“I had an opportunity of representing the people of Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and everybody can attest that I did my best in terms of effective representation and changing the representation narrative of this Federal Constituency for the first time.
“I came up with the highest number of bills and motions by anybody that ever represented Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency and I attracted projects than anybody in the little time I had the opportunity.”
-Hon. Special Adviser to Gov. Umo Eno on Communications, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, speaking on #COOPAChat.
Under the twilight embrace of Eket’s starlit sky, the Christmas Carols Festival 2023 unfurled its enchanting tapestry of melodies, transforming the air into a symphony of joy. Esther Edoho, Blessed Etukudo, virtuosos of indigenous resonance, painted the night with hues of cultural richness, while the celestial voice of Mercy Chinwo, Christian Reggae maestro, Buchi, akin to a sizzling breeze, whispered tales of grace.
In this grand carnival of carols, the ambiance became a dance floor for souls, as the 5th edition unfolded like a rare blossom, eager to outshine the memories of its predecessors. Each note, a stroke on the canvas of time, reverberated through the hearts of the gathered, leaving imprints of festive ecstasy.
As the maestros orchestrated the cadence of celebration, the comperes, Rockyfella Nsudoh, Emman Akpan and Miriam Daniels, emerged as wordsmiths, weaving tales of mirth and glee. Their banter, a delightful duet, echoed across the jubilant throng, setting the stage for the oratorical brilliance of the revered REV. SAMUEL EBUKIBA. His words, a celestial sermon, transcended mere exhortation, elevating spirits to celestial heights.
The dedicated patron of this lyrical spectacle, Hon. Frank Archibong and spouse, Dr. Bright Archibong, stood as the backbone of consistency in sponsorship. Like a guardian angel, their commitment ensured the festival’s perennial bloom, making Eket Christmas Carols a beacon of communal unity and festive exuberance.
The 2023 edition, a classic in all its ramification, unfurled with the elegance of a timeless sonnet. The thrills, the reels, the indigenous echoes, and the refined harmonies coalesced into a mosaic of yuletide enchantment. Eket’s Christmas night, now etched in the annals of festive lore, beckons for future chapters, each promising to be more resplendent than the last.
And so, beneath the celestial symphony, Eket celebrated not just a festival but a testament to the unifying power of music—a hymn echoing through the corridors of time, reminding all hearts that in the magic of Christmas carols, we find a melody that binds us all.
The leadership of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), heartily congratulates the Management and staff of TheMail Newspaper, on her recent award as ‘Newspaper of the Year’, from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.
We specially applaud the Publisher of TheMail Newspaper and immediate-past Chancellor of our organisation, Mr. Ifreke Nseowo, for not just being a worthy Ambassador of COOPA, but for carving a nitche for himself as a thoroughbred Journalist.
Winning the ‘Newspaper of the Year’ award for a record six consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023) is a no mean feat that has distinguished TheMail Newspaper as a purveyor of truth, justice and fairness. Indeed, this is what quality journalism should be.
As partners in progress, COOPA is proud to celebrate and identify with TheMail Newspaper on this deserving feat, wishing the company more years of growth, even as it continues to shape development in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
In a remarkable occurrence on November 9, 2023, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the esteemed wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, spearheaded a delegation of Akwa Ibom women to the Victor Attah International Airport. Their aim was to offer a heartfelt reception to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the distinguished First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as she embarked on her inaugural visit to Akwa Ibom State.
The airport ambiance buzzed with anticipation and enthusiasm as the Akwa Ibom women, guided by Pastor Patience Umo Eno, congregated to extend greetings and pay homage to Senator Oluremi Tinubu. This visit held profound significance for both the state and its honored guest, emphasizing the imperative of nurturing connections between various regions and their leaders.
Initiated by the Office of the Governor’s wife, this gesture not only showcased hospitality but also underscored the unity and camaraderie among women in Akwa Ibom State. The media unit played a pivotal role in capturing and disseminating the essence of this momentous event, emphasizing the diplomatic and interregional relations vital to the nation.
As Senator Oluremi Tinubu set foot on Akwa Ibom soil, the camaraderie exhibited by Pastor Patience Umo Eno and the Akwa Ibom women epitomized a spirit of unity and collaboration that transcends political boundaries. This visit stands as a testament to the harmonious relations nurtured between states and leaders, advocating for a shared vision for the progress and prosperity of Nigeria.
The Media Unit of the Office of the Governor’s wife, AKS
The aviation industry is a salient enterprise as it remains the window through which we connect with the world. It brings economic benefits, improves connectivity between countries and continents. This enables businesses to grow and facilitates trade, which in turn, increases prosperity and very often opens up closed societies. Moreso, it plays an important role in reducing poverty through revenue generation and job creation.
