The Empire Naija

  The South-South Development Commission (SSDC), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), has announced the rollout of Phase II of the Integrated Measles–Rubella and Child Health Vaccination Campaign across the South-South geopolitical zone. The campaign, scheduled to run from January 27 to February 13, 2026, follows an earlier strategic meeting between both agencies and is aimed at expanding access to life-saving vaccines and essential child health services in the region. Speaking on the initiative, the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, said the campaign underscores the commission’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and safeguarding the health of children in the South-South. The exercise will be jointly coordinated with the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina. Under the integrated outreach, residents will receive free, WHO-approved vaccines, including Measles–Rubella, Polio, Routine Immunisation, ...

  By Aniefiok Christopher  The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has called on relevant agencies of government to ensure mandatory geoscientific investigations before mining activities are carried out in the country. President of the Society, Mrs Rose Ndong, made the call in Uyo during a recent news conference as part of activities marking the 261st National Council Meeting of NMGS. Ndong maintained that such investigations would not only serve as a foundation for sustainable infrastructure development but enhance environmental management. She frowned at the rate with which illegal mining activities are carried out in the country, stressing that aside the economic loss Nigeria had suffered, the environmental degradation had been worrisome. Ndong raised concerns over pushbacks from the people who engaged in such practices when confronted and advocated more sensitisation of the public to curb the menace. “NMGS will continue to advocate for mandatory geoscientific in...

By Henshaw NYONG. Following the overwhelming endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno by traditional rulers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Barr. Obong Ime Bassey Okon, has declared that Akwa Ibom State will be at the forefront of the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Okon, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, spoke at the weekend while reacting to the high-powered endorsement by royal fathers at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, describing the action as historic, fatherly and deeply symbolic. According to the lawmaker, himself a multiple traditional title holder, when traditional rulers, who are custodians of culture and fathers of the land, collectively rise to endorse leaders, it speaks volumes about performance, trust and visible progress. Hear him: “These ro...

  By Edet Okpo, PhD  A formidable Students' Support Group in Akwa Ibom State, under the aegis of Akwa Ibom South Students For Ekong Sampson ( AISSES), has thrown its weight behind the collective position of Stakeholders of Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District to reject notion for single tenure and replacement of an elected Senator in the Senatorial District during the 2027 National Assembly election but resolve to support experience, capacity and encourage ranking in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. It would be recalled that on December 30, 2025, during Eket Senatorial District Stakeholders' Meeting at Villa Marina, Eket, Chaired by the Chairman of Eket Senatorial District Stakeholders' Forum, Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien, after a detailed and Comprehensive Briefing by Senator Ekong Sampson and upon satisfaction of performance and quality representation in less than 3 years in Office, a motion was duly moved by the immediate past Secretary to the Akwa Ibom Sta...

  By Edet Okpo, PhD In furtherance of his sustained efforts in spreading quality  life- touching projects across the length and breadth of Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District,  the Chairman, Senate Committee On Solid Minerals and Senator representing Akwa Ibom South( Eket) Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Abuja, Senator Ekong Sampson PhD, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 flagged off  a Solar Powered Water Project and classroom Block at A.M.E Zion School, Idua Assang, in Oron Local Government Area.  The lawmaker disclosed that when completed, the two projects will be named after his close ally and  colleague, late Hon. ( Pastor ) Oyong Etim Asuquo who was the Chairman Of Oron Local Government Council the  same time hẹ was the Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council. Accompanied by some Members of former Local Government Chairmen Forum in Akwa Ibom State, (Class of 2003), including  Hon. Prince Uwem Ita Etuk, former Chairm...

  By Udeme Hosea  Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee (PPMC), Hon. Godwin Ekpo and members of the committee has met with the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom State Command to strengthen collaboration and improve service delivery. Speaking during the meeting at the command headquarters in Uyo on tuesday, Hon Ekpo while welcoming the new state Commandant, comdt Geraldine Sixtus Abetianbe to Akwa Ibom State, emphasized the importance of working together to achieve the committee's goals and targets. The Committee Chairman, appreciated the command for their support to the committee in the last one year, announced their commitment to work in the interest of the Akwa Ibom Publics. Responding, the NSCDC state Commandant, Comdt. Geraldine Abetianbe, who has served in various capacities, including as Division Officer in Calabar South, Bakassi , Ebonyi and Ohafia, praised Governor Umo Eno's empowerment initiatives in the state, pledge...

  By Asuquo Edem  The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has resolved to partner with the private sector to establish recycling plants across the state as part of efforts to address environmental challenges, create jobs, and boost economic growth. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled “Waste to Wealth: Need to Partner with the Private Sector to Establish a Recycling Plant in the State,” sponsored by the Member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, KSJI. Presenting the motion, Prince Akpabio expressed concern over the rising volume of commercial and domestic waste generated daily in the state, noting that much of it is disposed of in landfills or ends up blocking drainage systems, thereby increasing the risk of flooding and public health hazards. He noted that recycling offers significant environmental advantages over landfills, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water contamination, and the release of toxic ...