The Empire Naija

  By Asuquo Edem  The Member representing Okobo State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Environment in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, has presented his two-year scorecard, highlighting legislative achievements and community empowerment projects. Speaking during a media chat at the Assembly complex in Uyo on Friday, the lawmaker thanked the people of Okobo for their support and pledged continued effective representation in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. Hon. Bassey said his stewardship focuses on human empowerment, community development, and unity. He disclosed that within two years, he had sponsored and co-sponsored several key bills, including the Bill to Regulate Scrap Metal Dealers (HAB 367), the Agricultural Loans Amendment Law, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Law, and the Infrastructure Safety and Management Agency Bill, among others. He also moved motions of urgent public importance, notably seeking govern...

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has urged the state government to establish a State Central Revenue Account (SCRA) to unify all revenue collections and curb financial leakages across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The resolution followed a motion moved on the floor of the House by the Leader, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Otobong Bob, during plenary on Monday, brought under Order 3(1) of the Standing Orders of the Assembly. In presenting the motion, Hon. Bob said the adoption of a State Central Revenue Account was crucial to strengthen fiscal transparency and improve cash management in line with global best practices. He recalled that the Federal Government introduced the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in 2012 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, a policy later expanded under President Muhammadu Buhari to consolidate all federal revenues. According to the House Leader, states such as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Oyo and Niger have since domesticated the initiative through digi...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has joined family members, friends, and political associates in celebrating Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) on the occasion of his birthday. In a congratulatory message, Rep. Ime Okon described Senator Bassey Albert as “an accomplished public servant whose passion for progress, excellence, and people-centered leadership continues to inspire many across Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.” “As you celebrate this special day, I pray that God Almighty blesses you with renewed strength, wisdom, and grace to continue serving humanity with distinction,” Rep. Ime Okon stated. The federal lawmaker also extended the goodwill of the people of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, wishing Senator Bassey Albert continued divine health, peace, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead. ©️ Media/Publicity Unit Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency House o...

  Students of Mkpat Enin origin studying in various higher institutions across the country could not hold their joy yesterday as the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwem Peter Imoh-Ita disbursed ₦100,000 each to 105 students. The lawmaker said the gesture was part of his commitment to giving back to the student community and encouraging academic excellence. Speaking at the presentation ceremony held in the Assembly Complex, Hon. Imoh-Ita explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected based on merit and expressed hope that the support would ease the financial burden many students face in the course of their studies. “This is my way of supporting the educational pursuit of our young people. I understand what it means to be a student because I was once a student leader myself. I know the challenges — paying school fees, getting books, and surviving the academic journey,” he said. He added that the intervention ...

  By Aniefiok Christopher  A global fast food giant, Burger King Nigeria, operating as Allied Foods and Confectionery Services at the weekend launched its first restaurant in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, creating opportunities for communities across Nigeria. Located along Oron Road, the new outlet becomes the 25th Burger King location in Nigeria since the brand’s debut at Lagos in 2021. The grand opening attracted guests and fun lovers who were treated to the company's unique taste and flavour amidst cultural display. Among the dignitaries present were the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Entertainment, Mr David Sergeant, the Group Managing Director of Eliana Elios Hotel, Uyo Mr Paul Umanah and Mr Nsikak Essien, a Director in the State Ministry of Information. Welcoming the guests, the Marketing Director for Allied Foods and Confectionery Services, Ms Lerato Makume shared insights into the decision to open in Akwa Ibom, while acknowledging the city’s energy...

  The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has been honoured with the AEMA Black Prize – Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Economic Global Convergence (AEGC) 2025 Summit held in New York. The award celebrates Akpabio’s distinguished career and her transformative impact on Nigeria’s energy and economic sectors, culminating in her leadership at the SSDC, where she is driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta. In her absence, the award was received by Mr. Emeka Ndichie, Managing Director of Atius Synergy Global Ltd. Organizers of the event described Akpabio as “a visionary leader whose strategic contributions have reshaped Nigeria’s energy landscape and advanced inclusive development in the South-South region.” The AEMA Black Prize is one of Africa’s highest honours, bestowed on individuals whose work fosters development, peace, and prosperity across borders. Akpabio was celebrated alongside other global achievers ...

