The Empire

In keeping to his promise of  supporting the elderly as well as attending to the welfare of serving and retired government workers, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has set up modalities to settle the lingering issue of harmonised pension for Pioneer Retired Permanent Secretaries in the State. Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries at the Government House, Uyo, he noted that the entitlements of workers at all levels will be given adequate attention. The Governor who showed deep compassion on the plight of the elder statesmen, appealed to them to exercise more patience to enable government work out a sustainable plan of resolving the issue. Governor Eno maintained that those who have worked deserve their benefits and assured them that the issue of pension and gratuities will be given deserving attention, within the resources available. He then constituted a  3-Member Committee  comprising the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, a

By Tony Udoh In fulfilment of his promise to run an all inclusive government, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has announced the institution of a trust fund for physically- challenged students in public tertiary institutions with an initial deposit of one hundred million naira (N100, 000, 000). Speaking at a meeting with the National Association of Students with Disability, University of Uyo Chapter, the Governor noted that if those who are physically challenged are willing to go to school, the least that could be done is to support them. Governor Umo who was moved with empathy, urged the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Education to carry out proper profiling to ensure that the beneficiaries of the fund are actually and solely the physically challenged in the state studying in public tertiary institutions. It would be recalled that Pastor Umo Eno had, prior to the electioneering period, interfaced and empowered some physically- challenged

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has declared open a two-day Induction Workshop for Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly. The event currently holding at the Four Points by Sharaton, Ikot Ekpene, also has Parliamentary Staff of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly in attendance. Declaring the workshop open on Monday, Rt. Hon. Otong said that the programme would equip lawmakers with necessary skills and knowledge that would enable them deliver on their assignments. He urged the Assemblemen to take full advantage of the workshop which, he noted, would be anchored by seasoned resource persons. "I am fully optimistic that this workshop will be beneficial to all of us as stakeholders in legislative business, and ultimately set the machinery in motion for effective and efficient engagements in our respective Assemblies. "Dear Honourable Colleagues and distinguished participants, I want to implore you to take full advantage of the worksh

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has celebrated the decoration of AIG Ebong Eyibio Ebong as Assistant Inspector General of Police. He lauded the Nigerian Police Force for "honouring AIG Ebong with the well-deserved promotion." Senator Bassey prayed God to enrich AIG Ebong with strength, wisdom and ability to lead the Force to an enviable height.  The event, which took place at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Police Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, was also graced by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South, Senator Ekong Sampson; the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem; former Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Akan Okon, and former Member representing Uruan State Constituency, Hon. Kufre Etuk.

  As the commendations continue to pour in over Hilda Bassey's successful Cooking Marathon and subsequent certification, the member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Itoro Etim has described the epoch making event as a plus to women, portraying their strength in delivering on set targets.  The Lawmaker who was making comments rising from a Motion sponsored by the Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency and Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob at Plenary noted that it was pertinent that the House celebrates Ms Hilda so as to encourage more women while it would also turn the eyes of the world towards the capacity Akwa Ibom State habours. On his part, the mover of the motion, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob recalled that Ms. Bassey, had on completion of the 93 hours and 11 minutes Cooking Marathon, created more than 55 recipes and over 100 meals, including local delicacies peculiar to Akwa Ibom State. "Also recall that this epoch-m

  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today inaugurated House Committees to ensure smooth running of the House. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong read the names members during Plenary today. They include:  Advisory Committee on Parliamentary Matters, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Committee on Women Affairs, Selina Ukpatu, Committee on Information, Jerry Otu, Committee on Health, Moses Essien, Committee on Boundary and Conflict Resolution, Precious Selong, Committee on Science and Technology, Uduak Ekpoufot, , Committee on Education, Kenim Onofiok, Committee on Security, Youth and Sports, Uwemedimo Asuquo, Committee on Reral Development, Power, Water and Public Utilities, Asuquo Nana, Committee on Industry, Commence and Tourism, Effiong Johnson, Committee on Inter-Government and Special Projects, Emem Udom, , Committee on NDDC, Kufre Edidem, Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Itoro Etim, Committee on Public Account, Eric Akpan, Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mfono Idu

By Uwakmfon Dan  The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has been commended for his passion and commitment to entrepreneurial development in Akwa Ibom State. The commendation was handed down on Wednesday by beneficiaries of his empowerment scheme during the June 2023 ‘Entrepreneurs Meet and Greet’ Session, held at the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District Campaign Secretariat, Uyo. Speaking on behalf other beneficiaries during the event, Mr. Nsidibe Udofa, a petty trader from Etim Ekpo, particularly appreciated Senator Bassey for his transparency and for sustaining the programme over the years. “I want to thank the Distinguished Senator for his commitment to business development. I am not from Uruan but Etim Ekpo and a beneficiary of the scheme. I thank Senator Aniekan Bassey for extending this benevolence to the entire state. I thank him and the coordinators of this programme for their passion, transparency and commitment to the gr

Akwa Ibom State, Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has restated his administration's resolve to partner the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to checkmate ecological challenges in the state. The Governor made the pledge while declaring open the Disaster Preparedness And Risk Reduction Strategies On The  Outcome Of The 2023 Season Climate Prediction And Annual Flood Outlook, at the Banquet Hall, Government House , Uyo. Governor Umo Eno expressed appreciation for the collaboration between Nigerian Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Nigerian Metrological  Agency, NIMET, and Nigerian Hydrological Services, NIHSA,  agencies in their service delivery, saying that the union has open a new vista towards averting  mistakes that was done in the past in the area of disaster management and noted that it is a common approach in the state for Ministries and Agencies to work together to achieve same purpose and bring benefits to the state. "So we would like to appreciate the collaboration,

