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Lafarge Africa Launches another First Low-Carbon Ready-Mix Concrete Lafarge Africa Plc has announced the launch of a new product into the market, EcoCrete, Nigeria’s first low-carbon Ready-mix concrete. The leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, renowned for the manufacturing of high-quality building solutions including cement, in a press release made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Wednesday said EcoCrete delivers a minimum of 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional CEM I concrete, while maintaining the same high performance and reliability. The release informed members of the public that Lafarge’s Abuja Ready-Mix (RMX) plant has been fully converted to 100% EcoCrete production, marking the first phase of this groundbreaking rollout. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said that the introduction of EcoCrete expands the company’s portfolio of sustainable solutions, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonizing Nigeria’s construction sector. Alade-Akinyemi also stated that the launch of the new product demonstrates the company’s commitment to offering innovative solutions that empower customers to build better with less. “The introduction of EcoCrete is another bold step in our mission to enable builders and our customers make smart choices and support Nigeria’s transition to a greener economy. Just like our ECOPlanet cement, EcoCrete represents a game-changing innovation that combines performance with reduced carbon footprint,” he said. Speaking on the benefits of the product, Head of Aggregates and Readymix, Lafarge Africa Plc, Derek Williamson explained that EcoCrete offers superior performance across a wide range of applications including housing, commercial buildings, roads and bridges. Williamson stated that the introduction of the new product would certainly pave way for contractors, engineers, and architects to meet their sustainability goals without compromising on strength, durability, or workability. “EcoCrete provides superior performance while significantly reducing carbon emissions in the environment. It is versatile and reliable for a wide range of applications from residential housing to commercial and infrastructure projects. With EcoCrete, builders and developers can now make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on strength, durability, or workability,” he added. Also commenting, the Head of Innovation and New Product Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Emmanuel Ilaboya, described the product as the preferred solution to tackling the challenges posed by climate change in the country. “EcoCrete is more than just a product; it is a climate-smart innovation designed to address the urgent need for sustainable construction. EcoCrete represents an innovative concrete solution developed through extensive research and testing. With EcoCrete, we provide a scalable alternative that significantly lowers CO₂ emissions and supports Nigeria’s path towards sustainable development,” he added. The launch of EcoCrete builds on the success of EcoPlanet Unicem and EcoPlanet Elephant cement products that were introduced in 2024 and 2025 respectively, as part of Lafarge Africa’s efforts to provide sustainable alternatives across its product range.

Disaster Risk Management: Stakeholders Want Centralized Digital Database in A’Ibom   Stakeholders from government institutions, development partners, Civil Society Organisations have identified the need for a centralized digital database on disaster risk management.   This is especially crucial, considering the state’s vulnerability to various hazards like flooding, coastal erosion, oil spills, and other disasters.   The need came to the fore at the high level stakeholders round table meeting facilitated by Clement Isong Foundation in partnership with Actionaid Nigeria under the SPA II project, in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital.   The meeting which drew stakeholders from government sector, civil society groups, development partners, and young people to critically review and validate the state’s draft disaster management framework, aimed at safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ensure environmental resilience in Akwa Ibom.   The meeting reviewed and validated the Akwa Ibom State Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Framework which aims to institutionalize youth participation with at least 20% youth representation in AK-SEMA and other disaster risk management bodies by 2027. Additionally, youths in high-risk areas and disaster-prone locations across the state will be trained by 2026 to enhance their capacity in disaster risk management.   As noted by the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the framework offers a “comprehensive, inclusive, and actionable approach” to disaster risk reduction and emergency response, taking into account Akwa Ibom State’s specific vulnerabilities due to its coastal geography, oil industry activities, and rapid urbanization.   This approach, the communique noted; is designed to ensure that the state’s disaster management efforts are proactive rather than reactive, focusing on preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience-building. By involving various stakeholders, the framework aims to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all communities across the state.   “This database is seen as essential for effective disaster risk management, to enabling better planning, response, and recovery efforts. The lack of such a database could hinder the state’s ability to manage disasters efficiently, making the need for a centralized system a priority for stakeholders.   ” This emphasis on youth participation underscores the importance of engaging younger generations in disaster management efforts for sustainability and effectiveness”. The communique noted

