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Masquerade Chief in A’Ibom Police Net Over Public Disturbance, Extortion Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police command have arrested a leader of masquerade cultural group commonly called ”Ekpo” Uwem Umanah over alleged criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway, and extortion in the state. A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Saturday said the suspect was arrested after a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld) which revealed that the masquerade cultural group was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public. According to the information the perpetrators, armed with sphere arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members. The police spokesperson said investigation further revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village had authorized members of the group to wear masks and disguise themselves in masquerade costumes in public, despite an existing ban on such displays. John noted that upon receipt of the information, operatives of the command immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah. The statement reads in part,”The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two individuals, including the leader of a masquerade cultural group for a series of criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway, and extortion. ”The arrest followed a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld) reporting the illegal display of a masquerade cultural group that was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public passing through the route. According to the information from the distress call, the perpetrators, armed with sphere arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members. ”Investigation revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah ‘M’ aged 45 years, had authorized members of the group to wear masks and disguise themselves in masquerade costumes in public, despite an existing ban on such displays. ”Upon receipt of the information, Operatives of the Command immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah. In a related development, one David Michael ‘M’ aged 34 years of Ikot Obong Edong Village, was arrested at Ukana Onuk Village while in possession of complete masquerade costumes, preparing to invade the area. The two suspects have been charged to court following a thorough investigation into the matter The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammad Azare has reassured the general public of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and order. The police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence under any guise, including the unauthorized use of cultural paraphernalia to perpetrate crime. Members of the public are urged to continue to provide timely and useful information to the police to prevent crime and ensure that all communities remain safe and secure for lawful activities.

Fens Group CEO, Michael Udofia, Wins 2025 Agribusiness Development Award In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial development, the Chief Executive Officer of Fens Group, Mr. Michael Udofia, has been conferred with the 2025 Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award (ADEA) by the Nigeria Agribusiness & Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI) under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The award was presented during the 4th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference (Uyo2025), holding at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with the theme “Resilient Agribusiness: A Sustainable Solution for a Changing World.” Explaining the rationale behind the choice of Udofia, the Zonal Coordinator of NAADI, Mr. Howard Usen, said the ADEA was established to honor exemplary individuals and organizations that drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture, rural development, and industry. In his words “The Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award recognizes vanguards in the agro sub-sector who have pioneered solutions that enhance livelihoods, create jobs, and promote food security and social inclusion. He described Mr. Udofia as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader whose business model has transformed agribusiness and enterprise development in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and beyond. “You have distinguished yourself as a change agent who has significantly impacted humanity through accelerated employment generation, social enterprise growth, and economic advancement in the West African sub-region,” Usen added. According to him, the Distinguished Advisory Committee of the Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award found Mr. Udofia deserving of the honor for his exceptional track record in business transformation, leadership, and community impact. “You are a serial entrepreneur of repute with a consistent record of success and innovation.” He noted Responding after receiving the award, the Chief Executive Officer of Fens Group, Mr. Michael Udofia expressed gratitude to the organizers for recognizing his lifelong commitment to enterprise and agricultural development. Udofia who used the platform to encourage Nigerian youths to embrace agribusiness and entrepreneurship with determination and patience said; “After my graduation in 1992, I started business in 1993 with only ₦3,500. It was a humble beginning. Today, by the grace of God, we have grown into a conglomerate with interests in petroleum marketing, construction, and recently, large-scale farming. “You can start small. Even if you plant only 20 stands of palm seedlings, in three to four years, you won’t need to borrow money to pay school fees, and you will have food on your table.” He said The Fens Group Boss revealed that the company currently operates the largest palm plantation in Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, a project he described as a demonstration of his belief in agriculture as the foundation of sustainable prosperity. Our correspondent reports that the conference which drew over 500 participants from within and outside Nigeria, was declared open by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and featured keynotes from ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, legislators, and industry leaders. Also in attendance were heads of government ministries and agencies, representatives of local and international development partners, financial institutions, small and medium enterprises, and major players in the agribusiness and manufacturing sectors.

