The Empire Naija

  The unsanitary condition of the Itam Abattoir in Itu Local Government Area has come under scrutiny, with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Nutrition and Food Security expressing displeasure over the unhygienic environment and warning of its potential consequences for public health. The committee, during an unscheduled oversight visit to the facility on Friday, October 30, 2026, described the state of sanitation as unacceptable and called for urgent intervention to safeguard consumers of meat and other animal products across the state. Leading the inspection, Chairman of the Committee and Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Moses Essien, described the sanitary condition of the abattoir as “dirty and shameful”, insisting that the facility fell short of acceptable hygiene standards expected of a public meat-processing centre. Essien said the oversight exercise was part of the legislature's responsibility to monitor government-owned facilities an...

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of a comprehensive Emerging Technologies Legislative Framework designed to prepare the State for the next generation of digital and technological development. The Framework comprises five proposed Bills covering Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain and Web3, Edge Computing and Internet of Things, Autonomous Robotics and Precision Drones, and Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Spatial Computing. Together, these technologies are increasingly becoming foundational infrastructure for the modern economy. Hon. (Engr.) Uduak-Obong Ekpo-Ufot, the lead sponsor of the five Bills, has emphasised that the proposed legislation is intended to operate consistently with applicable Federal Government laws and other regulatory institutions. The Framework is built around six strategic objectives as follows: Responsible Innovation — by creating an environment where businesses can innovate and Akwa Ibomites are protected from unreas...

  By Asuquo Edem  The 26th of October, 2026, was more than a birthday celebration. It was a gathering of generations, a convergence of distinguished personalities and a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of a man whose footprints span engineering, industrial development, entrepreneurship, public service and political leadership. For Otuekong (Engr.) Offiong Usen Akpabio, turning 80 was an opportunity not merely to count the years but to celebrate a life of accomplishment, acknowledge a legacy of service and draw inspiration from the experiences of a man who has distinguished himself in several spheres of human endeavour. Family members, friends, political associates, professional colleagues and admirers converged to honour the eminent engineer and industrialist, whose contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria have earned him recognition across generations. The atmosphere at Lamems Hotel, venue for the auspicious occasion was one of gratitude, adm...

   By Edet Okpo Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District took a decisive turn yesterday as critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP Chapter Chairmen and the Oron Chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors unanimously endorsed Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD, for a second term in the Senate. The group also endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, Rep. Martins Esin (Oron Federal Constituency), Rt. Hon. Chief Kenim Onofiok (Oron State Constituency), Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, Rt. Hon. Precious Selong and Engr. Okon Bassey as their preferred candidates. The endorsement was announced by the Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Oron Chapter, *Elder Uwe Akan*, during an enlarged stakeholders' meeting comprising youth organisations, women groups, APC ward chairmen and grassroots mobilisers across Oron Local Government Area. Akan, who described the endorsement as a product of painstakin...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, describing the development as a significant milestone for education, agricultural advancement and economic growth in the state. The commendation was made during plenary on Wednesday, following a motion moved by the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Hon. Sampson Idiong, and seconded by the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon. Eric Akpan. Lawmakers expressed optimism that the new federal institution would expand access to tertiary education, strengthen agricultural research, promote technological innovation and equip students with the knowledge and skills required to drive Nigeria's agricultural transformation. Leading the call for the House to formally appreciate the President, Idiong, the Deputy Chief Whip, acknowl...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has unanimously approved a proposed amendment to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the establishment of State Police Services, with all 26 lawmakers present voting in favour. The approval was granted during plenary on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Inter-governmental, Political and Special Matters on the 1999 Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026. The report was presented by the committee chairman, Hon. Emem Udom, as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process being coordinated by the National Assembly and requiring ratification by state legislatures. The motion for the adoption of the report was moved by the member representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, and seconded by the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide. In its report, the committee explained that th...

  By Catherine Akpan Scores of farmers in Eket Local Government Area were yesterday presented with improved agricultural seeds under the Transforming Lives Through Nutrition (TLTN) project, implemented by Helen Keller International, Vitamin Angels and iDE, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The participants, mainly women, received high-yielding varieties of vitamin A-fortified maize, okra, and groundnut seeds after undergoing training on climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity, nutrition, and household livelihoods. Speaking before the flag-off exercise at the Council headquarters, the Programme Manager, Mr Michael Daniel described the Transforming Lives Through Nutrition as a global project implemented in twelve countries including Nigeria and the project is currently implemented in 13 States of the federation including Akwa Ibom State. According to him, hundreds of women from the 5 LGAs in the State...