AGF Calls for Alignment of Priorities With Digital Frameworks in the Justice Sector   Minister of Justice and Attorney general of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has directed departments, units and directorates of the Justice Ministry to align their priorities with established digital frameworks such as the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), the National Policy on Justice as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.   Fagbemi gave the directive at the top management retreat organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice held in at 4-point by Sheraton hotel, Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, with the theme” ”Positioning for Digital Transformation.”   The Minister said the Justice Ministry can longer afford to lag behind especially in the era of increasing reliance of citizens on technology to access services.   According to him, the Ministry must embrace digital tools that guarantee timely and efficient service delivery if it must meet the expectations of Nigerians and support the President’s vision for justice sector reforms.   While noting there can be no sustainable growth without access to justice, Fagbemi laminated that the Justice sector is facing daunting challenges that can only be tackled with technology-driven solutions.     He said ”The justice sector is one of the catalysts for national development. There can be no sustainable growth without access to justice, respect for the rule of law, and a strengthened justice system. The criminal justice sector, in particular, faces daunting challenges: inadequate access to justice, overcrowded correctional facilities, delays in trials, and other systemic inefficiencies. These issues require urgent and technology-driven solutions.   ”Furthermore, with the increasing reliance of citizens on technology to access services, the Ministry can no longer depend solely on traditional modes of communication or manual processes. If we are to meet the expectations of Nigerians and support the President’s vision for justice sector reforms, we must embrace digital tools that guarantee timely and efficient service delivery.   ”The Ministry must therefore take the lead in adopting technology to enhance justice delivery. The challenges of today demand that justice never sleeps. With growing legal demands and societal pressures, we must adopt innovative strategies to keep the wheels of justice continuously in motion.   ” I therefore charge all Departments, Units, and Directorates to align their priorities with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), the National Policy on Justice, and the Renewed Hope Agenda.   ”These frameworks all underscore the centrality of technology in service delivery. Our task must go beyond compliance; it must embody proactive leadership in implementation, characterized by digital transformation, agile governance, strategic foresight, and data-driven decision-making.”   In his remarks, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Uno Eno who declared the retreat opened, appreciated the Minister of Justice for taking bold reforms aimed at the strengthening the justice sector administration in the country.   He said such initiatives align with the ARISE agenda of the state government, adding Akwa Ibom has fully embraced e-governance.     ”In Akwa Ibom, we have fully embraced e-governance. Part of the first set of acts I performed shortly after I was sworn in was the creation of a standalone Ministry of Science and Digital Economy. Today, the processes of governance are highly simplified, efficient and wastages have been cut. In the area of case management, our Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy is working on a digital solutions to manage civil or criminal cases in litigation to inter to interface with the judiciary.” Eno said   Earlier, in her welcome address,Mrs Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice explained that the retreat designed to deepen institutional capacity in Electronic Content Management, digital case management and integration of Artificial Intelligence within legal workflows.

Obidient Movement Launches GO-MERD Campaign in A’Ibom The Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday launched the GO-MERD Campaign to promote electoral integrity and empower the people of Akwa Ibom State to take ownership of the electoral processes . The campaign which means; Get Organised – Make Election Rigging Difficult”, is, according to the State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Ben Smith, revolutionary because it places the burden of ensuring electoral integrity in the hands of the people. “We stand upon the threshold of history at this most defining moment in the life of our nation, if we must bequeath a brighter future to our children and generations yet unborn,” Dr. Smith stated. Smith said the Obidient Movement in Akwa Ibom State is driven by selfless ambition, genuine patriotism, love for nationhood, and a deep yearning for a New Nigeria led by competence, character, and compassion. The state coordinator who said the movement seeks to empower youths to be active stakeholders in shaping Nigeria’s collective destiny, added that Akwa Ibom State is rich in mineral resources and with hardworking youths, who remains trapped in poverty and underdevelopment due to misrule. In his words; “The Get Your PVC & GO-MERD campaign provides us with a veritable tool to arrest this menace. It places the responsibility of the change you seek in your hands. If our current plight must take a new turn and birth the New Nigeria that we seek, then Akwa Ibom must embrace Get Your PVC & GO-MERD. “A New Nigeria is POssible. But it will not happen if we fold our arms. It will not happen if we sell our conscience for a pot of porridge. It will not happen if we fail to act. Today, our mothers still sell peppers with candlelight because electricity is a luxury. Our fathers toil in the oil fields but cannot afford to send their children to quality schools. ” Our hospitals echo not only with the cries of the sick but also of unborn babies whose first tears are shed in darkness because there is no power. Shall we stand idle while kleptocrats mortgage the destiny of our children yet unborn? Shall we keep silent while the sweat of our fathers and the prayers of our mothers are wasted? This is the moment. Get Your PVC & GO-MERD Akwa Ibom State if your answers to these questions are an emphatic no. “Let us remember the sacrifices of those who came before us: the founding fathers who fought for Nigeria’s independence, the fearless activists who gave their lives for free, fair, and credible elections, the martyrs of June 12 who declared that the will of the people must stand. Their voices echo today, asking: Will you let our struggles be in vain?’

