The Empire Naija

  By Asuquo Edem  In a strategic move to inspire a new wave of productivity and self-reliance among young people, the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Usoro Akpabio, on Sunday hosted an Easter gathering with youths drawn from across Akwa Ibom State, delivering a compelling message centered on skills development, innovation, and economic empowerment. The interactive session, held at Lamems Hotel, brought together a cross-section of young people for engagement on opportunities within key sectors of the regional economy. Speaking passionately, Akpabio underscored the critical role of youths and women in driving sustainable development across the South-South region. “It’s an honour to be here to engage with young minds. Development in the South-South hangs largely on the shoulders of women and youths,” she said, emphasizing that the region is richly endowed with creativity and untapped talent. She identified priority areas such as infrastructure,...

  By Asuquo Edem  In the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, infrastructure remains a defining factor in determining the quality of learning, research, and innovation. It is against this backdrop that Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem has brought forward a compelling motion, drawing attention to both the achievements and the urgent gaps in the intervention efforts of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), particularly in Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU). Since its establishment in 2011, TETFund has played a transformative role in revitalizing Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, research, and academic development, the agency has significantly improved the learning environment across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Notably, over 687 capital projects—including lecture theatres, student hostels, and medical facilities—have been executed nationwide, signaling a sustained commitment to...

By Asuquo Edem  At a time when the world is grappling with silent battles of the mind—stress, depression, anxiety, and social dislocation—Akwa Ibom State is taking a decisive legislative step that could reshape its public health landscape for generations. At the centre of this bold move is Moses Essien, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, whose presentation of the Mental Health Services Bill report signals a shift from neglect to necessity. What may appear, at first glance, as a routine legislative document is in fact a carefully structured response to one of the most pressing yet under-addressed issues of our time: mental health. The proposed law seeks to establish a Mental Health Services Department in Akwa Ibom State—an institutional framework designed not only to regulate care but to protect the dignity and rights of individuals living with mental health conditions. In today’s fast-evolving world, the pressures are unmistakable. Economic strain, family instability, digit...

  By Edet Okpo  The Atak Oro Development Union, a prominent and apex  socio-cultural organization in Atak Oro political bloc Of  Okobo Local Government Area , has thrown its full  weight behind Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, the incumbent representative of Okobo State constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and unanimously endorsed him for a second term in office. The union  made the endorsement on  Friday, April 3, 2026, in Nsie Atak Oro Village before  proceeding On thank You Visit to Họn. Bassey Pius Bassey,  wherein they also lauded the lawmaker for donating an official vehicle to their organization.  The President General of Atak Oro Development Union, Hon. Chief Effiong Asanwana, described the gesture  by Họn. Bassey Pius Bassey as historic and  unprecedented since the existence Of the Union for the past sixty five( 65)  years. The visibly elated President General, referenced  Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, Me...

  By Asuquo Edem  In many local government offices across Akwa Ibom State, towering stacks of paper files, delayed approvals, and slow communication still define the rhythm of governance. Yet, in an era where even small-scale traders in rural communities rely on smartphones for daily transactions, this analogue approach increasingly appears out of step with reality. That disconnect is now at the center of a bold legislative push led by Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, who is advocating for a comprehensive integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into local government administration across the state. His motion is more than a policy proposal—it is a call to reimagine how governance works at the grassroots. Local governments occupy a unique and strategic position as the closest tier of government to the people. They are responsible for delivering essential services—from primary healthcare and sanitation to local infrastructure and community development. However, wh...

  A renewed push to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s South-South gained momentum as Ambassadors-Designate from the region pledged firm support for the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) in its drive to attract investment and accelerate development. At a strategic engagement session convened with diplomats, the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, said the Commission is deliberately building alliances with Nigeria’s foreign missions to fast-track growth across key sectors. The meeting, which drew participation from ambassadors both in-person and virtually, as well as SSDC Board members and Executive Directors, served as a platform to align priorities and deepen cooperation for regional transformation. Akpabio underscored the importance of leveraging diplomatic channels to promote trade, unlock foreign direct investment, encourage technology transfer, and address environmental challenges in the region. She described the South-South as a cornerstone of Niger...