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The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development and Director for Ibom Led, Mr. Ime Uwah has said that some of the 800 beneficiaries of Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP) will be sent to China for further exposure, depending on their line of businesses.

He stated this on a radio programme anchored by Pamela Akpomedaye, Monday, in Uyo.

He further mentioned that where the beneficiaries have plans to misuse the grant money, they should know that the Governor has requested that feedbackp should be gotten from the beneficiaries after 3 months, so as to encourage him to do more.

“As at Friday after the flag off of the disbursements, we started what we call Baseline Monitoring and Evaluation Exercise.

“When we’re doing the Baseline Monitoring and Evaluation Exercise, we don’t just go there to ask questions, we also brand their shops using the Arise logo and this gives them visibility.

“It means that we’re visiting all the 800 beneficiaries to see things for ourselves, we’ll ask some questions to know how many people they have employed so far.

“We want to understand the kind of business they are doing and where they were before the money entered their hands. So immediately after that exercise, the money will enter their hands.

“So in 3 months, we’ll go back and see their progress and those that have added one more employee or done a new business and we’ll take note of them.

“Then we’ll get back to the Governor and he’ll see whether there is improvement or not. We’re doing this to make Akwa Ibom people succeed and be serious with the businesses they are doing” he said.

Hon Uwah recalled that last week, the Governor flagged off the disbursement of the grants he had promised to give the trainees, adding that his focus is more on the training than the money, because he is of the belief that with education, one can have more money.

“Money is good, plenty of people are looking at the money but I believe that if you have education, you’ll see bigger money.

“In our country today, you can see that it’s not easy to do business. So that’s why learning is not something we can just push aside.

“And when you learn with your peers or other people that are doing the business, there are some things they can say and you decide to apply it to your business as well” he said.

© Mfonobong Assam

Joint Press Statement
Civil society organizations across the country are deeply concerned about the growing cases of attacks on press freedom, and the flagrant abuse of due process and the rule of law by the Nigeria Police under the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM. 
Action Group on the Protection of Civic Actors, a Nigerian coalition of media and civil society groups working alongside international allies, sounds the alarm on the recent surge in attacks on press freedom and the silencing of dissent and civic voices.

A free press and public participation are fundamental pillars of our democracy. Thus, the continuous silencing of journalists and civic actors who hold power undermines the provisions of Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantees freedom of the press and freedom of expression, respectively.

Furthermore, the coordinated use of state resources, the mischievous interpretation and hyper-application of laws, especially the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 which has now been amended, and the abuse of power and public institutions are all draconian tactics deployed to further shrink Nigeria’s fragile civic space. These tactics have no place in a democracy, where accountability and transparency in governance are essential.
Particularly, the recent abduction and continued detention of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), exemplifies this disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles. Mr. Ojukwu’s fundamental human rights have been blatantly violated. Even though the Nigeria Police has filed no formal charges, he remains in custody. Additionally, Daniel’s unlawful arrest and detention contravenes the combined reading and cumulative effect of Sections 34, 35, and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which protects his rights to respect the dignity of his person, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.
Daniel Ojukwu’s case is the most recent in a recurring trend of similar attacks and harassment aimed at the media and other civic actors by Nigerian law enforcement and security agents. The familiar pattern these attacks seem to take is that the instrumentality of the Nigerian security apparatus is set loose on these individuals as soon as they express views unfavorable to the administration or in the case of journalists, as soon as they publish credible stories that cast the administration in an unflattering light. The expression of opinions, however critical they are of the government, is one of the critical bedrocks of democracy. 
Consequently, we unequivocally condemn Daniel’s abduction and unlawful detention as unconstitutional, illegal, immoral, and unbecoming in a country that claims to practice democracy. We maintain that for Nigeria to claim its status as the continent’s largest democracy, its institutions and law enforcement agencies must uphold established standards and procedures consistent with democratic norms. Until then, Nigeria cannot reconcile the title of the “largest democracy in Africa” with the practices and principles reminiscent of a police state. 
We also condemn the incessant use and abuse of the Remand Order process, which is observed to be the new machinery for which the Nigeria Police continuously violates the rights of Nigerian citizens. It is discovered that the Police boast of obtaining a Remand Order without providing such a document for the suspect or his lawyers to see whenever they unlawfully arrest individuals. Even when such orders are obtained, it is usually cloaked with suspicion as the Court from which it is obtained is usually miles away from the police station where the suspect is detained. Even where there is an established Court within a shorter distance of the Police station. 
This is contrary to the rule of law, and it should be of great concern to the Police that it would be seen by the general public as an institution that acts and conducts its duties contrary to the Rule of Law, which is critical to the sustenance of our democracy. 
Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, if accused of a crime, should be promptly charged and given a fair trial under Nigerian law, which presumes innocence until proven guilty. As such, his continued detention is equivalent to an extrajudicial trial and punishment.
It is in the Inspector General of Police’s interest to offer opportunities for the international community to rate the Tinubu administration’s compliance and respect for its human rights commitments positively. 
Premised on the above, we demand the following:

