The Empire Naija

  By Aniefiok Christopher  The Presiding Bishop of Destiny International Mission Global Assembly, Archbishop Cletus Bassey has expressed optimism that the inauguration Prof. Christopher Ekong as the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo will cause a major transformation of the University and Akwa Ibom State at large. Dr Bassey who doubles as the Chancellor of Leadimpact University, in the United States of America made this position known during a brief chat with journalists shortly after the inauguration of the new Vice Chancellor, adding that he was excited about the elevation of Prof Chris Ekong, whom he described as a jolly good fellow, admired by many and associates well with the low and mighty in the society. According to him, the new Vice Chancellor should be given space and time to execute his plans for the institution, expressing confidence, that with his wealth of experience and network, the university community will experience a face lift, with mon...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for the immediate prohibition of all forms of sign-out celebrations in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the state, citing growing concerns over moral decadence, violence, substance abuse and other anti-social behaviours associated with the practice. The resolution followed the consideration of a Motion on Notice sponsored by the Member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, during plenary. Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Udobia argued that while educational institutions are established to promote learning, discipline, moral values and responsible citizenship, the culture of sign-out celebrations by graduating students has increasingly degenerated into activities that undermine these ideals. According to him, what was once intended as a celebration of academic accomplishment has, in recent years, become synonymous with indecent dressin...

    Nsikak Akpan   In a move aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare and promoting the welfare of his constituents, the Member representing Okobo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, has enrolled 100 residents into the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme.   Bassey, said the initiative was designed to cushion the financial burden of healthcare on vulnerable individuals and families, noting that many residents often struggle to access medical treatment due to the high cost of healthcare services. He explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from various wards to ensure broad-based impact and inclusiveness.   According to him, the intervention aligns with the healthcare pillar of Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda, which places premium importance on the wellbeing of citizens through accessible and affordable healthcare. He commended the Governor for sustaining people-oriented programmes that prioritize ...

  By Asuquo Edem  Access to justice remains one of the strongest indicators of a functional democracy. It is therefore not surprising that the proposed Office of the Public Defender Bill has attracted widespread interest for its potential to bridge the gap between the law and those who lack the financial means to enforce their rights. Setting the tone for deliberations at the public hearing, Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights and Public Petitions, Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, described the Bill as a reflection of the commitment of the administration of Governor Umo Eno to strengthening access to justice and ensuring that the protection of legal rights is never determined by an individual's financial capacity. According to him, the proposed legislation seeks to institutionalise legal assistance for indigent and vulnerable persons, thereby promoting fairness, equality before the law and the effective protection of fundamental rights. He described ...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Essien Udom (SAN), has described the proposed establishment of the Office of the Public Defender as a progressive reform that will guarantee access to justice for indigent and vulnerable persons in Akwa Ibom State, urging the State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Bill into law. Speaking on Friday while presenting a memorandum at a joint public hearing organised by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the Attorney-General said the proposed legislation would strengthen the justice delivery system by ensuring that no citizen is denied legal representation because of poverty or other forms of vulnerability. According to him, the administration of justice is founded on the principle that every individual, irrespective of social or economic status, deserves equal protection under the law. He noted that many citizens are unable to access legal services due to financial constraints, ...

  By Asuquo Edem  Healthcare is often measured not only by the number of hospitals a government builds, but also by how quickly help gets to a patient when every second counts. Around the world, emergency medical services have become one of the strongest indicators of an efficient healthcare system because the difference between life and death is often determined within the first few minutes after an accident, stroke, cardiac arrest, difficult childbirth or other medical emergencies. It is against this background that the proposed Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems Agency Bill stands out as one of the most strategic healthcare reforms currently before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Beyond creating another government agency, the bill seeks to establish a structured, coordinated and legally backed emergency response system capable of saving thousands of lives across the state. For many years, emergency response in many parts of Nigeria has d...