The Empire Naija

  By Edet OKPO  Akwa Ibom State Governor,  Pastor Umo Eno, has received strong commendation from the Member representing Okobo State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey for securing international status for Victor Attah International Airport.  The airport recently gained full approval for international flight operations on November 27, 2025, after meeting the required standards. Speaking on the sideline of the Coronation of Paramount Ruler of Okobo, His Eminence, Edidem Ita Okokon, over the weekend,  Hon. Bassey noted that the Governor Eno's efforts have also led to the restoration of night flight operations at the airport, with upgraded navigational and lighting systems.  According  to Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Environment in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the upgrade of the Victor Attah Airport is expected to boost tourism and economic growth in Akwa Ibom State, pos...

  The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), Mr. Okon Okon, has assured residents and businesses in the state that the new national tax reforms currently being implemented by the Federal Government will bring far-reaching reliefs, curb multiple taxation and boost economic growth across the country. Addressing journalists yesterday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Uyo, Okon said the reforms, introduced after the Federal Government set up a Tax Reforms Committee in 2023, had stirred public anxiety, making it necessary for authorities to explain their true intentions and benefits. He emphasized that the new framework was designed to correct long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s tax system, many of which were rooted in outdated colonial-era laws. According to him, the previous system was characterized by fiscal imbalance, inconsistent tax administration across different jurisdictions, insufficient transparency and multiple taxpayer identifi...

  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has praised the Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Mark Udo Esset, for what he described as an “impactful and people-oriented representation” in the National Assembly. The commendation came on Thursday during Esset’s Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo. Governor Eno, represented by his Political Adviser, Prince Godwin Ntuk Udeh, Ph.D, said Esset’s development-driven interventions align with the state government’s ARISE Agenda. According to the Governor, Esset’s legislative strides—ranging from bills sponsorship to free medical outreaches, installation of solar-powered boreholes, and human capacity development—have reinforced the administration’s push for inclusive growth and grassroots empowerment. He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received and continue supporting government programmes designed to uplift communities. S...

  By Aniefiok Christopher  The Acting Managing Director of Ibom Power Company, Engr Camillus Umoh says Nigerians are all partakers in the sin of not paying for power already generated, transmitted and distributed to the end users. Engr Umoh, a former Commissioner for Power made the revelation known this Monday, when he conducted journalists on a clarification visit to Ibom Power Plant at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The Managing Director revealed, against all odds, that the Power Plant is presently generating 82 megawatts of power daily, that is eventually transmitted to the national grid, through the power value chain in the country. Conducting journalists round the plant, the MD, accompanied by the Company Secretary, Barr Ime Asibong, the Plant Manager, Mr Aniefiok Sunday and the  HSE Manager, Mr Iniobong Udofia said electricity consumers who bypass their prepaid meters or consume power without commensurate payments, have contributed to the probl...

  Nigeria’s campaign for stronger female representation in governance gained renewed momentum on Tuesday as prominent women leaders, policymakers, and advocates converged in Abuja for the official unveiling of the “Empower Her Project,” a new initiative championing women’s political and economic inclusion. The event, held at the National Women Development Center, drew a distinguished audience, reflecting the growing national commitment to advancing women’s voices in public leadership. The Special Guest of Honour, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, wife of the Vice President, was represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Media & ICT (Office of the Vice President), Hon. Kwapchi Bata Hamman. Among other notable attendees were former Kaduna First Lady Mrs. Amina Elizabeth Yakowa; President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun; former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Senator Binta Garba; and Federal Housing Authority Exec...

The Majority Leader of the 8th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly who doubles as the member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency Bob Otobong PhD seeks full cooperation of all key players in the executive arm of Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure timely passage of the State's 2026 Appropriation Bill. He made this appeal at today's plenary while delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the state lawmakers after the presentation of the 2026 appropriation bill by Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno. The Nsit Ubium Assemblyman who highlighted the budget size of NGN1.390trillion so presented commended  the Governor on the strategy adopted through town hall meetings, collating citizens input to arrive at the 2026 budget christened "The People's Budget of Expansion and Growth".  He further noted in comparison to the 2025 budget, the meticulousness of the governor and implementation performance of previous budgets. "It is the first of its kind that a...