GOV ENO INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO COMBAT ILLEGAL MINING IN AKWA IBOM     Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a committee to combat illegal mining across the State with the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, as Chairman.   The Governor inaugurated the Committee, August 19, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, shortly before a meeting of the State Executive Council.   The Governor who frowned at the rise of illegal mining activities in the State particularly across the coastlines, said there was need for the committee to check the ugly trend.   He noted that the composition of the committee was large, and all encompassing, to ensure effective delivery.   “The Ministry of Environment cannot do this alone. They need the collaboration of all of us, and we need to back it up with a law.   “If we do not checkmate this menace, there could be an influx of people that could be security threats to our State. That’s why we are taking it very serious. We want to know who are the miners in this State, what is their profile, what type of minerals are they mining and who do they pay tax to?   “Let me sound a note of warning. If we find anyone illegally involved in encouraging illegal mining in our State, we would severely deal with the person accordingly. Local Government Chairmen, take charge of your respective areas. You are the Chief Executive Officers of the local governments. So, please do not tolerate any illegality, bring it up early to our attention, and let us address it,” he said.   Governor Eno made reference to an ugly situation in Ibeno where land sold to a company was used as dump site for some hazardous waste, and directed the Commissioner for Lands to investigate and revoke all land procured by oil and gas servicing companies without government approval.   He urged the committee to hit the ground running and ensure that it presents a monthly report.   Members of the committee include the State Commissioners for Special Duties, Transport, Internal Security, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner of Police, Honorary Special Adviser on Security, Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Local Government Chairmen of the coastal areas.

GOV ENO TO SUPPORT NIGERIAN ARMY ON PROJECT INTERVENTIONS AT IBAGWA BARRACKS … requests operations base in Oron In furtherance of his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured that the State will undertake some projects interventions at the Wellington Bassey Barracks of Nigeria Army’s 6 Battalion in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area. He said the intervention is to ensure good accommodation for personnel in the State and to motivate them to continue in doing their work properly. The Governor stated these when he received in audience the Chief of Army Staff and his team who had paid him a courtesy call at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo. “We have noted the need for us to intervene at the Ibagwa baracks.The Commissioner for Internal Security will pay a visit to see the areas we can intervene in, so that we can continue to have good accomodation for our people,” he said. He noted that the State has already supported some project interventions at the 2 Brigade cantonment located in Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, and assured of continuous support to the Army and other security agencies in the State. Governor Eno implored the Army authorities to establish an army operations outpost to beef up security in the coastal area of Oron and the environs. “Arising from our reminders, you have graciously agreed to grant us a military operations outpost at Oron coastal areas. We critically need this intervention to beef up security in that axis. “So, we strongly believe that having the military operations unit there would considerably help reinforce our security arrangements in the State,” he noted. Governor Eno appreciated the Army for collaborating and synergizing with other security agencies which, according to him, has resulted in the peace and security enjoyed in the State. “We want to really appreciate the Nigerian Army for the laudable work they do, particularly for the collaboration that exists between the Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of the Commander, 2 Brigade, Brigadier General Alexander Tawasimi, and our State,” he said. Earlier, Lt Gen Oluyede said he was in Akwa Ibom State on an operational visit to units and formations under the Army’s 6 Division, and decided to pay homage to the Governor and people of the State. He appreciated the Governor Umo Eno – led administration for all its support to the Army in the State, adding that he knows the Governor personally and was not surprised by his kind disposition towards security agencies in the State. The Army Chief said the support received by security agencies is evident in the peace and security experienced across the State, and reaffirmed that Akwa Ibom remains one of the most peaceful states in the Nigeria. Lt. Gen. Oluyede was accompanied on the visit by the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah; Chief of Operations, Major General Uwem Bassey; Chief of Logistics, Major General Akerejola Adeyinka, Chief of Account and Budget, Major General Adetokunbo Fayemibo; Provost Marshall, Major General Garba; Chief of Military Intelligence, Major General TB Ugiagbe, Commander 2 Brigade, Brig.Gen. Alexander Tawasimi, Commander 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Folu Shonibare and others. On hand to receive the Chief of Army Staff and his entourage were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; and other members of the State Executive Council.

