stàndbynewsonline

5th June 2024

… Describes her death as great loss to the nation

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) sympathizes with and condoles the family of late Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau, the National President of National Council of Women Societies, NCWS.

Until her death Hajiya Lami was known to be a strong woman who fought for the rights of the womenfolk with a mission to empower women across the nation and make them highly productive in different areas of human endeavors.

The Late Hajiya Lami mobilized and Educated women on different skills and served humanity during her Lifetime.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) will always remember her as a hero and champion of the lives of many.

The Body of the Late Hajia Lau has been laid to rest according to Islamic rites today and NAWOJ is prays for the repose of her gentle soul and Jannatul Firdausi and Grace for the family to have the fortitude to bear the loss.

Aisha Ibrahim
NAWOJ National Chairperson

Wasilah Ladan
NAWOJ National Secretary

  —– STÀNDBYNETWORK —

In a recent gathering, traders in Akwa Ibom State have expressed their profound appreciation for Governor Umo Eno’s significant contributions to the advancement of trade and commerce within his first year in office. The commendations were made during an expanded meeting held in Uyo on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮, 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙐𝙢𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙤,  𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙠𝙬𝙖 𝙄𝙗𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚,  𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚,  𝙐𝙮𝙤, 𝘼𝙠𝙬𝙖 𝙄𝙗𝙤𝙢 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚. 

𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮,

On behalf of the good people of Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency, it is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on the successful completion of your first year in office. Your administration’s commitment to the development and welfare of our beloved state has been evident through the numerous giant strides you have taken in this short period.
Your visionary leadership has brought significant progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development and various other sectors. The people of Ikono-Ini and indeed the entire state have witnessed remarkable improvements that have positively impacted their lives. We are particularly appreciative of your efforts in promoting peace, security, and unity within the state, which are essential for sustainable development.

While celebrating your achievements, I must also address a matter of concern that has affected the development of Ikono Local Government Area. It is with a heavy heart that I apologize for the unfortunate actions of certain individuals within the political class in Ikono Local Government who, in the past, have connived to frustrate development projects in our constituency. A notable case in reference is the 21.5 km Urua Naira-Ikot Ayan-Nung Ukim road project in Ikono Local Government Area.
This crucial road project, which has been awarded twice by the two preceding administrations, has faced undue setbacks due to the unscrupulous actions of some individuals, who went behind the scenes to extort monies from the contractors, thereby stalling progress and denying our people the benefits of a completed road which would have been listed as one of the projects for your commissioning within your one (1) year in office. This betrayal of public trust is unacceptable, and I share in the disappointment and displeasure of our constituents over this matter.

Your Excellency, I humbly ask you to forgive those who have acted against the interests of our community. Despite these setbacks, I have unwavering faith in your administration’s commitment to ensuring that no part of our state is left behind in the journey towards development. In line with your drive to complete abandoned roads and projects across the state, I earnestly request that you prioritize the completion of the Urua Naira road in Ikono Local Government Area. Completing this project will not only enhance economic activities and improve the quality of life for our people but also restore their faith in your government’s dedication to their welfare.

Your intervention in this matter will be deeply appreciated and will stand as a testament to your inclusive and compassionate leadership.
Once again, congratulations on your successful first year in office. The people of Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency stand with you and support your vision for a greater Akwa Ibom State. May your tenure be marked by unprecedented achievements and may our state continue to thrive under your leadership.

Yours sincerely,

Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo (PhD)
Member, House of Representatives
Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency
May 30, 2024

✍️ UBY ESSIEN – COOPA

Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s decision to terminate the road contract for the construction of the Ndon Eyo-Ikot Akpatek-Odio Road has brought relief and joy to the people of Oniong Clan in ONNA Local Government Area and Odio, a neighboring community in Eket Local Government Area. The contract for the 15.1-kilometer road was initially awarded to VKS Construction Company by the previous administration but was marred by neglect and issues stemming from lack of funding to incompetency on the part of the construction company.

Speaking during a media briefing held to commemorate his one year in office, Governor Umo Bassey Eno addressed questions from various media groups, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Conference of Online Publishers(COOPA). In response to a journalist from the Plenary Newspaper, Mr. Edet Edet Friday, the Governor stated, “I have directed that the Odio road contract be terminated and it must be reassessed. Odio deserves a road and it is unfortunate that it has been overlooked for so long.” He further instructed the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, to contact the contractor and conduct a thorough evaluation of the work completed on the road. This evaluation aims to determine if the State owes the company or if there are any outstanding issues. The Governor requested the patience of the people, assuring them that a new contractor will be engaged once the evaluation is completed.

