The Empire Naija

  A social-political group, Coalition Of Democrats (CODE), dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability, has raised red flags over the hijacking of the Akwa Ibom State Government's Arise Empowerment programs by stakeholders in some Local Government Areas, particularly in Ukanafun, Ibiono Ibom  and Essien Udim. The group expressed deep dissatisfaction that the program, designed to empower grassroots communities, especially farmers, artisans, and small-scale business owners, has been compromised by the inclusion of influential individuals on the beneficiaries list. This development they say has undermined the program's integrity and denied genuine beneficiaries the support meant for them. Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Friday , Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh, Secretary of CODE, commended the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for initiating the life-touching program aimed at improving the lives of people at the grassroots.   Dr. Akpanusoh, howev...

By Asuquo Edem    In a show of solidarity and statesmanship, some stakeholders under the agis of Coalition of Democrats (CODE), has stated their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Pastor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio, going by their display of good governance towards the sustainability of democracy in the country.   This was contained in a communique read by the National Coordinator of the group, Barr Usenobong Akpabio while briefing the Press yesterday 24th April at Kiniz Apartments in Uyo.  While commending the President Tinubu over the recent flag off of the Akwa Ibom section of the coastal highway project amongst others, Barr Akpabio noted that "This is one of Mr President’s strategic economic reforms that is already setting Nigeria in the path of economic recovery/ prosperity and political development"   He commended Governor Umo Eno for his visionary stewardship and unifying approach to governance and his introduction of the...

  Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, on Sunday, shared his motivations for sponsoring his young constituents to pursue advanced studies in international trade in China. Idem, while addressing members of the Ukanafun Youth for Good Governance who were on a courtesy visit to him at his residence in Uyo, emphasised that this overseas training initiative is one of the his ways of expressing gratitude and giving back to his constituents. He stated that the programme aligns with his commitment to train 100 Akwa Ibom youths in essential skills that will enhance their efficiency and global competitiveness, enabling them to positively impact their communities, the state, and the nation. Having recently sent off the 10th batch of young constituents from Ukanafun/Oruk Anam to China, Idem noted that the all-expenses-paid training is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive anywh...

Secondary school teachers posted to rural areas in the State would have a sigh of relief as lawmakers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has advocated to the State Government for the provision of live-in quarters to reduce the burden of transportation and solve issues of accomodation.  This was sequel to a report presented to the House by the Chairman House Committee on Education, Hon. Kenim Onofiok during Plenary today. Hon. Onofiok informed the House that the Committee had invited stakeholders from the Ministry including Commissioner for Education, Chairmen, State Secondary Education Board, Permanent Secretaries to discuss on the matter. The House thereafter dissolved into the Committee of the Whole where the two recommendations of the report were adopted. The House  recommended that the State Government extends the fencing of schools to every local government area in the State and also prioritize the building of live-in  quarters for teachers to provide accommoda...

  By Edet Okpo When news broke in 2023 that Dr. ( Barr) Ekong Sampson was entering the race for the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District  National Assembly election, it did not sound as any surprise to the people of the senatorial district who already knew him and his towering record of dedicated public service. The news had been a long-awaited declaration from one of the soundest brains, celebrated lawmaker, cerebral scholar, investor cum entrepreneur, and advocate of the masses. So, the atmosphere was that of ecstasy, frenzied applause, and great expectations. Hence, in spite of what looked like shadow of opposition from self-serving jokers in the senate race, the question amongst the electorate was never if Dr. ( Barr) Ekong Sampson will win but if the election was going to be free and fair for him to win overwhelmingly. And because the election was free and fair, the winner was known even long before half the ballot was counted.  That  historic victory ushered Akw...

  By Asuquo Edem  Team Nigeria’s six-man squad is brimming with confidence as they head to the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China, from April 7 to 15. The team  which includes three siblings who are Malaysia based; Miss Sarah Sofea Idongesit Warrie, Mahadi Idongesit Warrie and  Mahathir Idongesit Warrie all making their international debut for Nigeria are children to Dr. Idongesit Warrie from Nsit Ubium and Dr. Ayu Ningrad, a Malaysian. Others in the team are Inkosi Brou the highest ranked fencer who is the team lead and US-based Peluola Akinbamiro. Speaking to Sports Reporters, Eighteen-year-old Mahathir Idongesit said he aims to finish in the top eight in his first world junior championship. “My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I also hope to give my best no matter the outcome,” Four fourteen-year-old Mahadi Idongesit, his ambition is to reach the podium. “My target is to get on the podium and finish among the top three....