Uyo Town Square Meeting: Governor Eno Doles Out N492.7m Farm/Trade Grants Idongesit Ashameri, Uyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has doled out the sum of N492.7m as empowerment to 1187 persons as farm, trade, and business development grants in Uyo Federal Constituency. The Governor disbursed the grants during the Uyo Federal Constituency Town Square Meeting held at the Ibom Hall grounds, Uyo at the weekend. Addressing the crowd of both beneficiaries and supporters, the Governor said 276 constituents were successfully selected to benefit from the ARISE Farmers grant, 628 for the ARISE Traders grant, 263 for the ARISE Equipment support scheme, while eight persons benefited from the N5 million MSME grant, and 12 got cars and mini buses. Governor Eno said within the two years of his administration, 116 projects, including roads, health centres, compassionate homes, elderly home, and primary schools have been executed across the Federal Constituency which comprises Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Attai and Ibesikpo Asutan LGAs. He said the meeting was to receive the Needs document of the Constituency in order to include them in the 2026 Peoples’ budget, and to give grants to the constituents, as would be done in all other federal constituencies. The Governor said the selection process was powered from the ARISE Youth Employment portal and that the beneficiaries were qualified citizens of the Federal Constituency. Governor Eno who appreciated the people of Uyo for the massive turn out, said it was indicative of their status as the landlords of Government House, and also appreciated the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah for leading his people to unite with the centre, assuring everyone of more development projects. The State Chief Executive said he received the needs document from the people of Uyo with an open heart, and promised to treat it accordingly, based on availability of funds. Governor Eno appreciated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal administration for making funds available to States, which, according to him, has made it possible to execute the empowerment scheme, the entrepreneurship support and different development projects. He directed the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center (Ibom LED) to commence the process of training another 50 persons each from all the recognised female and male support groups, for another set of empowerment. The Governor also announced the federal government-funded ward development empowerment initiative for 100O persons per ward, and urged the people to return to their respective wards to ensure that entrepreneurs at their respective wards partake in the programme. He called on the people to support the President for a second term in 2027 as well as other APC candidates in the 2027 elections, to further the synergy with him, having enjoyed an overwhelming endorsement as sole candidate for Governorship in the 2027 elections. Governor Eno who has since inception of his administration remained committed to celebrating Akwa Ibomites who are making impacts in their different careers across the world, also took out time to celebrate a daughter of Uyo Federal Constituency, Uduak Otu Ita, Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Police College, Oji River, Enugu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Commissioner in the Nigerian Police Force, and presented her with a brand new SUV, saying that the stride was a source of encouragement and motivation especially for the girl child. He urged everyone to continue to remain united with a focus on the Akwa Ibom project, warning against insulting any leader irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that a united and progressive Akwa Ibom supercedes every other consideration. “We want to continue to ask you to remain united. Please don’t abuse anybody and when people abuse you, don’t answer them. We want to continue to build this state for our generation and generations unborn,” he said. Presenting the needs document, the Secretary to the State Government and political leader of Uyo, Prince Enobong Uwah, appreciated the Governor for the impactful development projects in the Federal Constituency, adding that they have been enjoying double of the projects executed in other federal constituencies, and assured of more support in the 2027 election. Earlier while setting the tone for the event, the Director General of campaigns, Ambassador Assam Assam, said having moved round the State with the Governor during the 2023 electioneering campaign, he was proud that the Governor has kept to his campaign promises. On their parts, the local government chairmen, Commissioners, House of Assembly members and Paramount Rulers from the Federal Constituency, as well as non indigenes, appreciated the Governor for all his impactful strides in their domain, and assured him of their continuous support. High point of the event was the unanimous adoption of the Governor as the sole Governorship candidate for Uyo Federal Constituency in the 2027 election following a motion moved and seconded by Rt. Hon. Mark Esset, and Hon. Ubong Attah respectively.