The termination of the road contract and subsequent reevaluation has garnered praise and accolades from the residents of Ndon Eyo, Ikot Akpatek, Ikwe, and Odio. The completion of the Ndon Eyo-Ikwe-Odio road will significantly benefit the economic prosperity of these communities, as this road links vital establishments such as the Local Government Secretariat, Ederobo market, Sterling Global Company, the Industrial Park and the Atlantic Ocean.

In a bid to marks his first year in office, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his commitment to Akwa Ibom citizen as he meet with NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, the Conference of Online Publishers, the Nigerian Union of Public Relations Akwa Ibom Chapter, the Guild of Editors Akwa Ibom, heads of all broadcast stations, the General Manager of Akwa Ibom State Newspaper Publication, radio and television workers, and other media stakeholders and veterans.

 fostering a strong working relationship with the press to better serve the people of Akwa Ibom State. This pledge was made during a press briefing on the eve of his one-year anniversary, a key event in the anniversary celebrations.

Governor Eno stated, “We are servants, and so we present ourselves this evening to interact with the press. We trust that we will continue to work together as you support us with constructive points to help us serve our people better. When you draw our attention to areas we may not have addressed, it shows a desire for collaboration, and we will consider it.”

The event was fine toned by the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, who emphasized the shift from a Media parley to a media briefing format. He noted, “There was a time when the government was on one side and the press on the other. That era has ended, and now we have briefings because we are all on the same page for a united, purposeful, and robust Akwa Ibom State.”

During the media briefing, press members raised several concerns, including the inefficient service delivery of AKBC TV due to inadequate facilities and reliance on public power supply, the reallocation of lands taken over by the government, the inclusion of Special Education Centres in remodeling programs, rising insecurity, and food insufficiency and the rising cost of food items in the state.

One after another, commissioners addressed these issues, providing explanations and presenting their plans to mitigate the challenges.

The State Chairman of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, delivered the vote of thanks. He congratulated the Governor on his first-year anniversary and commended his efforts in fostering a supportive relationship with journalists and the media community. Etuk remarked, “In one year, you have embraced the media with open arms, a sincere heart, and a firm commitment to a free press. We will continue to uphold our ethical standards in building a united and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.”

The event was attended by members of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council, the Nigerian Union of Public Relations Akwa Ibom Chapter, the Guild of Editors Akwa Ibom, heads of all broadcast stations, the General Manager of Akwa Ibom State Newspaper Publication, radio and television workers, the Conference of Online Publishers, and other media stakeholders and veterans.

Governor Eno’s scorecard highlights his administration’s progress and ongoing commitment to collaboration with the press and service to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

