The Empire Naija

  By Asuquo Edem  Worried by the alarming rate of prostate cancer affecting the men folk from ages 30 and above the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has mandated the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, as well as the Ethical and Attitudinal Re-Orientation Agency, ERACOM to initiate as well as sustain public awareness campaigns on dreaded disease. The resolution which was passed yesterday Tuesday 6th May 2025 during plenary was sequel to a motion brought before the House by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, on the urgent need for government intervention to combat the rising incidence of prostate cancer. The Lawmaker expressed worry over what he termed as the ‘alarming raise’ in prostate cancer cases which now accounts for approximately 11% of all male related cancer in Nigeria.  Akpabio noted that while health issues including, Malaria, diabetes, polio, continues to receive international, national and State attention, ...

  The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has expressed optimism that the outcome for the training workshop organized by the Nigeria Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies would improve ethical compliance and uphold legislative integrity for sustainable development. The Speaker stated this while delivering his opening remarks at a 3-day capacity building workshop for state legislators in Abuja on Thursday, 1st May, 2025. The workshop which aimed at deepening understanding of legislative practices, also geared at fostering transparency and good governance among the three arms of government. According to him, the workshop would offer a strategic opportunity to bridge the existing gaps and build the capacity of lawmakers to fulfill mandates more effectively. His words: "as the saying goes, "the morning tells the day." From what I have seen so far, this workshop is well-thought out and well-organized. I have no doubt that it wi...

  A social-political group, Coalition Of Democrats (CODE), dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability, has raised red flags over the hijacking of the Akwa Ibom State Government's Arise Empowerment programs by stakeholders in some Local Government Areas, particularly in Ukanafun, Ibiono Ibom  and Essien Udim. The group expressed deep dissatisfaction that the program, designed to empower grassroots communities, especially farmers, artisans, and small-scale business owners, has been compromised by the inclusion of influential individuals on the beneficiaries list. This development they say has undermined the program's integrity and denied genuine beneficiaries the support meant for them. Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Friday , Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh, Secretary of CODE, commended the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for initiating the life-touching program aimed at improving the lives of people at the grassroots.   Dr. Akpanusoh, howev...

By Asuquo Edem    In a show of solidarity and statesmanship, some stakeholders under the agis of Coalition of Democrats (CODE), has stated their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Pastor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio, going by their display of good governance towards the sustainability of democracy in the country.   This was contained in a communique read by the National Coordinator of the group, Barr Usenobong Akpabio while briefing the Press yesterday 24th April at Kiniz Apartments in Uyo.  While commending the President Tinubu over the recent flag off of the Akwa Ibom section of the coastal highway project amongst others, Barr Akpabio noted that "This is one of Mr President’s strategic economic reforms that is already setting Nigeria in the path of economic recovery/ prosperity and political development"   He commended Governor Umo Eno for his visionary stewardship and unifying approach to governance and his introduction of the...

  Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, on Sunday, shared his motivations for sponsoring his young constituents to pursue advanced studies in international trade in China. Idem, while addressing members of the Ukanafun Youth for Good Governance who were on a courtesy visit to him at his residence in Uyo, emphasised that this overseas training initiative is one of the his ways of expressing gratitude and giving back to his constituents. He stated that the programme aligns with his commitment to train 100 Akwa Ibom youths in essential skills that will enhance their efficiency and global competitiveness, enabling them to positively impact their communities, the state, and the nation. Having recently sent off the 10th batch of young constituents from Ukanafun/Oruk Anam to China, Idem noted that the all-expenses-paid training is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive anywh...

Secondary school teachers posted to rural areas in the State would have a sigh of relief as lawmakers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has advocated to the State Government for the provision of live-in quarters to reduce the burden of transportation and solve issues of accomodation.  This was sequel to a report presented to the House by the Chairman House Committee on Education, Hon. Kenim Onofiok during Plenary today. Hon. Onofiok informed the House that the Committee had invited stakeholders from the Ministry including Commissioner for Education, Chairmen, State Secondary Education Board, Permanent Secretaries to discuss on the matter. The House thereafter dissolved into the Committee of the Whole where the two recommendations of the report were adopted. The House  recommended that the State Government extends the fencing of schools to every local government area in the State and also prioritize the building of live-in  quarters for teachers to provide accommoda...