  By Asuquo Edem, Uyo  The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, made history with the investiture of Deaconess Idorenyin Charles Williams, FCTI, as its 6th and first female Chairman at a colourful ceremony held at Jacksville Event Place, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.  The event, attended by industry leaders and members of the Institute, marked a significant milestone for the Uyo District Society and for women in Nigeria’s taxation profession.  In her acceptance speech, Deaconess Williams pledged to provide visionary and inclusive leadership that will strengthen professionalism and expand the Institute’s role in driving economic growth in Akwa Ibom State. “As I assume this role, I recognize that leadership is a collective journey. This mandate belongs to all of us,” she declared. “Together, we shall build a vibrant community that fosters professional growth, continuous learning, and collaboration. We w...

  Substance Nature Akwa Ibom State has maintained a steady appreciative streak of growth in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collections, especially counting from the birth of the ARISE Agenda of Gov. Umo Eno. The State moved two steps upward on the sub-national IGR collections ranking in the 2024, according to latest data released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics and the Joint Tax Board, the body in charge of tax matters in the country. The State ranked eight (8th) position in the 2024 sub-national IGR collections with ₦75.7 billion against the ₦43.1 billion collected in the year 2023, a growth rate that has attracted positive commentaries from commentators. The State also ranked six (6th) position in percentage growth rate in over a 12-months period with a percentage growth performance of 75.45% compared to year 2023. This percentage growth even tops the rich Lagos State which came tops on the IGR collections ranking for 2024 with 54.6 percent growth rate compared to i...

   The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) and the House of Representatives Committee on South-South Development Commission have intensified calls for the full implementation of the Abandonment, Decommissioning, and Environmental Remediation Funds (A&D/ERF) established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. Both bodies described the initiative as a statutory and moral obligation necessary to reverse decades of environmental degradation in Nigeria’s oil-producing South-South region. Speaking during an interactive session held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, joined the Committee Chairman, Hon. Julius Pondi, and other key stakeholders to address the persistent non-implementation of the environmental and decommissioning funds mandated by the PIA. Ms. Akpabio commended the Committee for its proactive oversight and restated the Commission’s readiness to drive coordinated env...

  By Asuquo Edem “Development cannot happen by chance; it requires deliberate planning, credible partnerships, and transparent execution.” — Ms. Usoro Akpabio, MD/CEO, South South Development Commission (SSDC) When Ms. Usoro Akpabio assumed office as the pioneer Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), many wondered how she would navigate the delicate web of politics, development challenges, and regional expectations in one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich yet underdeveloped regions. Barely a year into her tenure, the question is no longer about how — but how far she will go. Under her watch, the SSDC has begun to emerge as a symbol of renewed hope and strategic collaboration for the people of the South-South. With an approach that combines purposeful leadership, inter-agency collaboration, and private sector partnerships, Ms. Akpabio is gradually redefining the narrative of development in a region long associated with oil wealth and environmental degradat...

  As part of efforts to deepen collaboration with key partners in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has paid a working visit to LPV Technologies’ state-of-the-art solar manufacturing plant in Ikotun, Lagos State. The visit, which took place on October 20, 2025, was led by the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, accompanied by members of the Commission’s Management and Board. It followed earlier high-level discussions with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) aimed at expanding clean energy access across the South-South region. According to the Ms. Akpabio, the engagement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports Nigeria’s clean energy transition anchored on the nation’s first local content policy framework for renewable energy manufacturing. The team was warmly received by the Chairman of LPV Technologies, Mr. Nzan Ogbe, and his management team, who conducted the delegation on a guided tour ...