My Fellow Akwaibomites,

1. My wife, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, and I share in the joy of this great day, which marks the First Anniversary of my inauguration as the Governor of this remarkable Land of Promise and Fulfillment.
2. Let me begin by congratulating our dear President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the manner he has steered the Ship of the Nigerian State in the last one year. We remain loyal and committed to supporting him as he goes into his Second Year in Office, same to our dear Son, the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON., the Number three citizen of Nigeria for his colloborations.
3. Let me again thank you my dear people and our stakeholders especially my Predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, his dear wife and our Campaigner-in-Chief, Dr.(Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel, my dear wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, founder and the initiator of the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), my Deputy, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.Udeme Otong, her Lordship, Chief Justice Ekaette Obot, our Campaign Organization headed by Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the Chairman of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Elder Aniekan Akpan and other party faithful, the Maintain Peace Movement headed by Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, our Fathers in Faith, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Members of the Arise Blueprint Committee led by my Economic Adviser, Dr.(Mrs.) Uduakobong Inam and indeed all other stakeholders and groups too numerous to mention here for the support and prayers that led to the massive victory we recorded on the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial elections, that culminated in my inauguration exactly one year ago, today.
4. Permit me to specifically thank the Judiciary for being the last hope of the common man, and for affirming the overwhelming choice you our dear people made on the gubernatorial Election Day.
5. It has been one year of God’s grace, of our lifting when there seemed to have been a casting down, of giving us the enablements to execute all that we have done so far, within the resources available to us. We have, indeed as assured in Hebrew 4:15-16 “receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”. To God alone be the glory.
6. Even though the journey is still long, but in twelve months, we have shown that we came ready, with a bold and impactful governance instrument: Our Blueprint for Economic Consolidation and Expansion (aptly called, the ARISE Agenda). This agenda envisions a vibrant, inclusive, diversified and highly industrialized economy with lifelong opportunities for the improvement of social welfare conditions and broadly-shared prosperity.
7. In the past one year, we have focused our attention on achieving the eight lofty goals of the Blueprint which are inextricably linked with the 17 Sustainable Goals of the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Development. These goals are: Poverty Reduction, Job Creation, Price Stability, Sustainable Economic Growth, Improved Standard of Living, Environmental Sustainability, Highly Educated, healthy and skilled populace, Safety and Security. To achieve these lofty goals, we have intentionally deployed multi-sector strategies and actions that prioritize Agricultural Development, Tourism Development, Environmental Management, Women and Youth Empowerment, Infrastructural Maintenance, Security, and other social advancements.
8. In my Inaugural Speech last year, I had laid out in clear and unambiguous terms the predicates and direction of my administration. While celebrating our past leaders, and the inspirational leadership they had brought to bear, especially in the area of hard infrastructure I had stated that it was now time to focus on soft infrastructure especially in the rural areas. These were my exact words “ To those who may be struggling to put food on the table; to those who may have given up hope because of your current circumstance, hear me and hear me very well; I will be your champion”.
9. Today, one year after, and in line with the Arise Agenda’s emphasis on Rural Development we have deployed a host of social safety net initiatives or kitchen table issues that affect families- especially the poor and the most vulnerable groups in line with the poverty reduction goal of our Blueprint.
10. As we celebrate this great day, I make bold to say that our policy in this aspect has touched lives and helped bring governance closer to the people and in the process connect the dots of growth and development between the urban and rural communities.
11. a. In the last one year, we have constructed access roads in the rural communities some of which until now were cut off completely from their contiguous communities

b. We have organized free medical outreaches that took care of the healthcare needs of thousands of people,

c. We have embarked on the construction of modern two-bedroom houses under our Arise Compassionate Homes scheme for the poorest and the neediest, thirty-six of which have now been completed, and the first was handed over last week in Ibiono Ibom to the beneficiary, we hope to construct 400 units before the end of our First Term in Office.

d. We have completed 236 two-bedroom units named “Grace Estate”, and I have just approved the balance of 264 bringing the total number to be constructed with the same facility to 500. 150 of these units are to be given free to civil servants from grade levels 1-8 through raffle draw

e. We have commenced the payment of fifty thousand Naira monthly to our elders in all the 369 wards in the State, through our Arise Initiative for the Elderly, adopted from the pet project The Renewed Hope Initiative of Her Excellency, the First Lady of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON.

f. Through our Arise Free Food Voucher/ Security program under the Bulk Purchase Agency, we have intervened in the food supply chain to stabilize the food and improve the access of the poor and vulnerable groups to basic food items. To date, 208,435 households have benefited from this initiative. We also contributed over five billion Naira to augment the palliatives rolled out by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

g. We have paid 18.2 billion Naira in gratuities to the retired State, civil servants, retired primary school teachers and retired local government workers as well as our conscious efforts to lift people from poverty through our AK-Cares initiative.

h. We have given 500 thousand grant to each of the beneficiaries of Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme of the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Center- IBOM LED as well as the 100 Million Naira Educational Grant for students living with disabilities in tertiary institutions as well as the payment of bursary of 12,839 to students in 223 Public Tertiary Institutions

i. We have provided 2billion counterpart funds to the Bank of Industry (BOI) to enable our people borrow at low interest rates, to the 1.5 billion interest free loan given to our market women and other traders (500 million) to each of the three senatorial districts, to the 200 Million interest free loan given to the Arewa, Yoruba, Igbo and Niger Delta Communities in our State, we have kept our promise to meet the needs of the people at the grassroots levels and beyond.