  By Edet Okpo When news broke in 2023 that Dr. ( Barr) Ekong Sampson was entering the race for the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District  National Assembly election, it did not sound as any surprise to the people of the senatorial district who already knew him and his towering record of dedicated public service. The news had been a long-awaited declaration from one of the soundest brains, celebrated lawmaker, cerebral scholar, investor cum entrepreneur, and advocate of the masses. So, the atmosphere was that of ecstasy, frenzied applause, and great expectations. Hence, in spite of what looked like shadow of opposition from self-serving jokers in the senate race, the question amongst the electorate was never if Dr. ( Barr) Ekong Sampson will win but if the election was going to be free and fair for him to win overwhelmingly. And because the election was free and fair, the winner was known even long before half the ballot was counted.  That  historic victory ushered Akw...

  By Asuquo Edem  Team Nigeria’s six-man squad is brimming with confidence as they head to the 2025 World Junior and Cadet Fencing Championships in Wuxi, China, from April 7 to 15. The team  which includes three siblings who are Malaysia based; Miss Sarah Sofea Idongesit Warrie, Mahadi Idongesit Warrie and  Mahathir Idongesit Warrie all making their international debut for Nigeria are children to Dr. Idongesit Warrie from Nsit Ubium and Dr. Ayu Ningrad, a Malaysian. Others in the team are Inkosi Brou the highest ranked fencer who is the team lead and US-based Peluola Akinbamiro. Speaking to Sports Reporters, Eighteen-year-old Mahathir Idongesit said he aims to finish in the top eight in his first world junior championship. “My target in China is to make it to the top eight. I also hope to give my best no matter the outcome,” Four fourteen-year-old Mahadi Idongesit, his ambition is to reach the podium. “My target is to get on the podium and finish among the top three....

  A socio-cultural cum socio-political association, "Circle of Trust", has formally announced its formation in Akwa Ibom State, while declaring Dr. Eunice Thomas as Grand Matron. Dr. Thomas — former Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Education respectively in Akwa Ibom State, is Non-Executive Director on the Board of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).  Speaking during a visit to the Director, Mrs. Magdalene Leo, president of CoT, disclosed that their choice of Dr. Thomas as grand matron is because of her impactful mentorship of women and young people, and time-tested credibility as a beacon of hope for Ibeno community. The Forum further described her as a "friend of widows, not only in Ibeno land but across other local government areas of the state", and a "woman who gives strength to those without strength". As stated by Mrs. Leo, parts of the Forum's aims are to enhance rapid community development and fast track women empowerment. ...

  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has set in motion Akwa Ibom State University to establish the Faculty of Medicine. The House in it's Plenary yesterday Thursday mandated the Committee on Education to liaise with the University leadership to commence processes for the establishment of Faculty  of Medicine including tasking the Ministry of Health to commence the process that would lead to the actualisation of the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital project. Rising from a Motion brought before it by Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon. Prince Ukpong Akpabio tittled: "Need to Actualise the College of Medicine in the Akwa Ibom State University" noted that the commencement of Medicine Faculty would increase indigenous manpower in the health sector, provide professional training, as well as boost the school academic programmes. Hon. Ukpong Akpabio expressed concern over the absence of the Faculty of Medicine in the University, which according  to ...

Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has urged the Senate to investigate the alleged illegal annexation of Nigerian Mangrove Islands situated at Efiat in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State by the Republic of Cameroon.  The Senator made this known at Tuesday plenary through a motion brought under Order 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended. Describing the encroachment as an act of economic sabotage and a violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, Senator Bassey highlighted the urgency of the matter, stressing that the annexed territory was never part of the lands ceded to Cameroon under the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision of October 2002.  Senator Bassey, through the motion, outlined “the economic significance of the annexed Mangrove Island, which hosts extensive fishing routes and approximately 2,500 oil wells. The revenue from these resources, which should rightf...

