirit of Idara Adiakpan, the visioner and Convener of the Visual Conference, who he described as a fearless and determined star. Speaking at the Visual Conference and Award Night 2025 held in Uyo, the Governor emphasized on the need for youths to be innovative, bold, and committed. Governor Eno who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said Adiakpan, his Special Assistant/Chief Photographer, represents his ideal future for Akwa Ibom youth, one with the ability to think outside the box of conventional wisdom and the drive to break boundaries to achieve success. The Governor said the convener though a theater arts graduate; is his Chief Photographer, deploying the tools of modern photography and aligning them with social media commitments for real-time news dissemination. "She has achieved success beyond the call o...

DR. CHRIS OKONGKO BAGS GLOBAL HUMANITARIAN HONOURS

  • Named 2025 South-South Nigeria Humanitarian Personality  History was again inscribed on the sands of humanitarian excellence at the South-South Nigeria Excellence Awards 2025, when Dr Christopher Okongko, President of the Okongko Charity Foundation, was decorated with the prestigious South-South Nigerian Humanitarian Personality Award by the Global Skills Hub, United Kingdom.  The high-profile investiture staged at Autograph, New G.R.A., Port Harcourt, drew dignitaries —  thought leaders, industry top brass, international investors, development advocates, professors/academics and politicians together under one roof. The coveted award, observers say, is more than a ceremonial plaque; it is a global imprimatur of distinction, affirming Dr. Okongko’s transformative interventions in social welfare, poverty alleviation, and community development across Nigeria and Africa. For decades, Dr. Okongko has pioneered life-touching initiatives through the Okongko Charity Foun...

Celebrating 70 Years of Faithfulness: Obonganwan Dorah Ebong’s Milestone Birthday

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...

GOV ENO TO EMPOWER 3,055 HOUSEHOLDS, ENTREPRENEURS WITH OVER N600M, TODAY

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...

Invest wisely and avoid distractions, EARCOM Boss advises EAP Beneficiaries

 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

 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...

Connect Initiative Empowers 60, Visits Hospitals, Prison for Gov. Umo Eno's 60th Birthday

  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...

Gov. Umo Eno at 60: 60 A'Ibomites to Benefit from Connect Initiative's Empowerment Programme

  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...

housing is the fundamental needs of Nigerians, - Nya-Etok

 ° ° ° 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...