The Empire

  Members of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities last Friday, December 23 moved everyone into tears when they thronged into Ibiaku Issiet in Uruan Local Government Area last Friday to pay their last respect to the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Oron chapter, Late Senior Apostle Tom Etim.  The event, which took place at the St. Peters Primary School, had in attendance the political class, business moguls, clergymen as well as scholars. The physically challenged persons, who invaded the venue of the event, however attracted the attention of the entire guests when they all creep on the floor saying that a man who was responsible for their wellbeing is no more.  They noted that their mission at the event was to pay their final respect to Late Senior Apostle Tom, who they described as their ‘earthly god,’ adding that it will be difficult to find a man in his like manner who pay their children’s schools fees, pay their rents, carter for t

In line with his humanitarian disposition, the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, on Saturday, hosted Chapter and Ward Officers of the PDP in Uyo Senatorial District to an End of the year Get-Together. Speaking at the event, which took place at the Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Campaign Council Secretariat, Osongoma Road, Uyo, the Speaker said his senatorial bid was moved by his zeal to drive infrastructural and human capital development in the state. While declaring that he will not waste the mandate of the people of the Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bassey said he will not only be accessible to his constituents, but will raise the bar of representation in the Senatorial District. “Your votes won't be wasted. Throughout the Primaries, you stood for the truth, you supported me. I stand here to assure you that your labour will no

Ibiono Ibom people of Wards 8 and 7  have adopted the Candidacy of Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. They declared the support on Wednesday when the PDP Candidate for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency led his Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project 2023 Campaign train to Ibiono Ibom Ward 7and 8.  While at Idoro Ward 8, comprising Idoro and Ono villages, the Village Head of Ikot Mbuk and Group Head of Idoro Group of villages, Obong (Dr) Eyibio Udo Akpanobong, JP, acknowledged the honour the PDP Candidate, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon has accorded the traditional stool and promised total support for him and PDP. "We are aware that our son in Idoro is also contesting for this position. But we will not fail the party which has been in touch with the people and has attracted the few development strides we experienced in this area. We want more and for this access road to be constructed.  "We will be truthful in our decision and be rest assured that Idoro will v

As activities are on top gear towards 2023 elections, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon consulted his maternal family in Ekimbok community, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. He made the visit amidst cheer and excitement yesterday as the people came out to receive him. The PDP Candidate for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal constituency in the forthcoming elections, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon assured Ekimbok people of his determination to be a channel where they will experience dividends of democracy and also ensure that the yearnings of his people are heard via his contributions on the floor of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.   The PDP Candidate acknowledged the support and contributions Ekimbok people have been giving him throughout his political outings seeking public offices to serve the people. He specially thanked his grandparents for raising him up and instilling the virtues which he possesses which have helped him to excel in public offices. He solicited more support for his 2023 ambition to serve th

  No fewer than four hundred and thirty youths have been trained on many skills to be self reliance by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.   The training, which took place at in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital saw the graduation of the beneficiaries who were trained in various skills like sewing, fish farming, poultry farming and other agricultural means.   Speaking at the closing ceremony at the 1000 capacity Theatre Hall of the University of Uyo on Saturday, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Mr. Alfred Agbar said the training is one of the many considerations by the Federal Government aimed at diversifying the economy, reorienting values and generating employment for women, youths and other vulnerable groups in the Niger Delta region.   The minister further stated that the training in expected to prepare the beneficiaries for the tasks ahead. He noted that the minist

  Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has vowed to deliver an impactful representation in the Senate, when voted into office in 2023. Rt. Hon. Bassey gave the assurance in Ikot Antia Ididep, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, on Saturday while speaking at an End of the Year Get-Together organized by the Chairman of Ibom Airport Company, Dr. Iniobong Essien. The Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial Candidate said he will not only attract road projects to the area, but will leverage on his legislative experience to draw meaningful empowerment opportunities to his constituents, the people of Uyo Senatorial District. "I have vowed that when I get to the Senate, I will reciprocate what Senator Ita Enang did for Uruan during his tenure. He remains the only representative that tarred a road in Uruan Local Government Area. He changed the landscape of the w