Why we chose A’Ibom for Five City tour- Davido   Popular singer, songwriter and record producer, David Adedeji Adeleke, known as Davido, has said the choice of Akwa Ibom as the first State in Nigeria to host his music concert, is due to the quality facilities in the State.   Speaking at a pre-concert reception hosted by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno and Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godwill Akpabio in Uyo, on Sunday,Davido said that the choice of Akwa Ibom to host his first live show in Nigeria after 14 years of being on the stage was as a result of the state’s inherent potentials.   According to him everything about Akwa Ibom State is “beautiful, ” adding that if all states in the country were like Akwa Ibom, he would have been comfortable touring around the whole country.   The music icon commended Governor Eno for his good works in the State, especially in maintaining peace and security and for providing platforms for the youths to excel.   He said, “When we were looking around Africa, five places came and Akwa Ibom was top on the list. A lot of people are flying from other states that don’t have this type of facility.   “I am excited, it is(the Akwa Ibom tour) is best of its kind. We toured America already and it was a great success and we were looking for a good facility around Africa and Akwa Ibom is one of the places that we found out.   ”You have a standard facility, that’s why we are starting here. As time goes, we will keep doing the other states and I am just excited the stadium is already filled up so let’s get ready and shut it down.”   I’m his remark, Senator Akpabio commended Governor Eno for his leadership disposition describing him as both youth and sports friendly.   He commended Davido for choosing Akwa Ibom State, saying that a good number of youths have been mentored through his platform, and urged him to carry some Akwa Ibom budding stars with him as he tours around other countries abroad.   Governor Eno , in his remarks, appreciated the music icon for being an inspiration to the younger generation, adding that his commitment, determination has taken his carrier to the zenith.   “We want to thank you for being an inspiration to the younger generation. For me, you have taken your career to the zenith and it is an inspiration to the youths that what they set their hand to do is possible and achievable.   “We are a youths friendly state and we are trying to develop talents. Thank you for sharing the stage with some of our local entertainers which is an inspiration to them that one day, they can also aspire to be like you,” he said.

ActionAid, CIF Charge Policy Makers on Youth Inclusion in Climate Decision-Making   Leaders and policy makers in Nigeria have been urged to include youth in climate decision-making processes, as a key step towards achieving climate justice and a sustainable future.   The charge was issued during the 2025 South-South Regional Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Nigeria), organised by Clement Isong Foundation (CIF), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, on the theme; “Youth at the Forefront of Climate Justice: Accelerating Action for a Just Transition,”   Setting the tone, Executive Director, Clement Isong Foundation, Mr. Elkanah Oluyori urged the youth to take ownership of climate solutions rather than wait to be included. He called for courage, innovation, and leadership in building sustainable alternatives. “Are we going to be the victims or the vanguards of the crisis” he asked   The Project Lead, CIF, Dr. Caroline Gordian, in her speech highlighted the importance of empowering young people, women, and marginalized communities to promote climate accountability, democratic governance, and sustainable livelihoods.   Dr. Gordian who assured that empowerment has been the focus of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA II) project, implemented by ActionAid Nigeria and funded by DANIDA, noted that when youth are equipped with the right tools and platforms, they become active creators of change, not passive recipients of aid.   Delivering a keynote address on the conference’s theme, Executive Director, Policy Alert and Acting Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Government Climate and Oil Derivatives Accountability (AKGCODA), Mr. Tijah Bolton-Akpan, called for justice-centered climate action, accountability in the fossil fuel sector, and youth inclusion in policy frameworks.   Challenging the youth to push for accountability and transparency from leaders, Bolton-Akpan said; “Do not just ask questions—question the answers.”.   He also tasked the federal governments of Nigeria and private actors on climate Justice to move from policy drafting to implementation, by consciously working to ensure that youth are part of decision-making spaces.   A communique issued at the end of the meeting therefore identified youth as key drivers of the Just Transition — leading solutions for climate justice, energy transition, and sustainable livelihoods. It further declared climate justice a moral and human rights issue that demands intergenerational collaboration and inclusive governance.   ” Agroecology, renewable energy, and innovation are powerful pathways for resilience and green job creation. Governments and private actors must move from policy drafting to implementation, ensuring youth are part of decision-making spaces. Digital activism and technology amplify youth voices and hold leaders accountable for environmental governance”. The communique stated   While acknowledging the resilience, creativity, and leadership skills of young people as key drivers shaping a sustainable and equitable future, the 2025 South-South Regional Local Conference of Youth (LCOY Nigeria) made strong case for amplified regional voices, as well as linking local solutions to global advocacy.

