The Empire

  By Edet Okpo Stakeholders and Members of Albinism Association of Nigeria have expressed strong commendations and passed a vote of confidence on Governor Udom Emmanuel for prioritizing the healthcare needs of Akwa Ibom citizenry in general and also  enhancing the welfare of their members in the State.  They also described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a reference point in quality and exemplary leadership and public Service in Nigeria, while scoring his administration high in the area of aviation development, Infrastructural renaissance, job creation, quality education and industrialization which have made the State an emerging industrial hub in the African-sub region. Speaking at the 2022 International Albinism Awareness Day Celebration in Uyo, today, the CEO/ Founder of Albino Foundation and President, Albinism Association of Nigeria(AAN), Mr. Jake Epelle, disclosed that the choice of Akwa Ibom State to mark the global event was informed by the relatively peaceful and  excellent  ambienc

Ahead of the upcoming cerebration of the International Albinism Awareness Day to be held globally on June 13, 2022, the Akwa Ibom State Government  says it has disassociated itself from Jake Epelle's  event and bars him and his National body from hosting the cerebration in the State because of potential negative implications necessitated by series of petitions from Stakeholders and Members of the Organisation. The State government therefore sternly warned the CEO/Founder of The Albino Foundation (TAF) and President, The Albinism Association of Nigeria, Mr. Jakes Epelle, against taking government’s well communicated injunction for granted by going ahead with the planned celebration in the State, charging security agencies to be on red alert to checkmate possible breach of law and order, as well as stakeholders and the international community to be aware of the development. This was part of the State government’s position on the matter as contained in a press statement issued by the

  On June 10, 2019, when Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, a two-term lawmaker, emerged as the 12th Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly through a consensus arrangement, all eyes were hooked on him; some to watch him fail and others to urge him on to success. As practically tough as it is to lead a group of equal persons with independent minds to achieve a common goal, Rt. Hon. Bassey, in the last three years, has made it look easy.   Upon resumption, the 7th Assembly hit the ground running with the mission to offer effective representation through six core values which include; Accountability, Inclusiveness, Transparency, Integrity, Professionalism and Respect. These values are perceived in the passing of people-oriented bills into laws.    The Assembly has fared well with indelible imprints in the last three years.  In security, the Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey-led 7th Assembly has exercised effective oversight over the security architecture in the state and has interfaced regularly wi

    By Akaninyene Ekong   Rural women and young entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State, who are beneficiaries of the 29th edition of RHAB-YESS Foundation’s business grant, have showered encomiums and prayers on the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, for contributing to the growth and development of their businesses.     The beneficiaries, 19 rural women and three young entrepreneurs, were given the sum of N1,450,000 as grants to boost businesses during the ‘Entrepreneurs Meet and Greet’ session of the Foundation on Wednesday at the Conference Room of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Uyo.     One of them, Mrs. Imaobong Michael, who is a Hairstylist from Etinan Local Government Area, said Rt. Hon. Bassey’s show of love and magnanimity has rekindled hope and the enterprise spirit in Akwa Ibom women and youths.     Mrs. Michael, who noted that the grant would help her move her business to the next level, expressed gratitude to the Speaker for counting her wort