  Senator Ekong Sampson Empowerment Committee To Disburse ₦100 Million to  The Chairman of the Senator Ekong Sampson Empowerment Committee, Otuekong Barr. Ini Ikott, has announced December 1 as the date for the disbursement of the ₦100 million students’ grant released by Senator Ekong Sampson, the senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, to eligible students. Otuekong Ini Ikott, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, made the disclosure yesterday after a meeting of the Empowerment Committee held at William Shakespeare Hall, Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo. Otuekong Ini Ikott also announced the release by Senator Sampson of another ₦100 million under the business grant and social welfare component of the empowerment programme, while not less than ₦250 million has been earmarked for the skills acquisition and training programme. He said this is in addition to a major free health programme that Senator Sampson is planning for Akwa Ibom South S...

By Asuquo Edem Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has presented a ₦1.390 trillion proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, describing it as “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth.” The appropriation bill, which places significant emphasis on infrastructure and economic expansion, allocates ₦1.035 trillion to capital expenditure and ₦354.8 billion to recurrent expenditure. Presenting the budget, Governor Eno said the document reflects the priorities of citizens across the 31 Local Government Areas, shaped through inputs generated from the State-wide Town Square Meetings. He explained that the 2026 proposal is anchored firmly on the ARISE Agenda, with a strong focus on boosting food security through mechanised agriculture, strengthening value chains, and expanding home-farm and agro-support programmes. He added that improvements in rural electrification, primary healthcare, modern markets, recreation centres, ...

  The Honourable Member representing Okobo State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey , has donated two 1250w gasoline brush cutters( Mowers ) to Model Primary School, Okobo, in a bid to enhance the learning environment for pupils and complement the effort of Governor Umo Eno in providing serene ambience for quality education.   Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Bassey, who also serve as Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, emphasized the importance of a conducive atmosphere in fostering effective knowledge transfer. He explained that the gesture was aimed at complementing the efforts of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, whose administration is committed to providing pupils with a world‑class and serene learning environment.   Hon. Bassey disclosed that during an unscheduled visit to ascertain the state of facilities in the recently commissioned Model school, he observed that the o...

  It was a harvest of completed projects in Uyo Federal Constituency as the member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency,  Rep. Mark Esset PhD, commissioned a cross section of projects facilitated by himself in Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas. The projects commissioned, yesterday, Monday, November 24, 2025, include a renovated dilapidated 4-classroom block at Lutheran Primary School, Ikot Akpa Oso, Asutan Ward 2, and solar powered water borehole project, in Ikot Ikan, Asutan Ward 5, both in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. Other projects are, a constructed and furnished 6-classroom block at Migrant Secondary School, Ibakang, Eastern Nsit Ward 9, and a renovated 5-classroom block at QIC Central School, Iwok, Eastern Nsit Ward 2, both in Nsit Atai Local Government Area. The epoch making events which drew large crowd of constituents in each of the benefiting wards, is part of activities preceding the mega empowerment prog...