HEALTH INVESTIGATION: CEREBRAL PALSY: How Families, Experts Manage the Struggles By Julius Nsikak At just nine years old, God’spower Effiong lives with a reality most of his peers cannot imagine. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth, the condition has shaped his childhood, influencing his growth, speech, and ability to interact with others. On a quiet afternoon in Uyo, he is seen trying to keep up with his siblings in their residential compound along Aka Etinan Road. His steps are unsteady, his movements painfully slow, and his words often melt into sounds only his closest relatives can interpret. Yet when he manages a smile, it speaks louder than any words he cannot say. Family members recall how his late mother, Mrs Imaobong Inyangette, devoted herself to his care. Before her untimely passing, she made frequent visits to Nsit Ibom Medical Centre to collect vitamins and supplements for her son, determined to strengthen his fragile health. “She never gave up on him,” his eldest sister said. “Even when she was tired, she would still look for ways to make him strong. She wanted him to live like other children.” Despite her efforts, God’spower’s progress has been slow. He did not walk until after his second birthday, and even then, his legs appeared too thin for his frame. His buttocks are flattened, his movements restricted, and at nine years old, he weighs just 11 kilograms, far below the expected weight for his age. UNDERSTANDING THE CONDITION Cerebral palsy is not a single illness but a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. At the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), one of the few tertiary health institutions in Akwa Ibom equipped to handle complex paediatric cases, Dr Nsisong Udoudo (FMCPaed), a consultant paediatric neurologist, offered crucial insights into the causes, management, and systemic gaps affecting families in Nigeria. “Cerebral palsy,” she explained, “is not a single illness but a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture caused by non-progressive disturbances or injury to the developing foetal or infant brain. It is one of the most common motor disabilities that begins in childhood. These children typically show delays in motor development such as difficulty controlling the neck, sitting, crawling, or walking, as well as abnormal muscle tone, gait problems, and sometimes speech, feeding, or learning difficulties. The condition does not disappear in adulthood; rather, the affected child grows into an adult with cerebral palsy.” Dr Udoudo identified several causes and risk factors, many of which are preventable with proper healthcare. “Complications during labour, such as birth asphyxia, where the baby is unable to initiate or sustain breathing at birth are major causes,” she said. “Others include prematurity, very low birth weight, neonatal jaundice, and infections such as meningitis or sepsis. Maternal illnesses, poor antenatal attendance, and untreated infections also play significant roles. Unfortunately, poor access to good obstetric and neonatal care, and delays in recognising and managing complications, make the situation worse in Nigeria.” According to her, the burden of cerebral palsy in Nigeria, and particularly in Akwa Ibom, is significant. “Globally, the incidence is about 3.6 per 1,000 children, with a higher rate in low- and middle-income countries,” she noted, referencing data from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Here in Uyo, about three to four out of every ten children seen in our paediatric neurology clinic at UUTH are living with cerebral palsy.” When asked about early detection, Dr Udoudo explained that diagnosis can often be made between 18 and 24 months of age. “Parents and caregivers should watch for warning signs such as poor head control, floppy or unusually stiff muscles, delayed sitting or walking, feeding difficulties, or persistent primitive reflexes,” she advised. “Any baby who experiences a difficult delivery, prematurity, jaundice, or seizures at birth should be closely monitored.” While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, Dr Udoudo emphasised that it can be managed effectively through multidisciplinary care. “Management involves physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, orthotic support such as braces, nutritional management, spasticity control, and, in some cases, orthopaedic surgery,” she explained. “Children also need support for associated conditions like epilepsy, vision or hearing impairments, and feeding or speech difficulties.” Beyond medicine, the consultant shed light on the emotional and financial strain families face. “Caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be financially draining,” she admitted. “The cost of therapy, medications, and orthotic devices ranges from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of naira, depending on the severity of the condition. The burden isn’t just financial, it’s emotional and psychological. Many parents battle anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to stigma.” She further pointed out that physiotherapy, which plays a vital role in improving mobility and preventing deformities, remains out of reach for many. “Physiotherapy helps prevent contractures and trains families on home-based exercises, but cost and access remain huge challenges. Here at UUTH, our clinic only holds once a week, every Tuesday. We simply do not have enough staff to run