The previous administration invested in air transportation to diversify economy, create a linking pathway to tourism, as well as achieve social, cultural and economic development.
Since government is a continuum and democracy as a form of government leverages on continuity to engender consistent development and progress in the society, Governor Umo Eno, since assumption of office has shown commendable commitment aimed at sustaining the programmes and projects initiated by previous administrations for the benefit of the people.
While taking delivery of one of the ten brand-new Airbus A220-300 series ordered by the state government for the expansion of the state-owned Airline, Ibom Air at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting the giant strides the airline has made in the past five years.
Speaking at the reception ceremony, Governor Eno said, “in under five years, Ibom Air has expanded its routes to major cities in Nigeria and recently started its commercial operations to Accra, Ghana. Plans are afoot to expand the routes into the East, Central and South African regions.
“My administration is dedicated to supporting the giant strides the airline has made. We have kept faith with all previous financial obligations entered into, with Airbus, by the immediate past administration and the result of that, is the event we are witnessing today. Government is a continuum. 1st Corinthians chapter 3: 6, captures this critical element of continuity succinctly, and I quote from King James Version “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”. We, will in our way, provide the increase. Since we came on board, we have provided the funds for the training of pilots and the deepening of the already first- class Cabin services of the airline.
“We have done extensive work on the Airside perimeter fencing of the airport, and the continuous funding of the 8.5 km Airside patrol road, which is now ready for commissioning. We have equally continued the funding of the parallel Taxiway Rapid Exit, the Apron Construction, International Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the VIP Car Park, Access Road into the Terminal Building and the underground drain alongside the CCTV Control and Command Center.
“Ibom Air was one of the first places I visited shortly after I was sworn in, and I had assured the management of the commitment of my administration to see to the expansion and growth of the airline. I have also, flown Ibom Air, as its Chief Marketing Officer, and what an exciting and pleasurable moment it was! To the Chief Executive Officer, our dear Captain Mfon Udom, please be kind enough to extend me an invitation to be a part of the inaugural flight on this beautiful aircraft. I will pay for myself and those to accompany me. “he said.
The Governor’s commitment to the growth and expansion of the aviation industry in the state is evident through his support for Ibom Air and the various infrastructure projects aimed at improving the Victor Attah International Airport.
His dedication to continuing the progress made by previous administrations and his personal involvement in promoting and utilizing the state’s airline reflects his strong belief in the economic and social benefits that a thriving aviation sector can bring. With his unwavering support and continued investment, the aviation industry in the state is poised for significant growth and development in the coming years.
In line with the on-going 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, tasks the governors of the North Central States, as well as the FCT Administration, to be proactive in the fight against GBV.
The Association says this can be achieved by investing in women and girls, and accelerating actions to end GBV; even as the Association urges First Ladies in the North Central to use their good offices to champion the campaign.
The NAWOJ notes that the international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls runs every year from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
NAWOJ notes that more action is needed to ensure women in all their diversity, live free of violence and coercion and calls on government at all levels to key into the UNiTE campaign theme: Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls.
While advocating increased awareness about GBV, challenge of discriminatory attitudes, and improved laws and services to end GBV; NAWOJ maintains that efforts should include strengthening women and women groups by scaling up funding; focus on survivors and frontline responders, as well as address patriarchy and the root causes of the menace in our society; collect more.and better data on GBV.
The Zone commends the leadership of NAWOJ in the North Central on their activities to mark the 16 Days of Activism and urges sustained campaigns beyond December 10, in order to ensure GBV is curbed and women and girls are protected from the menace.
UN Women record indicates that globally, an estimated 736 million women, almost one in three, have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life, 30 per cent of women aged 15 and older. This figure does not include sexual harassment.
Similarly, the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) found that 9 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31 per cent had experienced physical violence.
This is as health impacts of violence can last a lifetime, affecting physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health hence the campaign provides an important opportunity for governments and other actors to take stock of progress and live up to their commitments.
Our attention has been drawn to a concocted piece of gibberish currently floating on a section of the social media platforms where some agents and purveyors of blackmail, true to their nature, manufactured a story purportedly attributed to the Wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, with the headline “ Mrs. Eno Mobilizes Women Leaders Against Senate President, Akpabio”.
We wish to state categorically that the story is false and represents the handiwork of political jobbers and agents of disunity, who obviously are shocked by the level of collaboration His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, and by extension, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Eno, have forged with both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON.
