The Empire Naija

  A member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, on Wednesday marked his birthday with a series of empowerment initiatives, including the donation of a brand-new Toyota car to a loyal supporter and cash support to small business owners in Uyo. The lawmaker, who represents Uyo State Constituency and is popularly known as “CAPO,” presented the vehicle to Comrade Daniel Dominic Okon, in recognition of his years of dedication and grassroots mobilization for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area.   Okon, an indigene of Eniong Offot Village in Offot Clan, has reportedly supported the lawmaker and the party for over eight years, contributing to political campaigns and community engagement across Uyo Local Government Area. In addition to the car gift, two constituents — Mr. Sabbath Inyang Udoh and Mr. Anthony Charles Akpan — received ₦250,000 each as business support grants aimed at boosting their livelihoods. Speaking during the presentation, Mrs....

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has taken a significant step toward strengthening the state’s agricultural value chain, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to partner with the private sector in establishing more primary food processing and packaging centres. The resolution followed deliberations on a motion sponsored by Chief Whip and Member representing Mbo State Constituency, Effiong Johnson, who highlighted the urgent need to address post-harvest losses and improve the market value of agricultural produce in the state. Presenting the motion during plenary, Johnson noted that the state’s ongoing agricultural renaissance has encouraged many residents to return to farming, leading to expectations of increased harvests in the coming seasons. He, however, warned that without adequate processing and storage facilities, much of the produce could be lost, undermining farmers’ efforts and economic gains. The lawmaker further stressed that establishing processing and packaging cent...

  More prominent stakeholders in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District have declared their support for the re-election of Senator Ekong Sampson. One of the stakeholders, Usoro Akpanusoh, a two-term former member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency, in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has opposed an earlier motion reportedly moved by Bassey Dan Abia Jnr. during an Eket Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting suggesting that the senatorial seat for the next election cycle be opened to aspirants from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. Akpanusoh described the proposal as unpopular, insisting that it does not reflect the general sentiment of stakeholders across the district. The former Vice Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Area described Senator Ekong Sampson as a seasoned lawyer and experienced legislator who has demonstrated competence and leadership at the National Assembly. He noted that the senator has contributed meaningfully to the stability and effectiveness...

  By Aniefiok Christopher  Renowned Ministers of the Gospel last Thursday witnessed the formal inauguration of the School of Wisdom, an apostolic platform founded by Dr Mike Eduok to unravel the mysteries of God to believers in Uyo. Speaking on the essence of spiritual education, the Convener and Coordinator of Mike Eduok Foundation hinted that men could come to the realization of God's purpose in their lives, when they know the truth, hence the School of Wisdom is formed to direct believers to the plan of God in their lives. Quoting Ephesians 1:15 -20, the Convener explained that wisdom can be acquired by reason of age, through learning and most importantly, through apostolic signature, it is spiritually imparted divine deposit, which manifest itself in creative and innovative thinking. "We are living in a season where men must be wise. So we are opening this hall to you today for studies" Dr Eduok hinted. He added that the challenges of life can be handled through divi...

Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS), has directed IMMEDIATE commencement of biometric registration and update for all commercial tricycles and mini-buses begining from Monday, March 16, 2026.

  By Ẹdẹt Okpo, PhD As major Stakeholders, political and Community leader s, groups and  Party Chieftains across various local government areas within Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District,  continue to endorse the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District in the National Assembly,  Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson,PhD, Stakeholders from Mkpat Enin Local government area, have unanimously adopted their Son, Senator Ekong Sampson, Governor Umo Eno and President Bola Tinubu as their sole Candidates for the 2027 General elections. According to the Stakeholders of Mkpat Enin, their decision to endorse their Son, Senator Ekong Sampson, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for a second term is fundamentally performance-driven, adherence to the existing zoning arrangement and the need to promote ranking in legislative business.  Making their position public after an enlarged Stakeholders Meetin...