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) has called for urgent government intervention to halt the devastating erosion menace threatening lives, property and socio-economic activities in Ikot Nkpo Village, Mbiabong Edem Edik, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area. The resolution of the House followed a motion raised by member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency, Hon. Moses Essien and seconded by his Esit Eket/ Ibeno counterpart, Hon. Udobia Udoh, for consideration during Tuesday's plenary. While describing the situation as an urgent environmental and infrastructure emergency requiring immediate attention from the state government and relevant agencies, Essien noted with regret the negative impact the continued erosion menace has posed to residents and infrastructure, hence, disrupting economic and social activities across the affected communities. Essien attributed the erosion crisis to the 2020 drainage project construction of the Ibiatuk–Ntan Ekere–Mbiabong Edem Edik ...

  A bill seeking to amend some sections of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) law, and a bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State Civil Society Organisations Registry to provide for harmonisation of registrations and related matters have passed first reading at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Additionally, two other bills passed the first reading during plenary on Tuesday, September 29th, at the Assembly Complex along Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo. They are: a bill to provide for the elimination of tuberculosis, protect the rights of persons affected by tuberculosis, prohibit tuberculosis-related discrimination, and address related matters; and a bill to regulate tenancy, the recovery of premises by landlords, and the operations of real estate agents in Akwa Ibom State. Three of the bills are sponsored by Rt. Hon. Kufre Abasi Edidem, Deputy Speaker; Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom State constituency); and Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo (Uyo State constituency), respec...

  By Asuquo Edem  Women in Akwa Ibom State have called for the establishment of a dedicated South-South Women Enterprise Fund to provide grants and other financial support to women entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in rural communities. The call was made by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, who was represented by Mrs. Nkechi Udoh, at a stakeholders’ engagement with women’s groups organised by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) on Tuesday at La Mems Hotel, Uyo. Etukudo said the proposed fund would help bridge the financial gap faced by women entrepreneurs and ensure that development interventions reach women at the grassroots. “Our market women need grants, not just loans at high interest rates,” she said, stressing the need for interventions that would enable women to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute more effectively to the development of their communities. The Commissioner also c...

  Governor Umo Eno has intensified his administration’s youth empowerment drive with the commissioning of a Youth Development Centre in Uruan Local Government Area, designed to provide young people with access to skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and enterprise development opportunities. The centre, commissioned on behalf of the Governor by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Princess Usoro Akpabio, is part of the state government’s plan to establish similar facilities across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State. Speaking at the commissioning, Akpabio described the facility as an investment in the potential of young people, urging beneficiaries to utilise and protect it. She said the centre should serve as a platform where young people could transform ideas into businesses, acquire practical skills and build sustainable careers. “For me, this occasion is particularly special because Uruan is home. To our...

  All Weather Golf (AWG) has honoured Captain William Uwemedimo Iyoho for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the aviation industry. Captain Iyoho was recognised at an event held at Luton Park Hotel, Uyo, which brought together golfers, friends, associates and members of the golfing community to celebrate his accomplishments as an international pilot, entrepreneur and golfer. The citation presented in his honour described him as a distinguished aviator, entrepreneur, golfer and gentleman, highlighting his more than three decades of professional experience and approximately 9,000 hours of flying. Born on June 6, 1972, in Ikeja, Lagos, to Captain Lawrence Uwem Iyoho and Mrs Obiageli Iyoho, Captain Iyoho had his early education in Lagos before attending Command Secondary School, Jos. He later studied Biochemistry at the University of Uyo, graduating in 1991. His career in aviation began in 1994 when he successfully competed for a helicopter training scholarship with Bris...

  By Edet Okpo  Stakeholders and Stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oron Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State have disowned one of their own, Mr. Etim Isong, over his aspiration to contest the Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. The party leaders also said the move was an attempt to scuttle the age-long zoning arrangement in the senatorial district and unanimously declared that 2027 remains the turn of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency to complete its two terms of eight years in the Senate. Their position was made public on Friday, September 25, 2026, during a press conference held at the Miami Estate Event Centre, Oron by Some Stakeholders and Members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) Addressing journalists at the Press Conference,, Hon. Okon John Okon, who was flanked by Comrade Esin Bassey, Mr. Victor Edet Paul, Evangelist Uloh Anwanadung and Mr. Victor Bassey Eyo, said the stakeholders had unanimously resolved to up...