  The Member representing Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, has equipped the newly constructed six-classroom block facilitated and donated by him to Technical College, Ayadehe, Itu LGA, in fulfilment of the furnishing aspect of the project. In a press statement over the weekend, the lawmaker said, "Though the furnishing of the classroom project, donated to the school earlier in the year, was to come later due to the procurement process, more needed to be done to ensure a better environment for the students. That is why I ensured electrical wiring and the installation of fans in those classrooms. "I am an advocate of quality education. Therefore, we will continue to encourage quality learning using resources made available by my office to promote effective education at the grassroots." Okon urged the students, teachers, and community members to protect the infrastructure and other amenities provided for their area so that development can thri...

  By Asuquo Edem Once envisioned as a cornerstone of Akwa Ibom’s agricultural revolution, the Akwa Prime Hatchery and Poultry Limited, located at Mbiaya, Uruan Local Government Area, now lies in a state of neglect — a shadow of the multi-million-naira investment it once was. The facility, designed to deliver 20,000 day-old chicks (DOCs) weekly, has become moribund, failing to serve the purpose for which it was established. This development is particularly worrisome given the current realities facing livestock farmers across the state. The price of a day-old chick has soared to ₦2,200 and may rise to ₦3,000 in the coming weeks — a situation that threatens poultry sustainability and food affordability. Ironically, despite the presence of a state-owned hatchery equipped with modern incubators and facilities, the State Ministry of Agriculture reportedly sources DOCs from Ibadan, Oyo State, for onward distribution to farmers in Akwa Ibom. This practice not only questions the viability o...

  A former lawmaker and businessman, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, has condemned what he describes as a recent wave of "blackmail" and "insults" directed at Senate President Chief Akpabio, asserting that such attacks not only tarnish the senator's reputation but also reflect poorly on Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole. Akpanusoh, in a passionate address to the people of Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, eulogised Akpabio's legacy, stating that the senator has made significant contributions not only to his family but also to the entire state and nation. “Senator Akpabio has done well for his family and for the state. May God continue to bless him. His family members should remember that Senator Akpabio does not belong solely to his family—he belongs to the entire Akwa Ibom State and indeed the nation. "I feel deeply saddened and disheartened to read all the accusations against a man who has uncommonly transformed boys into men. The blackmail and insults have b...

  Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Mark Esset, has attained a major academic milestone with the completion of his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership and Strategic Studies from the University of Lokoja. The achievement has been described as a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for excellence. Congratulatory messages have poured in from colleagues and friends who commended Hon. Esset’s commitment to personal growth and his drive to make a greater impact in his community. He was also wished continued success and divine guidance as he takes on new challenges in leadership and service.

  The Member representing Itu-Ibiono Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, and a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, Rt Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, joined other members of the Committee led by its Chairman, Hon. Dr. Amos Magaji, on an oversight visit to Akwa Ibom State on Friday. The visit was in continuation of the Committee’s oversight to all states in the South-South region, aimed at assessing the implementation and performance of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) across the region. During the exercise, the lawmakers toured several primary healthcare facilities to inspect how the fund is being utilized to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots. At the Ministry of Health, the delegation was warmly received by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, who commended the Committee for their patriotic oversight role and commitment to improving healthcare governance in Nigeria. He highlighted recent milesto...

  Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged the management of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to work closely with state governments in the region to ensure coordinated development and prevent duplication of projects. Abbas made the call when he received the SSDC delegation led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. Commending the Commission’s leadership for its unity of purpose, the Speaker emphasized that collaboration and alignment with state development plans would be critical to achieving meaningful and lasting impact. “The Commission must work closely with state governments to avoid duplication of roles. Collaboration and coordination will be key to achieving real impact,” Abbas stated. He also charged the SSDC to uphold prudence, accountability, and integrity in its operations, describing them as the “pillars upon which enduring institutions are b...