Following the success of the first batch and a renewed drive to continue supporting brilliant but indigent students, the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has inaugurated the implementation committee for the second batch of his Educational Support and Bursary Award Scheme. The inauguration took place Tuesday at the constituency office in Itu, where the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to easing the financial burden faced by students pursuing higher education. Represented by the Executive Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Obong Asuakak Umoh, the federal lawmaker said education remains a critical pathway for social advancement, noting that the educational grant initiative was designed to give students from less privileged backgrounds the opportunity to continue their studies. He urged members of the committee to handle the assignment with transparency and fairness, stressing that the selection process must strictly f...

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has initiated steps to investigate the prolonged delay in the construction of the Udung Uko–Itak Road, raising concerns over the state of the project and the circumstances surrounding its non-completion. The resolution followed a motion moved during plenary by the Chief Whip of the House and Member representing Mbo State Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Sir) Effiong Johnson, who called for urgent intervention to determine the true status of the road project. Presenting the motion, Johnson urged the House Committee on Works to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the Udung Uko–Itak Road in order to ascertain the current level of work done and identify the challenges affecting the completion of the project. He further called on the Ministry of Works to conduct a thorough investigation into the contract awarded to Evomec Global Services Limited for the construction of the road. The investigation, he said, should cover the contract terms, funds released...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Monday held a public hearing on three critical environmental bills seeking to regulate scrap metal dealers, prohibit the use of polystyrene and other single-use plastics, and institutionalize climate change action in the state. Declaring the Hearing open, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong who was represented by the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, said the exercise was part of the legislature’s commitment to inclusive law-making and democratic governance. He noted that public hearings provide an avenue for stakeholders and citizens to contribute to legislation that affects their social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Otong explained that the bills under consideration include the Scrap Metal Dealers Regulation Bill, the Polystyrene and Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Bill, and the Akwa Ibom State Climate Change Bill. According to him, the proposed laws reflect the 8th Assembly’s determination to ena...

  Edet Okpo, PhD  As the Second term Support structure Of Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator representing Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District in the National Assembly, keeps swelling every day, another prominent political heavyweight from Oro Nation and former Speaker Of Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chief Peter Linus Umoh, says he is fully in alignment with the majority Of Stakeholders from Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District to endorse and Support Senator Ekong Sampson for a second term in the Senate. Addressing Journalists in his Uyo residence at the Weekend, Barr.   Umoh who is also a former Member representing Oron/ Okobo/ Mbo/ Udung Uko/ Urueoffong & Oruko Federal Constituency in the House Of Representatives Abuja, stated thus: " As a former Speaker Of Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly and former Member Of the House Of Representatives, I think I am better placed with Legislative experience to tell the People Of Akwa Ibom S...

  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly is set to hold a public hearing on three key pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening environmental protection and improving regulatory oversight across the state. The hearing, convened by the House Committee on Environment, will deliberate on the Scrap Dealers Bill, 2025; the Polystyrene (Styrofoam) and Other Single Use Plastics (Prohibition) Bill, 2025; and the Akwa Ibom State Climate Change Bill, 2024. The public hearing is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Conference Hall of Luton Park Hotels, No. 1 Unity Park Road, off Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The engagement is expected to attract stakeholders from relevant sectors, including environmental experts, industry operators, civil society groups, and members of the public, who will be given the opportunity to present memoranda and make contributions to the proposed legislation. The Scrap Dealers Bill seeks to regulate scrap trading activities wit...

  One of the major Stakeholders in  Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District and political  leader of Esit Eket Local Government Area, Elder Benjamin Udobia, has joined the league of other prominent Stakeholders in the Senatorial District to endorse Senator Ekong Sampson,  Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals and Senator representing Akwa Ibom South ( Eket)  Senatorial District in the National Assembly, for a second term. Speaking on Monday , March  2, 2026,  during an exclusive interview with some Journalists in his Uyo residence,  Elder Udobia stated that returning  Senator Ekong Sampson to the Senate will be an icing on the cake and will greatly leverage his status to attract more projects and quality programs to the Senatorial District. The renowned Elder Statesman hinted that his decision to back Senator Ekong Sampson's second term bid was based on his superlative performance in the area of lawmaking,  oversight, represen...