12. Throughout the 31 Local Government Areas, the impact of the social safety nets we have provided, as is done in other societies, are being felt by our people. I am always deeply touched when I receive text messages from ordinary people expressing such joy for the impact we have made in their lives. I came from their stock, therefore, I feel and understand their pains. I know how it feels to go without the knowledge of where your next meal will come from.
    That’s why I want our people to Arise and flourish through hard work and believe in themselves and the infinite possibilities God Almighty has endowed in us all.
13. But it is not only in areas of the provision of social safety nets or humanitarian interventions that we have been applauded and celebrated in the last 12 months. We have, to the best of the resources available, worked to fulfill the promises we made concerning the core areas of the Arise agenda. There is no local government in this state today, that has not felt the impact of our Government. Our One Project per Local Government is on course and again, the choice of projects to be located in those local government areas were products of consensus. It was not a decision taken by one person, everyone has a stake and an ownership in those projects. That has been our style and approach and we intend to keep it that way.
14. On this day of the First Anniversary of my inauguration, let me again; rededicate myself to serving you humanely and, of showing humility in power, because all powers belong to God, and you my people who hold the key to putting us in positions of power and authority. You are the reason why we are where we are today, and we must pay close attention to your needs within the range of the resources available to us. We have done so much in our first year that we cannot enumerate them all in this speech a full compilation of our achievements across all the focal areas are included in the publications by the Ministry of Information whose copy alongside QR Code that will be distributed to you in the course of this programme.
15. We have intervened in 39 FGPC road projects as well as 44 Driect Labour ones at various points of completion from the immediate past administration, and since government is a continuum, we have injected funds to complete those projects. Two days ago, my worthy Predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, helped commission the expanded Airport Road project, one of those finest in the nation. That beautiful gateway is today, named “Udom Emmanuel Boulevard” in recognition of his meritorious service to our people and our dear State.
16. We have, in line with our goal of ensuring safety and security of lives and property worked to maintain this status. For the first time in our State’s history, we created a full-fledged Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways dedicated to deepening our collaborations with the security agencies on land by sea and waterways.
17. To ensure our waters are made safe for both travelers and for our blue economy, we bought and donated to the Nigerian Navy, 14 gunboats and a few weeks ago, donated 20 Hilux trucks to help our security agencies patrol and police our neighborhoods and roads. We have made it clear that there will be no hiding place for criminal elements in our dear state. We created the Ibom Community Watch, a neighborhood watch service that will employ over 5 thousand of our people across the three senatorial districts.
18. In recognition of the critical role of the aviation sector in the growth and development of our State’s economy, we have kept our obligations to Ibom Air, our pride in the Nigerian aviation sector. Last month, we received and later took the inaugural flight on our brand new Airbus A200-300 series – the first of the ten of such aircrafts that will boost the fleet of the airline. We have injected funds into critical areas such as the International Terminal Building at the Victor Attah International Airport, with the view to having it ready for commencement of operations. We have constructed Parallel Taxiway Rapid Exits and Apron Extension at the airport, the 8.5km Airside Internal /Security Road at the airport among other interventions.
19. In my inaugural speech, I stated that as a Pastor, I will work to lower the temperature of partisan politics, and reconcile our people to see politics not as blood sport or a zero-sum game but a noble game of ideas and service. So far, everything we have done, has been to work together with our compatriots across party lines. Even though I was elected on the platform of the PDP, but I am a Governor for all Akwaibomites and that has been the way I have run this administration so far.
20. We are one people, united by our shared aspirations and hopes. Political parties are vehicles to win political offices, after which governance sets in. As I have always said, no single party or individual has the monopoly of wisdom, knowledge and power. We must work together across party lines and when the time for politics comes we play the game without bitterness.
21. I call on our leaders not to inflame the passion of our people to score fleeting political points. We should handle and manage our political differences without heating up the system. Even though we are bipartisan in our approach, no one should test our resolve in maintaining peace and order for which I placed my hands on the Bible and swore to protect.
22. It is pertinent to mention that, apart from being the flagship program of our administration, the ARISE Agenda represents my Social Contract with all Akwaibomites. We are totally committed to implementing this Agenda as it is poised to create life-long opportunities in our state economy and improve the living conditions of our people.
23. Government cannot do this alone. That’s why we’re leveraging on existing partnerships with the private sector and forging new collaborations with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve our eight lofty goals. We remain unequivocally committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. We have attracted investments with massive income and employment potentials. So far we’ve been intentional about creating jobs. For instance, approximately 4000 persons were employed in the projects we’ve implemented across sectors in the last one year. We will continue to partner with the private sector to create decent jobs for our people because we recognize that job creation is an imperative for poverty reduction.
24. As earlier stated, we intervened in the food supply chain to stabilize prices of staple foods and improve the access of the poor and vulnerable groups to basic food items. To date, 208,435 households have benefited from our Free Voucher Food programme.
25. With the steady provision of diverse security infrastructure in the last one year, we have ensured the safety of lives and property in the state. Indeed, we make bold to say that, in our First Year in Office, we have literally ticked all our eight lofty goals.