  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has moved swiftly to halt the state of insecurity experienced by Indigenes of Ini local government area. The House called on security agencies to step in immediately to arrest the situation and bring normalcy to the affected areas. Rising from a matter of urgent public importance brought before it by the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, the House expressed worry over the invasion and abduction of persons in the affected community and charged relevant agencies on the need to bring peace . Hon. Udoide informed the House that on the 3rd of this month(March),while the people of Okpoto in Iwere Clan were in their Farms, they heard gunshots and in the process, two of his constituents were abducted and taken to Atani in Aruchukwu. He added that the people of Okpoto are living in palpable fear of their lives and not able to move about freely. He called on the House to task the Executive to wade into the crisis which is in...

  In the opening ceremony of the free medical outreach for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, dignitaries have expressed joy and enthusiasm towards the health services sponsored by Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon to give succour to the health needs of Itu and Ibiono Ibom Constituents. While declaring the event open earlier today, the health commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John said that free medical outreach is a great feat because healthcare is not cheap. He especially appreciated the House of Representatives Member for giving priority to the health of his constituents. Dr. Ekem advised all health personnel to approach every case with care and love.  In his remark, the Member representing Itu Ibiono Ibom in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien said that as a Chairman, House Committee on Health, Food and Nutrition, he was glad to identify with the programme. He noted that the select health personnel are professionals. "As the Chairman, House Committee on Health...

It was an emotional scene at Palmer Memorial Hospital, Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, on Tuesday, as tears of joy and songs of praise filled the air at the commencement of a free medical and surgical outreach sponsored by the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Hon. (Barr.) Obong Ime Okon. The outreach, which attracted a large turnout of beneficiaries, saw elderly men and women, children, physically challenged and constituents with chronic ailments throng the venue for medical attention. Many of them were transported to the centre in buses provided by Rep Ime Okon. A team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, surgeons, optometrists, and dentists, attended to patients with various health conditions. Cases ranging from high blood pressure, malaria, and typhoid to complex surgical procedures were lined up to be handled, while others who required continuous care were referred to private hospitals, with the financial burden sh...

ITORO BASSEY  The residents of the Ikot Nte community in Etinan Local Government Area have appealed to Governor Umo Eno for assistance in constructing the Ikot Obio Eka–Ikot Ibok–Ikot Nte–Mbioto II Road, which is the only major route connecting their village to Mbioto and Etinan town. During separate interviews with reporters over the weekend, community members said Ikot Nte has become socially and economically isolated from neighboring communities in Iman South, Etinan.  They said the situation has worsened due to the broken Ikot Nte–Mbioto Bridge, which has also developed dangerous gullies. Obong Joshua Amos, the Village Head of Ikot Nte, described the community's plight as one of being cut off from civilisation. He noted that residents are now struggling to access the General Hospital in Mbioto II, a vital health facility that was once easily reachable. "Our village can no longer access the General Hospital in Mbioto, which is just an eight-minute drive away. Due to the cur...

  By Edet Okpo "Elections are over, and our kindred spirit must be renewed and deepened. We are all Akwa Ibomites first before politics. Politics therefore must not separate or sever the ties of our brotherhood and common heritage and aspirations, I pledge to you that I will be Governor for all Akwaibomites, irrespective of political persuasions or affiliations. I call on our people to come together, and let’s build a State where the pain of one Akwa Ibomite is the pain of all, and where the success of one Akwa Ibomite is the success for all. We have been too polarized by politics, This should not be" - Gov Umo Eno  The superscripted quote is an extract from the maiden speech of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, on May 29, 2023. Because of our past, some persons then may have dismissed the governor's utterances as one of those things they've heard before from those in that position. How wrong they were! One recent happening that has launched the Governor on local, natio...

  By Edet Okpo With Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan's antics in the Senate collapsing like a park of cards, it is expected that she has learnt her lessons beyond the shows she has put up. It is now more obvious that she was simply using the ploy to launder her ego and seek a celebrity status. Too bad.  If her cohort of advisers really loved her, they should first have advised her to go for tutelage as a trainee-comedian under one of the seasoned comedians in Nollywood, Nigeria’s bourgeoning film industry of all-comers and not to contest to become a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.! Alternatively, lady Natasha herself should have engaged some smart miscreants in motor parks in nearby Nyanya or Kwakwalada to train her on how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create contents to entertain market women in Kogi Central District, her Constituency, which she had abandoned in preference for fake dramas of no consequence in the Hallowed Chamber.  Indeed, if Natasha’s...