  A foremost umbrella Media Advocacy Group in Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District , with a mandate to promote transparency, accountability and impact in governance, the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, has thrown its weight behind the collective position of Stakeholders of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District , during Stakeholders Meeting on December 30, 2025 at Villa Marina, Eket to adhere to zoning, promote performance, encourage ranking and ensure Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator representing Akwa Ibom South(Eket )Senatorial District in the National Assembly , remains in the Senate beyond 2027. The Chairman, Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, Elder Edet Okpo ,PhD, dropped the hint today while interfacing with a cross section of Newspaper publishers and online bloggers at NUJ Press Center, Information Drive, Uyo  According to Dr. Edet Okpo, the convergence of voices—from political leaders and party...

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally commenced preparations for its 2026 National Convention with the inauguration of a Central Coordination Committee, appointing Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, as Secretary of the Venue Committee. The inauguration ceremony, held Wednesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, drew the attendance of key party leaders, national officers, and members of the newly constituted committee. Ms. Akpabio’s appointment places her at the heart of logistical and operational planning for the highly anticipated convention. As Secretary of the Venue Committee, she is tasked with coordinating critical aspects of site management and infrastructure to ensure a seamless and well-organized event. In his inaugural address, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the 2026 Convention as a defining moment for the party. He emphasized that the ga...

  As the women of Nsit Atai Local Government Area converged for the ongoing Women Sensitization Tour on Civic Responsibilities, the member representing Uyo/Uruan/Nsit Atai/Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency, Rep Mark Esset has assured Pastor Umo Eno, PhD that the entire Nsit Atai Women are in total support of his administration. Esset made the assurance today, at the Women Sensitization Tour On Civic Responsibilities, hosted at Otuekong Raphael Bassey Unity Hall, Odot, Nsit Atai Local Government Headquarters. With the Theme: "Women Arise", the  sensitization programme is part of a statewide initiative aimed at encouraging women to embrace their civic responsibilities through electronic voter registration, acquisition of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and active participation in governance ahead of future elections. Addressing the gathering, Rep Mark Esset commended the State Government delegation ably led by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi for ta...

  The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), Usoro Akpabio, on Tuesday presented the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal to the National Assembly of Nigeria, outlining a renewed focus on measurable and transparent regional development. Akpabio told lawmakers that the proposed budget signals a transition from the Commission’s foundational institutional planning phase to the implementation of structured, results-driven programmes aimed at delivering tangible impact across the South-South region. Speaking during separate sessions with the Senate and the House of Representatives Committees on SSDC, she stressed that the region must experience development that reflects its significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy. “The South-South must not only generate national revenue; it must experience development proportional to its contribution, because when the region develops structurally, Nigeria advances sustainably,” she said. The Se...

  The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Ph.D. In a goodwill message, the federal lawmaker described Senator Eyakenyi as a woman of grace, strength and unwavering dedication to public service, whose contributions to governance have continued to advance the vision of the Akwa Ibom State Government. Rep. Ime Okon commended the Deputy Governor for her steadfast commitment to improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom people, noting that her calm leadership style, depth of experience and strong sense of duty have inspired confidence and stability across the state. He stated that her role in supporting people-oriented policies and sustainable development initiatives remains invaluable to the progress of Akwa Ibom State. “As you mark another year, may God bless you with ren...

  The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing digital empowerment for women, declaring that Nigeria’s future competitiveness depends on strengthening female leadership through technology-driven skills. Akpabio made the assertion while delivering a keynote address at a two-day capacity-building training for spouses of Honourable Members of the House of Representatives. The programme was organised in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as part of broader efforts to deepen digital literacy and inclusion nationwide. “When women leaders strengthen their digital competence, they are not merely learning technology — they are shaping Nigeria’s future,” Akpabio stated. “Digital skills are the currency of modern relevance, and empowerment must move from rhetoric to infrastructure.” She revealed that the pilot phase of the digital t...