more sessions.” Comparing Nigeria’s situation to global standards, Dr Udoudo said that while teaching hospitals offer relatively good multidisciplinary care, coverage remains grossly inadequate. “There are too few specialists, limited rehabilitation equipment, and irregular funding. Families often travel long distances just to access care. In addition, disability and rehabilitation have not been given the political priority they deserve.” On government policy, her response was blunt: “To the best of my knowledge, there are no specific government social support programmes for children with cerebral palsy. Most families depend on NGOs and community groups for help.” She added that inclusive education is also lacking. “Sadly, most schools are not inclusive,” she said. “They lack ramps, accessible toilets, or adapted learning materials. Inclusive education is almost non-existent for children with severe disabilities.” Dr Udoudo urged the government and policymakers to prioritise prevention and inclusion. “We must strengthen maternal and newborn care

Musa, Abdulrashid, Adamu Top Lists as A’Ibom Police Command Burst Notorious Tricycle Robbery Syndicate in Uyo The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has arrested Musa Idris Sanni, 31 years, Utibe Asuquo Nkop, 34 years, Dadati John, 46 years, Abdulrashid Sanni, 28 years, as suspected syndicates terrorizing Uyo metropolis using tricycle. The command has also arrested Muhammed Saifuana, ‘M’ aged 32 yrs, Musa Abdulahi, ‘M’ aged 27yrs, Samaila Sauwanu, ‘M’ aged 21yrs, Mubansir Abubakar, ‘M’ aged 20yrs and Adamu Umar, ‘M’ aged 25yrs, over suspected theft of household items. Items recovered include; three (3) tricycles and seventy-two (72) assorted mobile phones as exhibits from members of the syndicate, suspected to have been stolen from unsuspecting victims. Other items include; Five (5) industrial standing fans, Two (2) microwave ovens, One (1) bicycle, Fifty (50) pieces of stabilizers, Three (3) electric kettles, Two (2) brand new Startime decoders, Four (4) pressing irons, One (1) DVD player, and several other goods. In a press briefing in Uyo on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare said the recent arrests came from a distress call from one of the victims of tricycle robbery. “On 7th July 2025, the Command received a petition from one Mr. Aniekan Dan, aged 41 years. He reported that on 3rd July 2025 at about 7:00 pm, while returning from Ibesikpo with his wife, they boarded a tricycle from Ring Road 3 en route Nwaniba. Unknown to them, two other men already seated in the tricycle were members of a robbery gang. “On getting to UniUyo Permanent Site Roundabout, the two supposed passengers, in collaboration with the tricycle rider, suddenly brought out a firearm and ordered the couple to surrender their belongings. They were dispossessed of an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at ₦680,000, iPhone 16 valued at ₦1,400,000, Samsung S22 valued at ₦370,000, cash sum of ₦28,200, and a handbag containing personal effects. “After robbing and assaulting the victims, the suspects pushed them out of the moving tricycle. Fortunately, the victims managed to identify the MOT number (MOT–0BMR) of the fleeing tricycle, which proved vital in tracking down the culprits. “Through intelligence-led investigation, police operatives arrested the tricycle rider, one Editi, aged 34 years, alongside the tricycle used in the operation. His voluntary statement led to the arrest of four other members of the gang, both within and outside Akwa Ibom State”. He said CP Azare also reported apprehension of a tricycle with registration number 298 WZ along Nasarawa Road, carrying five male occupants, loaded with a large quantity of assorted, brand-new household items, which immediately raised suspicion. He assured that the Command, under his watch, will not relent in ensuring that people sleep with their eyes closed. The CP therefore called on all victims to visit the Area Command Uyo office, with proof of ownership and claim their phones. “The suspects will have their day in court after completion of investigation”. He assured

Nigerian Army Condemns Brutal Killing of Officer by Wife in Akwa Ibom The Nigerian Army 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom State has condemned the killing of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, the Regimental Medical Officer of 6 Battalion. Haruna reportedly passed on after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at the Willington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa. In a statement by its Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lawal Muhammad, in Uyo on Tuesday night, the Nigerian Army condemned the officer’s killing, while also commiserating with the family over the tragic death It was gathered that the incident involving Haruna and his wife occurred on September 22, 2025. “He died after sustaining severe burns when his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. “They had a heated argument with his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, which resulted in her dousing him with petrol (PMS) and set.ting him on fire. “The officer sustained severe burns and was immediately stabilised at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further management. “The officer, however, succumbed to his inj.uries despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life”. A source close to the barracks explained.

