The Empire Naija

   _On Friday, 25th September 2026, the Executive Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Sir Okon Okon, FCTI, delivered what many described as a masterpiece Keynote Address on the theme: "The Role of Automotive Technology, Transport and Logistics in the Economic Growth of Nigeria" at the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ikot Akpaden, Mkpatenin Local Government Area. It was part of the programme marking the graduation ceremony of the second batch of graduands of the Centre for Automotive Training, Transport and Logistics (CATTL) of the institution._   _Anchoring his thesis on the timeless postulations of Joseph Schumpeter (1883-1950), an influential Austrian-American economist of the 20th century and progenitor of the concept of "Creative Destruction", Sir Okon, with epistemic sagacity and humility, explored and located the nexus between innovation, technology and entrepreneurship in economic growth and nation building. Okon, a Fellow and C...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called for tougher regulatory measures and intensified enforcement to check the sale and distribution of expired, adulterated and substandard products across the state. The resolution followed a motion on notice sponsored by the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. (Mrs.) Selinah Ukpatu, during Wednesday's plenary, where lawmakers expressed concern over the growing threat posed by unsafe consumer products to public health. Presenting the motion, Hon. Ukpatu raised the alarm over reports of expired goods being displayed and sold in supermarkets, retail shops and open markets, warning that weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate inspections and improper disposal of expired products continued to expose unsuspecting consumers to serious health risks. She particularly highlighted the vulnerability of children, elderly persons and other members of society, stressing that government must take...

  The unsanitary condition of the Itam Abattoir in Itu Local Government Area has come under scrutiny, with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security expressing displeasure over the unhygienic environment and warning of its potential consequences for public health. The committee, during an unscheduled oversight visit to the facility on Friday, October 30, 2026, described the state of sanitation as unacceptable and called for urgent intervention to safeguard consumers of meat and other animal products across the state. Leading the inspection, Chairman of the Committee and Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien, described the sanitary condition of the abattoir as “dirty and shameful”, insisting that the facility fell short of acceptable hygiene standards expected of a public meat-processing centre. Essien said the oversight exercise was part of the legislature's responsibility to monitor government-owned facilities an...

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of a comprehensive Emerging Technologies Legislative Framework designed to prepare the State for the next generation of digital and technological development. The Framework comprises five proposed Bills covering Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Web3, Edge Computing and Internet of Things, Autonomous Robotics and Precision Drones, and Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Spatial Computing. Together, these technologies are increasingly becoming foundational infrastructure for the modern economy. Hon. (Engr.) Uduak-Obong Ekpo-Ufot, the lead sponsor of the five Bills, has emphasised that the proposed legislation is intended to operate consistently with applicable Federal Government laws and other regulatory institutions. The Framework is built around six strategic objectives as follows: Responsible Innovation — by creating an environment where businesses can innovate and Akwa Ibomites are protected from unreas...

  By Asuquo Edem  The 26th of October, 2026, was more than a birthday celebration. It was a gathering of generations, a convergence of distinguished personalities and a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of a man whose footprints span engineering, industrial development, entrepreneurship, public service and political leadership. For Otuekong (Engr.) Offiong Usen Akpabio, turning 80 was an opportunity not merely to count the years but to celebrate a life of accomplishment, acknowledge a legacy of service and draw inspiration from the experiences of a man who has distinguished himself in several spheres of human endeavour. Family members, friends, political associates, professional colleagues and admirers converged to honour the eminent engineer and industrialist, whose contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria have earned him recognition across generations. The atmosphere at Lamems Hotel, venue for the auspicious occasion was one of gratitude, adm...

   By Edet Okpo Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District took a decisive turn yesterday as critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP Chapter Chairmen and the Oron Chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors unanimously endorsed Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD, for a second term in the Senate. The group also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, Rep. Martins Esin (Oron Federal Constituency), Rt. Hon. Chief Kenim Onofiok (Oron State Constituency), Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, Rt. Hon. Precious Selong and Engr. Okon Bassey as their preferred candidates. The endorsement was announced by the Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Oron Chapter, *Elder Uwe Akan*, during an enlarged stakeholders' meeting comprising youth organisations, women groups, APC ward chairmen and grassroots mobilisers across Oron Local Government Area. Akan, who described the endorsement as a product of painstakin...