LIVENEWSGUNS

  By Ekaette Okon Joseph When Governor Umo Eno announced that Akwa Ibom workers would receive their 13th-month salary, popularly known as Enomber on or before December 20, 2025, it reaffirmed a core principle of his administration: workers’ welfare is the foundation of good governance. The institutionalisation of this bonus, now in its third consecutive year, reflects a deliberate continuation of the state’s longstanding commitment to placing workers and retirees at the centre of development planning. Akwa Ibom’s progress in workers’ welfare has been a cumulative effort across administrations. Successive governments, each building on the foundations laid before them, have worked to strengthen the civil service, improve pay systems, and expand social protection. Governor Umo Eno has taken this shared commitment forward with a structured, data-driven approach that ensures sustainability, predictability, and accountability. This commitment is most evident in the ongoing settlement of ...

…I’m doing it for Jesus, not politics, says Iboro Johnny By Ifiokabasi Abia Abak, Akwa Ibom State – November 2025 Stakeholders of Abak Local Government Area have showered encomiums on Engr. Iboro Johnny for his remarkable efforts in facilitating the 70-kilometre road construction project in Uruk Uso, Abak Local Government Area. During a courtesy visit and project inspection, the former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo, commended Engr. Johnny for his uncommon commitment to community development, describing him as a man who places humanity above self-enrichment and personal gain. “These projects are not about politics. You have chosen a life of service,” Mr. Ekpo stated, urging others to emulate Engr. Johnny’s passion for development and his dedication to improving the living standards of his people. Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok, a former lawmaker, lauded Engr. Johnny’s developmental vision, noting that the road network will significantly ease the transportatio...

  By Ekemini James Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to ensuring a merit-based civil service recruitment has taken another major leap today, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the main Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations for civil service applicants officially commence. The process which marks the begining of what promises to be one of the most transparent recruitment exercises in the history of the state's civil service is taking place at the CBT centre, located within the Idongesit Nkanta Secretariat complex, Uyo. Invitations to participate in the examination are being sent out in batches, ensuring that every qualified applicant has an opportunity to participate in due course. This indeed is a new dawn in the Governor’s quest to build a civil service anchored on competence, fairness, and integrity.  This approach also demonstrates the inclusive leadership style of the current administration which ensures that, everyone irrespective of political affiliation, background or connectio...

•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...

. . . 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...

  “All they need to do is give a quit notice to every Yoruba tenant living in their various houses, terminate their jobs where they are the employers, and withdraw them from managing their lands as caretakers — and you will see Lagos become empty overnight.” According to Obasanjo, the Igbos don’t need to fight the Yorubas in Lagos to win the city — their power is already rooted in ownership and investment. He went on to reveal that most Yorubas in Lagos today live in houses owned by Igbos, and many of the properties across major areas of the city are now controlled by them.  “Let’s be honest — the Igbos have bought and built up a greater part of Lagos. Most Yorubas living there are tenants in Igbo-owned properties. That’s the hard reality,” Obasanjo added.  “Peace is not weakness,” he said, “but when you provoke a people who built your comfort, you risk losing it all”

The Akwa Ibom Electricity Consumers Forum -AKECOF has once again raised a clarion call against the persistent manipulation, estimated overbilling, and fraudulent practices by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), describing their actions as a calculated assault on consumers’ rights and public trust. It is disheartening that despite clear regulatory provisions by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), PHED continues to exploit consumers under the guise of Band A classification charging the premium tariff of ₦209.50/kWh without delivering the minimum 20 hours of daily power supply required by law. In Akwa Ibom State, particularly across Feeder 7 and other feeders, consumers have not enjoyed anywhere near this benchmark. Yet, bills keep rising while power remains irregular. This is fraud, and it must stop now. AKECOF is closely monitoring PHED’s operations and keeping verified records of the actual hours of electricity supply across communities. We are...

  ... reiterates commitment to celebrating outstanding indigenes  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the Mayor of Islington in the United Kingdom, Jason Utitofon Jackson, as a distinguished Ambassador of the State whose accomplishment is a beacon of inspiration to the youths and people of the State. The Governor made the remark when he received Mayor Jackson and his family who were on a courtesy visit at the Governor's Lodge, Uyo. Mayor Jackson, a native of Ika Local Government Area and his family are in the State to take part in the 38th anniversary celebration of the State's creation. Governor Eno noted that the State under his leadership would continue to reach out to, and celebrate its indigenes who are doing outstandingly well in their vsrious careers and professions. He acknowledged the achievement of Mayor Jackson as something new and spectacular especially within the region, and must be encouraged and celebrated. The Governor commended Mayor Jackso...

  • 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...

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...

  •••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...

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 ...

  ...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...

  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."...