The Empire

In keeping to his promise of  supporting the elderly as well as attending to the welfare of serving and retired government workers, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has set up modalities to settle the lingering issue of harmonised pension for Pioneer Retired Permanent Secretaries in the State. Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries at the Government House, Uyo, he noted that the entitlements of workers at all levels will be given adequate attention. The Governor who showed deep compassion on the plight of the elder statesmen, appealed to them to exercise more patience to enable government work out a sustainable plan of resolving the issue. Governor Eno maintained that those who have worked deserve their benefits and assured them that the issue of pension and gratuities will be given deserving attention, within the resources available. He then constituted a  3-Member Committee  comprising the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, a

By Tony Udoh In fulfilment of his promise to run an all inclusive government, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has announced the institution of a trust fund for physically- challenged students in public tertiary institutions with an initial deposit of one hundred million naira (N100, 000, 000). Speaking at a meeting with the National Association of Students with Disability, University of Uyo Chapter, the Governor noted that if those who are physically challenged are willing to go to school, the least that could be done is to support them. Governor Umo who was moved with empathy, urged the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Education to carry out proper profiling to ensure that the beneficiaries of the fund are actually and solely the physically challenged in the state studying in public tertiary institutions. It would be recalled that Pastor Umo Eno had, prior to the electioneering period, interfaced and empowered some physically- challenged

Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, has declared open a two-day Induction Workshop for Honourable Members of the 8th Assembly. The event currently holding at the Four Points by Sharaton, Ikot Ekpene, also has Parliamentary Staff of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly in attendance. Declaring the workshop open on Monday, Rt. Hon. Otong said that the programme would equip lawmakers with necessary skills and knowledge that would enable them deliver on their assignments. He urged the Assemblemen to take full advantage of the workshop which, he noted, would be anchored by seasoned resource persons. "I am fully optimistic that this workshop will be beneficial to all of us as stakeholders in legislative business, and ultimately set the machinery in motion for effective and efficient engagements in our respective Assemblies. "Dear Honourable Colleagues and distinguished participants, I want to implore you to take full advantage of the worksh

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has celebrated the decoration of AIG Ebong Eyibio Ebong as Assistant Inspector General of Police. He lauded the Nigerian Police Force for "honouring AIG Ebong with the well-deserved promotion." Senator Bassey prayed God to enrich AIG Ebong with strength, wisdom and ability to lead the Force to an enviable height.  The event, which took place at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Police Headquarters, Abuja, on Thursday, was also graced by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South, Senator Ekong Sampson; the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem; former Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Akan Okon, and former Member representing Uruan State Constituency, Hon. Kufre Etuk.

  As the commendations continue to pour in over Hilda Bassey's successful Cooking Marathon and subsequent certification, the member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Itoro Etim has described the epoch making event as a plus to women, portraying their strength in delivering on set targets.  The Lawmaker who was making comments rising from a Motion sponsored by the Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency and Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob at Plenary noted that it was pertinent that the House celebrates Ms Hilda so as to encourage more women while it would also turn the eyes of the world towards the capacity Akwa Ibom State habours. On his part, the mover of the motion, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob recalled that Ms. Bassey, had on completion of the 93 hours and 11 minutes Cooking Marathon, created more than 55 recipes and over 100 meals, including local delicacies peculiar to Akwa Ibom State. "Also recall that this epoch-m

  Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly today inaugurated House Committees to ensure smooth running of the House. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong read the names members during Plenary today. They include:  Advisory Committee on Parliamentary Matters, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Committee on Women Affairs, Selina Ukpatu, Committee on Information, Jerry Otu, Committee on Health, Moses Essien, Committee on Boundary and Conflict Resolution, Precious Selong, Committee on Science and Technology, Uduak Ekpoufot, , Committee on Education, Kenim Onofiok, Committee on Security, Youth and Sports, Uwemedimo Asuquo, Committee on Reral Development, Power, Water and Public Utilities, Asuquo Nana, Committee on Industry, Commence and Tourism, Effiong Johnson, Committee on Inter-Government and Special Projects, Emem Udom, , Committee on NDDC, Kufre Edidem, Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Itoro Etim, Committee on Public Account, Eric Akpan, Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mfono Idu

By Uwakmfon Dan  The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, has been commended for his passion and commitment to entrepreneurial development in Akwa Ibom State. The commendation was handed down on Wednesday by beneficiaries of his empowerment scheme during the June 2023 ‘Entrepreneurs Meet and Greet’ Session, held at the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District Campaign Secretariat, Uyo. Speaking on behalf other beneficiaries during the event, Mr. Nsidibe Udofa, a petty trader from Etim Ekpo, particularly appreciated Senator Bassey for his transparency and for sustaining the programme over the years. “I want to thank the Distinguished Senator for his commitment to business development. I am not from Uruan but Etim Ekpo and a beneficiary of the scheme. I thank Senator Aniekan Bassey for extending this benevolence to the entire state. I thank him and the coordinators of this programme for their passion, transparency and commitment to the gr