By Tony Udoh Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has promised to prioritize the welfare of security personnel across the state. Speaking during a condolence visit to two families who lost their husband in the line of duty in the state, he said he has always been passionate about the welfare of security personnel given the nature of their service to the state and the country in general. The affected personnel are late LCpl Alphonsus Balbis and MWORS Eze Christopher. The Governor noted that the services rendered by the different security outfits are very critical to the peace currently enjoyed in the state, adding that the government will do everything possible to take care of their welfare and support their operations. While urging the families to be consoled by the good legacies of their fathers, he assured them that government would continue to support them where and when necessary, adding that their breadwinners did not die in vain. Responding on behalf of the families, the C

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in it's Plenary today reeled out names of House Officer to ensure smooth running of the House. The names according to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong was sent in by the Party with majority of members, the PDP. The list had as Leader, Sunday Johny representing Onna Chief Whip, Effiong Johnson representing Mbo, Deputy Leader, Otobong Bob representing Nsit Ubium and the Deputy Chief Whip, Sampson Idiong representing Oruk Anam. The Speaker also set up Selection Committee to select members to make up the numerous House Committees of the House. The Speaker is the Chairman of the Committee with the member representing Nsit Atai, Aniefiok Attah as Secretary. Other members include  the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem (Itu), Rt. Hon. Asuquo Udo (Ikono), Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung (Ika/Etim Ekpo), Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita (Mkpat Enin), Hon. Emem Udom (Ukanafun) and Hon. Uduak Ekpo-ufot (Etinan). Others are Hon. Selina Ukpatu (Ikot Abasi /Eastern Obolo), Hon.

By Tony Udoh In line with the Agricultural revolution philosophy of the current   Akwa Ibom State government, Governor Umo Eno has commenced talks with the Turkish government on possible areas of partnership. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Nigeria, Mr Hidayet Bayraktar, Governor Eno stated that one of the major focuses of his administration is an agricultural revolution, adding that the government of Akwa Ibom State is willing and ready to partner with key players in the global agricultural sub-sector to achieve the lofty goal. It is on record that Turkiye ranks high in terms of agricultural production per hectare, and the government provides many opportunities and financial support for agri-business. In Turkiye, agriculture is one of the most important economic platforms that contribute strongly to the growth of the country's economy and is a major producer of wheat, sugar, milk, poultry, cotton, tomatoes, and other fruits and vege

Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the people of Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo) District will experience effective representation and more democratic dividends from him. The Senator made this known on Tuesday during a reception ceremony organized to celebrate his proclamation as a Senator to the 10th National Assembly at the Brook Gardens and Event Centre, Abuja.  He commended members of his family, friends, stakeholders and supporters for their love and solidarity, saying “I pledge not to let you down. I promise the people of Uyo Senatorial District effective representation and real democratic dividends. I will not relent in my efforts to ensure the desired positive changes are fulfilled.” Senator Bassey also promised to work in unison with the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration to bring meaningful development to Uyo Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State at large. He further promised to engage youths of the district to equip themselves with alternatives

The Member-elect for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Ime Bassey Okon has been formally  inaugurated into the 10th National Assembly as he took oath of Office and allegiance on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The ceremony attended by 359 out of the total of 360 members-elect of the respective Federal Constituencies was performed by the new Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas who administered oath of office and allegiance to the members. The Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Lawmaker was amongst other 359 members inaugurated after four months of the February 25, 2023 national elections.  The visibly elated Federal Lawmaker said the event is to further emphasise his commitment to cystalize people-centric representation to deepen the root of   democracy. "Today, is a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercies upon my life. I will not forget in a hurry the many efforts put into this cause which has become a reality today. It is a win for the people of Itu/Ibion

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, on his emergence as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno, said “on behalf of the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I send you our hearty congratulations on your emergence as the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly.  “The process was free, fair and transparent and is a testament to the deepening of our democratic traditions and ethos. I have always said that politics is over and it’s time for governance, and that, demands we work across party lines to advance the cause of our development. “We stand ready to work collaboratively with you, to move the needle of development, growth and progress of our dear State in particular and the Nation in general. “Once again, congratulations and God’s speed”!

  In a keenly contested race, Senator Godswill Akpabio has emerged the 10th President of the Senate defeating Senator Abdul’aziz Yari. The former governor of Akwa Ibom State defeated Yari who is the former governor of Zamfara State after scoring 63 votes to 46 votes.

The political class, ward leaders and key stakeholders of Uruan Local Government Area have selected and subsequently confirmed Senator-Elect for Uyo Senatorial District seat, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey, as the new Political Leader of the URUAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.  This was on the heels of a motion moved by Pst Favour Okokon Ekpenyong and seconded by Mr. Emmanuel Atakpo. The motion was unanimously adopted by  Uruan Political Stakeholders ,during a celebration visit to the Senator-Elect on Monday at his Osongoma residence, Uyo. This unanimous decision  was reached in recognition that Rt.Hon. Aniekan Bassey is the highest political office holder in Uruan Local Government Area, Zonal  Leaders, Ward Leaders and all stakeholders deemed it fit to  select the Senator-Elect, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey, as the Political Leader."  The new Political Leader, who is also the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, is deputized by Engr JB Effiong, who is also the Zonal Leader of Central Uru