The Empire Naija

  Mary Ekere The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Uyo and District Society, has honoured corporate organisations and individuals for their exceptional support in capacity development and in advancing the Institute’s mission and professional standards. The recognitions were conferred at the Society’s 2nd Annual Dinner and Award Night, held at Breakfort Hotels and Suites, Uyo, on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Speaking at the event, Chairman of CITN Uyo and District Society, Dcns Idorenyin Charles William, said the awards go beyond recognition, celebrating organisations and individuals whose ethical practices, commitment and professional contributions have strengthened the Society’s reputation and standards. According to her, awards were presented in three categories — Corporate, Members and Non-Members — based on clear criteria of integrity, measurable impact, service and commitment to excellence. She noted that the Awardees represent the values the Institute upholds...

This Tuesday, December 16th, the Village Square at Unity Park in Uyo transforms into a stage for a unique cultural journey. Day 16 of the Ibom Christmas Unplugged 3.0 festival presents a special double showcase, featuring two distinct Local Government Areas: Ini and Itu. This is a rare opportunity to witness the breadth of Akwa Ibom's heritage in a single day, moving from the deep ancestral traditions of the north to the historic crossroads of the south. The journey begins at 11 AM with Ini Local Government Area. Prepare to be moved by the profound and spiritual Ekpri Ekpe dance. This performance is more than entertainment; it is a sacred expression, a connection to the core spiritual and judicial foundations of the community. It offers a glimpse into the solemn and dignified traditions that have guided the people for generations. Then, as the day progresses, the energy beautifully shifts. At 2 PM, Itu Local Government Area takes the stage with the dynamic and celebratory Abre danc...

  By Edet Okpo, Ph D Senator Ekong Sampson is truly making a difference in the lives of his constituents, promoting healthcare, quality infrastructure, human empowerment and capacity building.  His huge investment in education especially in the provision of scholarship and grants to students is no small feat, and it is clear that he is  passionate about empowering the next generation. What struck me recently was when Senator Ekong Sampson disbursed the sum of 100,000,000 Million Nairan to about 500 Students on December 1, 2025, making his Constituents to believe that When Senator Ekong Sampson says a thing , he does it. His vision for education advancement in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District is commendable. Senator Ekong Sampson's love for quality education has never been in doubt. He is one of the intellectually blessed Senators in the 10th National Assembly, a blessing he has used extensively and ungrudgingly in the development of humanity in numerous ways. In respon...

Imagine a place where ancient civilization meets vibrant modern community. This is Ikono LGA, a destination that defies simple categorization. While proudly bearing the mantle of the Ibibio cradle, it is equally a forward-looking community, home to institutions like the Akwa Ibom State College of Science and Technology and a network of over 150 schools. This fascinating duality makes Ikono a uniquely compelling place to visit. For the cultural purist, Ikono is a treasure trove. It is a living archive where traditions are not performed for tourists but are integral to community life. Yet, this deep respect for heritage coexists with tangible development. Visitors can admire the robust infrastructure, interact with students, and witness a local economy buoyed by civil service, agriculture, and commerce. This harmony offers a realistic and inspiring view of how a society can honor its past while building its future. Your visit supports this organic ecosystem. By exploring Ikono's craf...

There is a colourful reason travellers and culture lovers are heading to Akwa Ibom State this December. Christmas Unplugged 3.0 has become a major cultural festival that brings communities together, and Ika Local Government Area is one of its most anticipated lead performers. Ika is more than a festival presence; it is a community with a history built across more than fifty villages, each contributing to the identity of the larger Annang cultural group. The headquarters at Urua Inyang is a great starting point for visitors interested in seeing traditional village life up close, learning about local customs, and understanding how heritage is preserved in everyday life. What sets the Ika cultural display apart at Christmas Unplugged are the performances that draw from age-old traditions. From symbolic movements to vibrant group dances, visitors witness a deep cultural narrative that reflects unity, shared history, and a strong communal spirit. This cultural expression, known as Akakum or...

Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area brought life, colour, and deep cultural pride to the Christmas Unplugged Village Square on 9 December 2025. Their outing was not just a performance; it was a well-rooted expression of history, unity, and identity that strengthened Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as a global cultural destination. Created on 1 October 1996, Ibesikpo Asutan stands on rich ancestral foundations linked to Asikpo Nnakada of Usakedet. The LGA’s seventy nine villages, bordered by Uyo, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ibom, and Nsit Ubium, share a long history of resilience, strong Christian values, and community cohesion. Since the arrival of Christianity in 1917, the people have maintained a tradition of unity that continues to shape their social and cultural life. Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. Evang. Edidiong Inyang, described the area as “a broom that cannot be broken,” a metaphor that reflects their strength in togetherness. The Chairman highlighted iconic symbols such as the Lion, known...

  The Citizens Roundtable for Good Leadership Initiative, popularly known as the Citizens Assembly, has unveiled an ambitious set of reforms targeted at repositioning Akwa Ibom State for life beyond oil. The proposals emerged from a three-day on-air summit aired live on XL 106.9FM, where experts from agriculture, technology and the maritime sector dissected new economic pathways for the state. The summit, themed “Reimagining Akwa Ibom: Economic Prospects and Opportunities Beyond Oil,” drew specialists including agricultural consultant Dr. Clement Uwem, tech innovators Francis Onuk and Hanson Johnson, and maritime scholar Barr. Kingsley Ekwere. Over the three days — December 2nd, 3rd and 5th — the Assembly hosted robust discussions centred on modern agriculture, digital innovation and the Blue Economy. On the opening day, panelists scrutinised the shortcomings of agribusiness in the state, lamenting poor continuity, weak market linkages and low youth participation. They argued that ...