Moreover, it is out of character for Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno to speak in the manner that has been falsely reported, as she has deep respect for former Governors of the State and will work with and respect all wives of previous Governors and political office holders across party lines. Also, Her Excellency would not be dragged into the asinine posturing of political jobbers.
We challenge the writer of the false and malicious report to produce audio evidence where Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, was quoted to have made the statement during the meeting she had with Female Stakeholders on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.
We wish to state, for the umpteenth time that politics is over and it’s time for governance. We advise the agents of blackmail to look elsewhere, because Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, will continue to support her husband’s efforts of uniting the people of Akwa Ibom to ARISE and usher in the Golden Era of our progress and growth.
Members of the public should ignore the malicious and false story.
Uduak Ekong Press Secretary to Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, Wife of the Governor of AKwa Ibom State December 3, 2023.
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ FCT Chapter, emphasizes the urgent need for a united front among CSOs, NGOs, and particularly Women Organizations to effectively advocate and implement key legislations such as the VAPP Act and SARs AJLC Act across all states. This collective effort aims to curb and eliminate the scourge of Sexual Gender Based Violence.
A joint statement by the Chapter’s Chairperson, Comrade Annah Daniel, and the Secretary, Comrade Nkiru Okeke, was issued to mark the 2023 16 days activism in Abuja.
The statement underscores the importance of fostering a social justice system conducive to the trial process and alleviating the plight of survivors in the country. It further calls for increased political will and proactive measures by governments at all levels to ensure stringent punishment for offenders, serving as a deterrent to others.
The press release unequivocally condemns any action that undermines the social well-being of women and girls, emphasizing the need to uphold their fundamental rights.
Outlined in the statement are the activities scheduled for this year’s 16 days of activism, including:
Media Appearances on Radio and Television platforms such as Kapital FM (FRCN), Armed forces radio, Independent Television (ITV), Trust TV, among others, featuring discussions on GBV with the Chairperson and executive members.
Courtesy visits to government establishments and Non-governmental organizations to brief them about the activism.
Visits to private schools in Jabi and Utako of FCT, aimed at engaging with students and teachers on the issue of SGBV, as it affects both male and female.
Under the theme “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now,” NAWOJ FCT reaffirms its commitment to the complete eradication of all forms of Sexual Gender Based Violence.
The Nigerian Senate has commenced the process of amending the Cybercrime Act of 2015, recognizing the escalating financial losses incurred by the nation due to cybercrime activities. Senate President Godswill Akpbio, represented by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, emphasized the imperative need for a robust legal framework to deter, investigate, and prosecute cybercriminals during the one-day public hearing on the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Akpabio underscored the urgency to fortify existing laws to keep pace with technological advancements, as some individuals exploit the current loopholes. He outlined the spectrum of cybercrimes, including hacking, identity theft, fraud, harassment, and cyber terrorism, emphasizing their detrimental impact on the nation’s finances, privacy, critical infrastructure, and digital trust.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s annual loss of $500 million to cybercrime, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) called attention to the multifaceted nature of the challenge, encompassing hacking, identity theft, cyber terrorism, harassment, and internet fraud.
Senator Shuaib Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, highlighted the national significance of amending the Cybercrime Act. He emphasized the collaborative effort required from the government, industry, civil society, and academia to address emerging threats and enhance existing provisions.
During the public hearing, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) advocated for the amendment of Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, asserting that its provisions undermine freedom of expression and press freedom. NUJ revealed instances of harassment, arrest, and detention of journalists under this section, deeming it incongruous with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.
Senator Shehu Umar, the main sponsor of the bill and Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, expressed concerns about the escalating threat to cybersecurity across sectors. Umar urged prioritization of funding for cybersecurity as a matter of national urgency, citing the inefficiency of current provisions in combating cybercrimes effectively.
The one-day public hearing, hosted by the Senate joint committee on ICT & Cybersecurity and National Security & Intelligence, aimed to garner insights from diverse stakeholders to enhance the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and address the evolving challenges posed by cyber threats in Nigeria.
Addressing the women journalists in Abuja, Mrs Bala pledged to continue the good work which she started in her first term.
She said she would consolidate on her acheivements including the acquisition of a national secretariat for NAWOJ.
A former president of the Association, Evelyn Onyilo urged women journalists across the country to support Mrs LADI BALA to take the association to the next level.
Evelyn Onyilo, a veteran journalist who worked with the NTA also called on those in the zone to elect Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche to be election the vice president of Zone D of NAWOJ.
There were solidarity messages from some leaders including a former chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Mr. Amos Duniya.
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