The Empire Naija

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally commenced preparations for its 2026 National Convention with the inauguration of a Central Coordination Committee, appointing Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, as Secretary of the Venue Committee. The inauguration ceremony, held Wednesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, drew the attendance of key party leaders, national officers, and members of the newly constituted committee. Ms. Akpabio’s appointment places her at the heart of logistical and operational planning for the highly anticipated convention. As Secretary of the Venue Committee, she is tasked with coordinating critical aspects of site management and infrastructure to ensure a seamless and well-organized event. In his inaugural address, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the 2026 Convention as a defining moment for the party. He emphasized that the ga...

  As the women of Nsit Atai Local Government Area converged for the ongoing Women Sensitization Tour on Civic Responsibilities, the member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Rep Mark Esset has assured Pastor Umo Eno, PhD that the entire Nsit Atai Women are in total support of his administration. Esset made the assurance today, at the Women Sensitization Tour On Civic Responsibilities, hosted at Otuekong Raphael Bassey Unity Hall, Odot, Nsit Atai Local Government Headquarters. With the Theme: "Women Arise", the  sensitization programme is part of a statewide initiative aimed at encouraging women to embrace their civic responsibilities through electronic voter registration, acquisition of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and active participation in governance ahead of future elections. Addressing the gathering, Rep Mark Esset commended the State Government delegation ably led by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi for ta...

  The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Usoro Akpabio, on Tuesday presented the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal to the National Assembly of Nigeria, outlining a renewed focus on measurable and transparent regional development. Akpabio told lawmakers that the proposed budget signals a transition from the Commission’s foundational institutional planning phase to the implementation of structured, results-driven programmes aimed at delivering tangible impact across the South-South region. Speaking during separate sessions with the Senate and the House of Representatives Committees on SSDC, she stressed that the region must experience development that reflects its significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy. “The South-South must not only generate national revenue; it must experience development proportional to its contribution, because when the region develops structurally, Nigeria advances sustainably,” she said. The Se...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Ph.D. In a goodwill message, the federal lawmaker described Senator Eyakenyi as a woman of grace, strength and unwavering dedication to public service, whose contributions to governance have continued to advance the vision of the Akwa Ibom State Government. Rep. Ime Okon commended the Deputy Governor for her steadfast commitment to improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom people, noting that her calm leadership style, depth of experience and strong sense of duty have inspired confidence and stability across the state. He stated that her role in supporting people-oriented policies and sustainable development initiatives remains invaluable to the progress of Akwa Ibom State. “As you mark another year, may God bless you with ren...

  The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing digital empowerment for women, declaring that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on strengthening female leadership through technology-driven skills. Akpabio made the assertion while delivering a keynote address at a two-day capacity-building training for spouses of Honourable Members of the House of Representatives. The programme was organised in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as part of broader efforts to deepen digital literacy and inclusion nationwide. “When women leaders strengthen their digital competence, they are not merely learning technology — they are shaping Nigeria’s future,” Akpabio stated. “Digital skills are the currency of modern relevance, and empowerment must move from rhetoric to infrastructure.” She revealed that the pilot phase of the digital t...

  The National Information Technology Development Agency has successfully delivered a five-day intensive digital capacity-building programme for young people from Nigeria’s South-South region, reinforcing ongoing efforts to deepen technology adoption and innovation among youths. The training, implemented in partnership with the South South Development Commission, took place at pilot centres in Abuja and Uyo, drawing participants from the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone. The programme, which ended over the weekend, focused on equipping beneficiaries with practical skills in Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and emerging digital tools. Participants were exposed to real-world applications designed to enhance their employability, promote entrepreneurship, and prepare them for opportunities within Nigeria’s evolving digital economy. In addition to the hands-on technical sessions, trainees received laptops to enable continued learning and immediate applicat...