My dear Akwaibomites, we have done all these by the help of the Almighty God and we are willing to do more.

26 . Let me at this point extend my heartfelt gratitude to my dear wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno for initiating the Golden Era For All (GIFA) which is a perfect complement to our Arise Agenda. By employing SMART multi-pronged empowerment schemes through the eight thematic areas, GIFA is poised to enhance the wellbeing of families and vulnerable groups in our state.

27. Let me say that what we have achieved together in the last one year gives us hope for what is going to happen in the next three years and beyond. As I begin my Second Year in office, I am fully committed to implementing our 2024 Budget, which was duly passed by the State House of Assembly and signed into law by me. Christened the “Arise Budget for Growth and Expansion”, the 2024 Budget is completely linked to my Blueprint and is focused on delivering a variety of people-centric projects.
28. In our Second Year in office, we plan by the Grace of the Almighty God and the support of all people both at home and the diaspora to increase the tempo of governance in the coming years, will be focusing on implementing projects in line with the five pillars of the ARISE agenda. In Agriculture, we will complete the Ibom Model Farm and Resort, in partnership with the Songhai Farms of Porto Novo, we will significantly increase food production and price stability of our staple foods among others. We plan to link up existing infrastructure to a full value chain and consolidate on existing policies and programmes.
29. Rural Development will continue to be well funded. I have approved the next 31 projects in continuation of the one Local Government one project initiative to commence immediately. The next set of LGA/Ward projects will be executed and completed; as well as the next set of ARISE compassionate homes. We will continue to construct more strategic rural roads to give access to agricultural produce. Improve the living conditions of our people via the provision of potable water, reconstruction of primary and secondary schools, and primary healthcare centers.
30. In the area of Infrastructure, we will undertake the construction of:

• ARISE Shopping City, Uyo around Etoi before Ring Road 3, to be built like an outlet mall where certified licensees of global brands will be attracted to operate
• Government will be active in the commercial property market in both in Lagos and Abuja respectively by converting our existing strategic facilities in those cities into commercial use for the benefit of our people. These planned investments in infrastructure will bring huge returns to our State and signpost our determination to play big in the thriving real estate business in those two major cities
• AKBC Corporate Headquarters and studios (drawings are ready, contract award soon to be announced) and eventual placement on DSTV.
• Medium Density Housing Estate at Ewet Housing (modern-styled uniform-duplexes to be built and sold to the upwardly mobile professionals who desire decent and modern living
• Industrial Park to come alive with activation of different industries and provision of basic amenities

27. In our Security Maintenance, we will activate our Command and Control Center, complete with an emergency response system and telephone numbers, donate more operational vehicles and equipment to our security agencies, and make our State unwelcome to criminal elements. We will overhaul and resuscitate the State Fire Service, improve the operations of Ibom Community Watch through the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways.
28. In Education, we will continue to undertake the construction of more model schools, implement students exchange programme to London, consolidate the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre among others.
29. We will support medical tourism in the State by upgrading the Ibom Specialist Hospital and adding a Renal Centre on the corridor as promised in our campaign, as well as the Elderly people’s recreationary centre in fulfillment of our campaign promise.
30. We will commence work on Oron Beach to open up water transportation between our State and Calabar in Cross River State. We will also build International Markets in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, as well as the construction of Local Government Chairman Lodges in all the 31 Local Government Areas
31. We remain committed to our obligation with our flagship Airline Ibom Air. In July, we will receive the second A220-300 brand new Airbus to Ibom Air fleet. We will complete and put to use the Smart International Terminal Building Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) building and the Taxiway and we will build a complete Aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State. Our State is ready for investors and we will continue to provide the enabling environment for business to thrive. We invite our diasporan citizens to partner with us in this effort. Our Industrial Park stands ready to lead in this drive.
32. We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our Civil Servant. We have concluded plans to bring Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in collaboration with Ibom Led to train our Civil Servant to scal up their human capacity development. The Head of Service is in charge of this. We have already provided 250 Computers for the ICT Center in Ibom- Led to conduct exam, interview and JAMB
33. We will continue work at the Dakkada Luxury Estate as well as revisit knotty issues surrounding the Tropicana Hotel with the view to actualizing the vision of that hotel for the full benefit of the State
34. We came to serve our people and work hard to provide opportunities for our young people across board. We will continue to consult our Elders and use the best brain to achieve our vision of development. Let us be guided in the knowledge that life is dynamic and there are moments when changes must occur which is a standard practice in most human activities. By the grace of God and your continuous support, we will continue to roll our sleeves and work for you. That’s why you elected us. I therefore, call on you to continue to support and pray for us as the bible enjoins us to do in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “KJV I exhort therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for Kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
35. Together let us all Arise and shine because our time and light has come.
36. Happy First Anniversary and God bless Akwa Ibom State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