AKSU Appoints Prof Akpan Acting Vice Chancellor   The Governing Council of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has confirmed the appointment Of Professor Otoabasi Akpan as acting Vice Chancellor of the institution.   Akpan who is a professor of Biochemistry was confirmed during the 40th meeting of the Governing Council held at the main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.   The council reached the decision in accordance with the institution’s regulations, pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.   Akpan, whose career spans decades of academic excellence, leadership, and research, both within AKSU and in broader academic circles, prior to his new role held the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration).   A brief profile of the new VC made available to our correspondent indicates that Prof Akpan previously served as Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, where he led reforms that improved academic output and research development. He has chaired numerous university-wide committees, including the Senate Curriculum Committee and the Academic Planning Committee.   Earlier in his career at AKSU, Professor Akpan served as Head of the Department of Biochemistry, a member of the University Senate, and Director of the Centre for Research and Innovation. His extensive experience within the institution has positioned him as a respected figure among faculty and students.   Beyond AKSU, Professor Akpan is recognized for his contributions to scientific research and development. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and maintains active membership in professional associations such as the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB).   In his acceptance remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Governing Council for the opportunity to serve. He pledged to maintain stability and uphold the academic values of the university.   “This is a collective responsibility, and I will rely on the cooperation of every stakeholder to keep the university on its path of growth,” he said.   He also pledged to prioritize student welfare, staff development and academic integrity during his time in office. According to him, the immediate focus will be on continuity, institutional efficiency, and strategic planning.   Professor Akpan takes over from Professor Nse Essien, whose five-year tenure ended in line with the university’s statutes. The outgoing Vice Chancellor is credited with spearheading major infrastructural projects and enhancing the institution’s visibility nationally and internationally.

Benue Records 156 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases, 6 Deaths Benue State has recorded 156 suspected cases of Lassa Fever, with 15 confirmed cases and six deaths from those confirmed cases. Additionally, there have been nine probable deaths linked to the disease in the past six months, according to Dr. Msuega Asema, the State Epidemiologist.   The seven Local Government Areas affected by the suspected cases are Ukum, Makurdi, Guma, Okpokwu, Vandeikya, Gwer-West, and Otukpo. Dr. Asema emphasized the need for prevention, early detection, and treatment, highlighting measures like covering food and washing hands to prevent infections.   Meanwhile the World Health Organization (WHO) has advocated for a shift from reactive to proactive measures in tackling Lassa Fever in Benue.   Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, WHO State Coordinator, stressed the need for attitudinal change in health practices to prevent infections.

Gunshot Death in Church, Akwa Ibom Police Launch Murder Investigation On August 5, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Ikot Oku Usung village, Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. A 45-year-old man, Mr. Udeme Sunday Uko, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head inside a church where he was sleeping with his wife and children. According to a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John and made available to Newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the incident occurred at approximately 12:10 a.m. A gunshot was heard in the church, and Mr. Uko was later discovered in a pool of blood. “The Command was alerted to the incident by concerned citizens who received the report from the victim’s wife. “Upon receiving the information, a team of police officers was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime. During the visit, a locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit. The corpse of the deceased has since been deposited at the Mortuary for preservation and autopsy”. The report stated The release reports further that a locally made pistol was recovered from the scene as an exhibit, adding that the body of the deceased has been taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy. It hinted further that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed a thorough and swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. “Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public as they arise,” the police statement read.