  The 2023 PDP Candidate for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency  in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon has consulted his kinsmen in Idung Ition, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area comprising Ikot Usen, Ibiaku Ikot Udom, Usuk Ibiaku, Ikpa Ikot Ubo and Use Ndon villages.  He was accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Victoria Ime Okon, the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project 2023 Campaign Council and other supporters on Thursday. The Village Head of Ikot Usen ably represented by Etubom Ebong Umo, Chairman of the Village Council said the support of the village is solely for the political ambition of their son on PDP platform. In the same vein, the representative of the Village Head of Ibiaku Ikot Udom, Eld Bassey Okon Udofia and the Village Head of Usuk Ibiaku, Etteidung Udo Udo Ekong said the ambition of Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon is a long awaited cause which they are very glad to support.  Also, the Village Head of Ikpa Ikot Ubo, Etteidung David Archibong Ekpenyong and

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today Thursday passed the State’s 2023 Appropriation Bill of N700billion, made up of N344.005billion for Recurrent Expenditure and N355.995billion for Capital Expenditure, into law. The proposed Bill, which amount to an increase of 0.4% of the initial proposed budget size, followed the Report of the Hon. Uduak Odudoh-led House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. The report recalled that “at the 8th Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Seventh Assembly on Monday, November 7, 2022, Governor Udom Emmanuel presented his Budget address to the Honourable House. At the end of his address, in pursuance of Section 121 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), he laid before the House estimates of revenue and expenditure of Akwa Ibom State for 2023 for consideration. By virtue of Order 8, Rule 1(3) of the Standing Order of the House, the Appropriation Bill 2023 was deemed read the first time.” After a fruitful Clause-b

The Itu/Ibiono Ibom Unity Project 2023 Campaign Council has been inaugurated to plan and implement campaign activities in mobilization of support for the political cause of the PDP Candidate for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency 2023, Rt. Hon Ime Bassey Okon.  Performing the inauguration yesterday, the PDP Candidate to represent Itu/Ibiono Ibom people in the Green Chamber, Barr. Ime Bassey Okon noted that the campaign council consists of representatives heading various units to coordinate activities of numerous members/supporters of the cause.  "A lot of persons have been supporting my aspiration. So, the Campaign Council as inaugurated today will work with the Central Working Committee to ensure implementation of campaign plans for the success of this cause. The Council is to work for the success of the project by planning and implementing activities as campaign commences in earnest. "It behoves on all the heads of various units to bring on board ideas and ingenuity to en

  In its bid to consistently empower young Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs with seed money, the RHAB-YESS Foundation, a not-for-profit and non-political organization, has given the sum of One Million Naira to winners of its online business contest for the months of October and November 2022. The sponsor of the scheme and Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, gave the seed money to the entrepreneurs on Monday during the RHAB-YESS ‘Meet and Greet’ Session at the Conference Room of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Uyo. Represented by the Leader of Uruan Legislative Council, Hon. Sunday Bassey, the Speaker, who tasked the winners to make good use of the seed money, maintained that the scheme was his own way of supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Enterprise Development Drive and giving life to the Dakadda Philosophy. He said part of the aims of the Foundation, which is his brainchild, is to discover, mentor and support young entrepreneurs, indigent student

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District (Uyo Senatorial District), Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has assured electorates and stakeholders of Southern Ward – 4, 5 and 6 in Uruan Local Government Area of better democratic dividends, if elected Senator. Rt. Hon. Bassey, who is the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, made this known on Friday during a joint ward-to-ward tour by him and candidates of the party for Uyo/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan/Uruan Federal Constituency and Uruan State Constituency, Elder Mark Esset and Dr Itorobong Etim. Addressing the people of Southern Uruan, which comprise of 7 villages, Ndon Ebom, Nung Ikono Ufok, Ituk Mbang, Ibiaku Issiet, Ekpene Ukim, Obio Ndobo and Ndon Uruan the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District hopeful said “PDP is the only party that believes in the Akwa Ibom Project and the prosperity of Uruan and the state.” While reeling out his blueprint to the people, Rt. Hon. Bassey appealed to

    The House of Representatives candidate for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Okon, has promised not to disappoint the people of the two Local government areas when voted to represent them at the National Assembly next year. The Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) candidate stated this recently, while responding to questions from newsmen in Uyo, the State capital. "By the special grace of God and through the support and votes of our people in Itu and Ibiono Ibom, I believe I will take the two Local Government Areas to greater heights," Obong Okon stated. The two time member who represented Ibiono Ibom in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly maintained he was sure of offering effective representation because of his wealth of experience in the legislative setting and capacity to deliver on every assignment given to him. The Barrister and Solicitor of the supreme court of Nigeria maintained his vast contacts, cordial relationship, exposure and affabl