  By Substance Udo-Nature  In preparation for the January 1, 2026 deadline for full implementation of the New Tax Reforms (Establishment) Acts 2025 and as part of its routine mandatory training exercise, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) Uyo and District Society, has successfully conducted its Mandatory Professional Training Programme (MPTP) for members. Held over the weekend at Bezaleel Hotel, Uyo, the event had in attendance 165 certified tax administrators, practitioners and stakeholders as well as interested persons from allied organizations. In her welcome address, Chairman of CITN Uyo and District Society, Deaconess Idoreyin William, FCNA, FCTI noted that the training became necessary to upgrade the knowledge of members particularly in view of emerging demands and expectations of the New Tax Reforms Acts as well as boosting participants' professionalism. Mrs. William who is the first female chairman of CITN in Uyo, noted that the training exercise w...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has extended warm felicitations to the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Okuku (Dr.) Ime Udousoro Inyang, JP, on the occasion of his 81st birthday. In a goodwill message, Rep. Ime Okon described the revered monarch as a symbol of wisdom, integrity, and cultural strength whose leadership has contributed immensely to unity and stability across Ibiono Ibom communities, and beyond. The federal lawmaker noted that the royal father has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon dedication to peacebuilding and community development, earning the respect and admiration of both traditional institutions and public office holders. “His Majesty’s steady, compassionate, and purposeful leadership has continued to strengthen our traditional heritage and promote harmony among our people,” the lawmaker stated. Rep. Ime Okon further emphasized the monarch’s...

Stakeholders of Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency on Friday adopted Hon. Mark Esset PhD for a second term in the House of Representatives. The endorsement was made at a well-attended meeting held at his Uyo residence, where he briefed stakeholders from the forty-two wards of the four local government areas on his stewardship in the last two years. The highpoint came when the member representing Uyo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, speaking on behalf of all lawmakers from the four LGAs, moved a formal motion endorsing Hon. Esset for another term. He said the stakeholders and all who understand parliamentary work have followed his performance closely and noted that Hon. Esset has exceeded expectations. The motion was immediately seconded by the member for Uruan State Constituency, Hon. Dr. Itorobong Etim, and accepted by the presiding officer, Hon. Prince-aniefiok Attah, alongside all stakeholders present. The meet...

  Today, Eighty Seven(87) years ago, in the then remote community of Okop Ndua Erong, in Asutan Ekpe clan of Ibesikpo/Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah was born as the third child to the family of Obong Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah. His mother was Madam Agnes Bassey Attah. The young Victor Attah was a pupil of Native Authority School, Okop Ndua Erong before proceeding to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar. Obong Victor Attah obtained his Bsc Degree from Leeds College of Arts, London, a PGD in Building Science from Liverpool University in 1965 and crowned it with a Master's Degree in Advanced Architectural designs from Colombia University in New York. This promising son of Obong Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah was a very successful and most sought after Architect among his peers. Being born to lead and build, he delved into the murky waters of politics, the path his father, Obong Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah charted with the legendary Ibibio State Union, a path...

  For millions of residents across the South-South—farmers, fisherfolk, traders and youths—the promise of real, people-centred development has long felt overdue. That hope resurfaced on Wednesday as the leadership of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) met with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, reaffirming a shared commitment to improving lives in the oil-rich region. During the courtesy visit in Abuja, SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, said the commission’s work goes beyond infrastructure. She noted that the core mission is to impact ordinary families whose livelihoods have been shaped—often negatively—by years of environmental degradation, lack of basic amenities, and limited economic opportunities. “Our focus is on driving development that touches real people,” Akpabio said. “We are strengthening collaboration so that communities in the South-South can finally enjoy sustainable growth and dignified living conditions.” For his pa...

  The construction of Ekpenyong Urua Street, off Oron Road, is currently underway, as Rep. Mark Esset PhD, the Honorable Member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan/Federal Constituency, continues to deliver on his promise to improve infrastructure in the area. The 0.2 kilometers road, located at Mbiabong, opposite NNPC Station, is being properly asphalted to ensure a smooth ride for residents and commuters. This project is part of Rep. Esset's ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure in Uyo Federal Constituency, in line with the A.R.I.S.E Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno's administration in Akwa Ibom State. This latest project follows the successful completion of other roads in Uyo Local Government Area, including Atakpo Street, off Uruan Street entrance, and Ifa Atai Street, which have significantly improved the lives of residents and commuters in the area. Rep. Esset's infrastructure drive has been praised by constituents, who acknowledge his commitment to deliv...