     ——STANDBYNETWORK——-

In a festive and emotional ceremony, Governor Umo Eno led stakeholders, dignitaries, industry leaders, and Akwa Ibomites in the commissioning of the expanded 21.5km Airport Road project. The event, resembling a carnival, served as a moment of thanksgiving and appreciation for former Governor Udom Emmanuel, CON, recognizing his significant achievements during his tenure.

Governor Eno and other stakeholders praised Emmanuel for his remarkable developmental accomplishments despite previous skepticism. Eno lauded Emmanuel’s audacity and strategic planning, attributing the successful linking of the road to the state’s aviation hub to his “Can Do” spirit and the DAKKADA creed.

Highlighting Emmanuel’s contributions, Eno stated, “The infrastructure you’ve established, from the new terminal to the MRO, roads, and taxiways, reflects your unwavering commitment. Naming this road Udom Emmanuel Boulevard immortalizes your legacy.”

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, echoed these sentiments, describing the event as a thanksgiving for Emmanuel’s eight years of dedicated service. Senator Effiong Bob, Uyo Senatorial District’s Political Leader, praised Emmanuel as the first predecessor publicly honored for his achievements by a successor.

The project’s contractor, Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek Integrated Service, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on the project, acknowledging Emmanuel’s support and blessings.

In response, Emmanuel thanked God and expressed joy over the accolades, appreciating Eno’s leadership and unity efforts. He acknowledged the honor of having the DAKKADA Tower and the expanded Airport Boulevard named after him, expressing gratitude to all who contributed to Eno’s emergence as Governor.

——-STANDBYNETWORK——- Uyo, Akwa Ibom State– In alignment with the ARISE Agenda’s focus on educational advancement, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of education and skill acquisition in the state. Speaking at the Children’s Day celebration themed: “Enhancing the Total Well-Being of the Nigerian Child […]

GOVERNOR ENO REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND SKILL ACQUISITION ON CHILDREN’s DAY

  ——-STANDBYNETWORK——-

Uyo, Akwa Ibom State–

In alignment with the ARISE Agenda’s focus on educational advancement, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of education and skill acquisition in the state. Speaking at the Children’s Day celebration themed: “Enhancing the Total Well-Being of the Nigerian Child through Quality Education and Skills Development,” Governor Eno emphasized the importance of creating a conducive learning environment for both teachers and students.

The event, held at the Uyo Township Stadium, saw Governor Eno engaging with critical stakeholders in the education sector. He highlighted the ARISE Agenda’s vision, which includes the construction of model schools and the completion of the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), aimed at producing highly skilled manpower for a technologically-driven society.

Governor Eno also mentioned the upcoming Educational Exchange Programme with the London Borough of Southwark, involving selected students from public schools. He assured that the program would be a transformative experience for the participants.

In his address, Governor Eno urged parents and guardians to steer their children away from anti-social behaviors and other vices, while reminding the children of their significant role in his administration. He emphasized his commitment to equipping children with essential ICT and entrepreneurial skills to ensure their optimal performance and global competitiveness.

Reiterating his administration’s policy, Governor Eno announced that education remains free and compulsory at the primary and secondary levels in the state. He also assured that WAEC and NABTEB fees for students would be promptly paid, encouraging students to take advantage of the free education to build a solid foundation.

“Given that the majority of our pupils attend public schools, we have made a conscious effort to ensure that the quality of teachers we employ are updated with modern teaching techniques and tools,” Governor Eno stated. “This will be achieved through regular refresher courses and the recruitment of education monitors to ensure adherence to this policy.”

The Governor also called on parents to protect their children from negative influences such as cultism and drug abuse, invoking the biblical principle from Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, praised the Governor for his initiatives, including free and compulsory education, the engagement of quality teachers, and the commissioning of Christ the King Model Primary School and Government Model Primary School. She assured that Akwa Ibom children can look forward to brighter days as the government continues to roll out more educational programs and projects.