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has received royal blessings from the Itu Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC) ahead of the 2023 elections. Rt. Hon. Bassey, who paid a consultative visit to the TRC at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Itu Local Government Area, thanked the traditional fathers for their roles in instituting peace and togetherness in their domains. Speaking, the 2023 Candidate of the PDP for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, said, if elected, he will work assiduously to justify the mandate of his people through quality representation and also promised to improve on his pet project, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (RHAB-YESS), which he noted has empowered thousands of people across the state. As an experienced Legislator, Rt. Hon. Bassey said he will not only be vocal, but will attract good roads, empow

  Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, on Thursday led Honourable Members on a condolence visit to the State Chairman of the party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, over the demise of his mother, late Madam Matim Sunday Akpan. The visit to place at Ikot Okusung in Ukanafun Local Government Area, the country home of Elder Akpan. While consoling with the State Chairman of PDP, Rt. Hon. Bassey described the l deceased as a lover of education, a devoted christian, a peacemaker and a bridge builder who directed her energy and love to serving God and humanity. Late Matim Sunday Akpan died at the age of 90. #AniekanBassey4Senate2023 #TeamAniekanBassey #UbokUtomAbasi2023

As preparation for the 2023 general election gears up, the Senatorial bid of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, on Wednesday received support and royal blessings from the Nsit Atai Local Government Traditional Rulers Council and stakeholders. The Speaker received the support and blessings during his consultation tour to the traditional rulers council and critical stakeholders of the area. He was prayed for by the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, and his Council of Chiefs, led by the Chairman of the Clan Council, Chief Mfon Sunday Essien. Explaining his mission, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the 2023 Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District said his visit was to notify the monarch and stakeholders of Nsit Atai Local Government Area of his readiness to represent them at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly. He lauded the m

As part of his all-inclusive approach to governance, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, consulted opinion leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area and solicited their support for candidates of the party through the ballots in the forthcoming general elections. Rt. Hon. Bassey, who is the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and 2023 Candidate of the PDP for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, made the consultation on Friday at the Ewet Housing residence of the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constuency in the State House of Assembly, where he also unveiled his people-oriented and development-oriented blueprint to the people. The Speaker was accompanied on the trip by his Campaign Director and Secretary, Obong Godwin Awah and Ofonmbuk Ukim; the 2023 PDP Candidate for Uruan State Constituency, Dr Itorobong Etim; the International Coordinator of RHAB-Mega Movement, Dr Eventus Edem, among others. Amongst the Nsit Ibom

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the South-East Zone of Uruan Local Government Area have reiterated their support for the Senatorial bid of their son, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey,  and other candidates of the party in the forthcoming general elections. The stakeholders made this known on Thursday during a solidarity visit to Rt. Hon. Bassey at his Osongoma residence, Uyo. They also donated campaign materials including customized Fez Caps and T-shirts to Rt. Hon. Bassey  Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey is the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and 2023 PDP Candidate for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aniekan Bassey, on Monday, consulted members of the Akwa Ibom Motorcyclists Movement in Mbiaobong, Uyo Local Government Area. Rt. Hon. Bassey, who was accompanied by the Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency in the State House of Assembly and 2023 Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, made known his ambition to the Senate in 2023 to members of the movement. While describing members of the movement as best crusaders of politics, appealed to them to continually be consistent with PDP. The cyclists movement is currently led by Mr. Wisdom Asuquo Ukpong. Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey is the 2023 Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District seat. #AniekanBassey4Senate2023 #TeamAniekanBassey #UbokUtomAbasi2023

Women leaders across Northern Uruan Ward-1, on Monday, stormed the Osongoma residence of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aniekan Bassey, to reaffirm their solidarity and support for his 2023 Senatorial bid. The women were led by the Vice Chairman of Uruan Local Government Council, Mrs. Uduak Akpan. Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey is the 2023 Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District seat. #AniekanBassey4Senate2023 #TeamAniekanBassey #UbokUtomAbasi2023

  Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has charged oil producing communities in Nigeria to be strict in their compliance to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The Speaker made this know on Thursday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, where he attended a workshop organized by CODE and OXFAM for oil producing communities in Nigeria.  Represented by the Deputy Leader of the House and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Barrister Aniefiok Dennis Akpan, the Speaker stressed the need for host communities to also be strict in the areas of forming committees and representation.” He said “Section 235 of the Act has provided for the incorporation of Host Communities Development Trusts. So, host communities take advantage of this and carry out same without delay or rancor. And in going about this, host communities must also be strict in the setting up of committees and people of integrity should be considered into such comm

