The Empire Naija

  By Asuquo Edem The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has commenced what could become a defining new chapter in regional development cooperation, with its maiden regional tour of the six South-South states beginning in Bayelsa State. Led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Ms Usoro Akpabio, the delegation comprising the Chairman and members of the Board, Executive Directors and other senior officials, embarked on an extensive tour of strategic institutions, infrastructure projects and development initiatives across the state. More than a ceremonial visit, the tour offered the SSDC leadership an opportunity to see first-hand the development realities, innovations and investments shaping Bayelsa State, while identifying areas where regional collaboration could produce greater impact. The engagement began with a strategic meeting with the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who received the SSDC delegation alongside members of th...

  “Peter began to say to him: ‘Look! We have left all things and followed you’. Jesus said: ‘Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who will not get a hundred times more now in this period of time…and in the coming system of things, everlasting life’” – Mark 10: 28-30, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures By Substance Udo-Nature The last time we met, I deliberately refused to ask Pastor Ephraim Inyangeyen if he is experiencing the reality of Peter’s conversation with Jesus Christ in the above quote since he was ordained a Pastor exactly a year ago. I needn’t ask. By the manifest joy on his face and obvious peace of mind on his entire personality, the answer was all over him.  Pastor Inyangeyen now looks fresher, healthier, happier, more relaxed, more contented, more exuberant, surefooted, and more provident than I ever knew him to be throughout his trailbla...

  Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, on Thursday represented the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, at a high-level public hearing on two critical healthcare reform bills aimed at repositioning Nigeria's health sector for greater efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery. The one-day public hearing, organised by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), brought together lawmakers, healthcare professionals, regulators, academics, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on proposed amendments to the University Teaching Hospitals Act and the Bill seeking to establish the National Health Facilities Regulatory Agency. Speaking on behalf of the Senate President, Senator Bassey reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Senate to enacting transformative legislation that directly improves the lives of Nigerians, describing quality healthcare as a fundamental pillar of national development. S...

  By Asuquo Edem The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has dismissed suggestions that its cordial relationship with the Executive arm of government has weakened its constitutional oversight responsibilities, insisting that the partnership has instead enhanced governance and accelerated development in the state. Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Otu, stated this while briefing journalists after plenary on Tuesday as he unveiled activities marking the third anniversary of the Seventh Assembly. According to him, the anniversary celebrations will begin with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday at Emmanuel Methodist Church, Oron Road, Uyo, where lawmakers, government officials and other stakeholders will gather to appreciate God for His faithfulness and celebrate the Assembly's achievements over the past three years. Hon. Otu praised the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and members of the Assembly for their commitment to people-oriented legisl...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has recorded another milestone in its efforts to promote staff development and institutional excellence with the successful staging of its first-ever inter-departmental quiz competition, an intellectual contest that climaxed with the Administrative and Welfare Department emerging overall champion clinching home N200,000 during activities marking the third anniversary of the 8th Assembly. This introduction sets the scene first before revealing the winner in the body of the story, making the report flow more naturally. If you prefer a harder news style, I can also make it more punchy and newspaper-like. The competition, organised by the Office of the Clerk under the theme, "The 8th Assembly @ 3: Stewardship, Service and Legislative Impact," took place on Wednesday at the Chapel Hall of the Assembly Complex, drawing participants from six departments in what organisers described as the first intellectual contest of its kind ...

  The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Abak State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, invites the general public to his Constituency Briefing/Empowerment Programme. The event, which will be chaired by the former Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uwem Udoma, will bring together community leaders, stakeholders, party faithful, youths, women, and residents of the state. It is aimed at engaging constituents, presenting a stewardship report, and empowering beneficiaries across the state. The Senate President, His Excellency Sen. Godswill Akpabio, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno will serve as the Guest of Honour. Date: Thursday, 9th July 2026 Venue: QIC Primary School, Abak Itenge, Abak LGA Time: 12 noon Press Unit AKHA .