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, ensure Daniel Ojukwu’s immediate release and uphold his fundamental human rights, as his continued detention without charges undermines Nigeria’s democratic standing and risks further erosion of public trust.

State resources are redirected towards securing the lives and property of Nigerian citizens rather than the abuse, assault, and attacks on civic actors. 

A rights-based review of laws that are subject to vexatious interpretations amending them to reflect democratic norms and principles.

Invitations by the Police should be in writing, documented, and undersigned by their legal representatives. It is illegal to arbitrarily show up and pick somebody without stating the cause. 

All requests for individuals to accompany law enforcement personnel to a station for questioning or detainment should be documented with a duly authorized warrant and acknowledged in writing by the individual, ensuring that their legal rights are understood.

Signed:

Enough is Enough Nigeria

Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO)

Invictus Africa

Accountability Lab Nigeria

Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)

Global Rights

International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)

Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)

Dataphyte

Gatefield

BudgIT Foundation

WikkiTimes

Hope Behind Bars Africa

Partners West Africa

Media Rights Agenda

International Press Centre

TheCable

Premium Times

Digicivic Initiative

Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ)

BONews Service

To truly grasp the challenges faced by the residents of Afia Nsit in Eket prior to Governor Umo Eno’s intervention five months ago, watching this video is essential.

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a close working relationship with the newly appointed Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP John Timfon.

In a significant gesture of support and collaboration, COOPA’s Chancellor, Mr. Utitofon Ukpong, led a delegation to visit ASP Timfon at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia. During the visit, Ukpong conveyed COOPA’s congratulations on her recent appointment and emphasized the importance of synergy between the two entities.

Highlighting the shared objective of serving the best interests of the people of Akwa Ibom, Ukpong underscored the significance of cooperation between COOPA and the police force.

In response, ASP John Timfon expressed gratitude for COOPA’s visit and assured her readiness to work closely with online publishers and other relevant stakeholders in the state.

This initiative is poised to bolster the relationship between COOPA and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, fostering a more cohesive and coordinated approach to information dissemination and community policing efforts.

#COOPATOWORLD

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, on his recent recognition as the Social Media Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Institute of Social Media Analysts (NIMASA).This prestigious award underscores Governor Eno’s outstanding leadership in harnessing digital technology for the advancement of […]

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, on his recent recognition as the Social Media Governor of the Year by the Nigeria Institute of Social Media Analysts (NIMASA).
This prestigious award underscores Governor Eno’s outstanding leadership in harnessing digital technology for the advancement of Akwa Ibom State’s economic development through the ARISE Agenda. COOPA echoes NIMASA’s commendation of Governor Eno’s visionary and effective leadership, which has yielded remarkable results.
We raise our glasses in honor of Governor Eno, whose meritorious achievement has brought positive attention to our state and exemplified the qualities of an exemplary leader worthy of governance responsibilities.

Congratulations, Your Excellency!

Signed:
Utitofon Morgan, Chancellor
Priscilla Akpanettot, Secretary

courtesy;
~Dr Chris Isiguzo, MFR
NUJ/CAJ President

As the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your family on this joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr. May this day bring abundant happiness, peace, and prosperity into your life.
Throughout the month of fasting and prayers, we’ve sought closeness to Allah, reflected on our blessings, and practiced patience and compassion.
Let the spirit of Ramadan continue to inspire us beyond this month.
As we celebrate Eid, let’s cherish the bonds of family and friendship that enrich our lives. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the blessings we’ve received and the strength to face life’s challenges ahead.
On this auspicious day, remember those less fortunate and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Let’s spread kindness and love, embodying the spirit of generosity that defines this blessed month.
May Allah accept our prayers and grant us peace, health, and happiness.
May this Eid be a source of joy and fulfillment for all.

Eid Mubarak!