  The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has eulogized the selflessness of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Obong Victor Attah, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and past leaders of the state, over the giant strides the state has achieved at 35.  Speaker Bassey stated this Friday, September 23, 2022, while delivering a goodwill message, during the celebration of Akwa Ibom at 35, at the Nest of Champion. Referencing Marissa Meyer an American Novelist, the PDP Candidate for Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District race said, "Even in the future, the story begins with once upon a time. Once upon a time 35 years ago, the dreams of our forebears came to materialization. Akwa Ibom State was created. We sang with joy as it was mentioned that the state will be the envy of other states. In due course, past leaders closed ranks and ensured that the state grew in lips and bounds. I commend them for such resilience and selflessness". Ani

By Edet Okpo Like he said at the onset of his administration, Governor Udom Emmanuel continues to stand tall with his peculiar style of fulfilling promises and distinctive trajectory of impactful governance in the comity of State Governors in Nigeria. Interestingly, he doesn't make noise about his high achievements or summon a world press conference to blow his own trumpet, like is a commonplace obsession of his colleagues across the country, who love grandstanding for cheap political scores. Simply put, Mr. Integrity, Mr. Industrialization  or Mr. Prudence, as the celebrated Governor  Udom Emmanuel is popularly known, is not a noisemaker. Therefore, if the thousand other things that has been accomplished by Governor Udom Emmanuel and his administration, example in the area of infrastructure, were too small to be seen and appreciated by fifth columnists and opposition politicians, the Ring Road 111 with ten(10)lanes, first to be seen in any State in Nigeria, apart from the Federal

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has consulted elders and stakeholders of the party in Nsit Ubium. The event took place in Uyo on Tuesday at the Ewet Housing residence of the Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob. Rt. Hon. Bassey expressed gratitude to the people of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area for their show of love, solidarity and overwhelming support during the PDP Primaries and appealed for same magnanimity for him and other candidates of the party in the forthcoming general elections. While restating his appreciation to the people of Nsit Ubium for their support, the PDP Candidate for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District seat, unveiled Obong Godwin Awah as the Director General of Uyo Senatorial Campaign Council to the people. Obong Awah, a community activist, a former Councellor, former Vice Chairman a

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ini Adiakpan has interacted  with PDP Chapter and Ward Female Officers across Esit Eket Local government Area on the need to embark on door- to- door awareness and Sensitization for their People to pick up  their  Permanent Voters Cards at the INEC Office.  The crucial meeting  which took place at Ekpene Obo in Esit Eket Local Government Area, also  afforded  the Women ample opportunity to intimate the  Commissioner of the successes recorded after her last meeting with the Women and youth of the party as well as  challenges affecting the ward, which the Commissioner addressed before the end of the Meeting.  Addressing the Women, Dr. Adiakpan sued  for peace, love  and unity in the ward while charging the women to preach the message of PDP in their diverse units. The Commissioner maintained that with unity and sincerity  of purpose  the Women will remain resolute in mobilizing the electorate to participate mas

Family members, associates and friends of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate for Itu/Ibiono Ibom House of Representatives election in 2023; Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, have continued to celebrate God's faithfulness in the life of the Ikot Usen in Ibiono Ibom law luminary on his birthday. The latest message of felicitations came from his kinsman and the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Comrade Ini Ememobong, who eulogized the former Deputy Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as he clocks 62 and prayed God to grant his (Ime) heart desires.  On the list of those who expressed their good wishes to the celebrator on his special day was the Vice Chairman, Uyo Local Government Council; Hon. (Pst.) Sylvia Ekong. The Clergywoman-cum- politician, in the birthday message she signed, described Obong Okon as a refined politician with proven records of loyalty, dedication and one blessed with much kind heart towards the development of his people.

By Edet Okpo   It is highly commendable that barely four months following the commencement  of the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) in Akwa Ibom State, available record shows that it has recorded rapid progress and huge successes with no fewer than 11, 308 participating women currently enjoying corresponding positive impact on their lives and businesses courtesy of the project. These were the highlights by the State Coordinator of the project, Barr. (Mrs.) Ofonime Etuknwa, during a recent media chat at the instance of a team from Aries Concept, a Communication Consultant to the NFWP based in Abuja, who were in Uyo, the State Capital for its periodic assessment and updates of activities of the project in Akwa Ibom State.   Therefore, from Akwa Ibom women who are beneficiaries of the programme, it was a rain of appreciation and commendation upon the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for his vision and genuine interest in having linked the State to the Project, and also setting up mechan