From a Facebook Group to a Movement: How Zack Onwe is Using Local Solutions to Drive Community Change When Zack Onyebuchi Onwe created a small Facebook group in 2013, he had no idea he was starting a movement. All he wanted was to connect people from his hometown, Ntezi, in Ebonyi State, a small community in Ishielu Local Government, with big dreams but limited opportunities. Born on October 1, 1992, in Ndiagueke, Ulepa Ntezi, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Zack’s early years were shaped by a keen awareness of the gap between his people’s potential and their progress. That awareness would later drive him into what would become a lifelong commitment to community-led development. What began as a Facebook group called Ntezi People’s Forum (NPF) was initially meant to reconnect indigenes of Ntezi scattered across different cities and countries. But as discussions grew, the group evolved into something much larger, a social movement driven by collaboration, empathy, and action. Over the past few years, several international development agencies have scaled back direct funding to grassroots projects in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. This shift has forced many small communities and organisations to rethink how they sustain local development. But for Zack, the answer lies in self-reliance. “What we’ve building with Ntezi People’s Forum shows that you don’t need to wait for external help to make progress,” he says. “Communities can pool their own resources, skills, and ideas to solve their problems.” This belief has shaped NPF’s model of homegrown development, rooted in shared ownership and volunteerism. By 2018, while in his final year at the University, Zack moved the Facebook conversations into a WhatsApp community to foster closer engagement. Within months, ideas turned into collective action, and members began contributing funds for small projects back home. Local Action, Real Impact The results of Zack’s community-driven approach soon became evident. In 2020, he led the #GoodWaterIsLife campaign, a social media-driven fundraising effort that mobilized over ₦2.5 million to provide clean water for Ndiagueke and neighboring parts of Ntezi. The campaign’s success led to the drilling of two functional boreholes, demonstrating how digital storytelling and community trust can translate into real-world impact. Following that success, NPF began the implementation of its annual education project. In 2021, Zack and his team launched the Education Is Empowerment Initiative, a program designed to support students from low-income families in the five villages that make up the Orring speaking villages of Ntezi (Ulepa, Amata, Agaga, Iyorkpa, Biledeba) with school materials and tuition assistance. For Zack, this initiative hits close to home. “Many young people in Ebonyi struggle to access education because of poverty,” he explains. “But when one child gets an education, an entire family’s future can change. That’s why we keep pushing, because education is empowerment.” A Voice for Local Solutions A graduate of Zoology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Zack’s academic background gave him a strong appreciation for systems, both natural and social. He often describes development as “an ecosystem where everyone has a role.” His journey into development communication grew out of curiosity, a desire to understand how storytelling, empathy, and technology can influence change. Today, he channels that passion into amplifying local voices, designing communication strategies, and nurturing community-led action. “Development isn’t always about money,” Zack says. “It’s about trust, unity, and the willingness to do something, no matter how small. When people see results, they give more. That’s how we grow.” The Power of Looking Inward As the world witnesses a shift in foreign aid and global development priorities, Zack believes that the future of African communities depends on their ability to look inward, to identify local talents, leverage social capital, and create transparent systems that foster self-reliance. Through the *Ntezi People’s Forum*, Zack continues to demonstrate that when communities take ownership of their destinies, they can thrive even without external funding. His story offers a blueprint for sustainable, grassroots-driven development — one that prioritizes people over politics and solutions over sympathy. “You don’t have to be wealthy to make an impact,” he insists. “All you need is a willingness to care and a readiness to act.” “You Can Be You Till Full” That phrase “You can be you till full” has become Zack Onwe’s personal philosophy and signature message. It embodies his belief that transformation begins when people show up as their most authentic selves, fully, intentionally, and without waiting for permission. Because when communities believe in themselves, nothing can stop their development.

Inflation, Forex Rates Stabilize- CBN Declares The Central Bank Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso has said both the Inflation and foreign exchange market rate has stabilised. Speaking in during a Central Bank of Nigeria fair with the theme: “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development”, in Uyo on Tuesday, Cardoso attributed the stability to the bank’s policies on sustainable economic growth and development of the country. Represented by Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, CBN, Cardoso said the fair was designed to sensitize the public on how the bank’s policies can enhance their lives and livelihood, and contribute to the growth and development of the economy. “The Management of the Bank remains firmly committed to fostering productivity, enhancing financial inclusion, and maintaining monetary and price stability. “These efforts are already yielding positive results, as evidenced by the steady a in inflation and current stability in the foreign exchange market,” he stated. Cardoso mentioned that one of the policies: the exchange rate unification policy has reduced volatility in the foreign exchange market and cleared over $7 billion dollars of verified backlog of forex forwards. The Governor explained that the bank recapitalisation policy has strengthen the resilience and global competitiveness of the banking sector, and positioned it to support the $1 trillion dollar economy. He listed other key policies to include: the non-resident BVN to connect Nigerians abroad with home banking facilities; BMatch System for forex trading aimed to enhance market integrity and facilitate better price discovery. He said the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028) policy aims to accelerate digital transformation, broaden financial inclusion and minimize downtime for faster and safer transactions; and the 75 per cent CRR on non-TSA public sector deposits is designed to enhance liquidity management and mitigating potential inflationary pressures. While speaking, the Branch Controller, CBN, Uyo, Mrs Njideka Nwabukwu said the fair was timely and significant, as it would enable the CBN to engage directly with customers and stakeholders in the state and receive valuable feedback that will help it improve service delivery and policy implementation. Nwabukwu said the CBN’s role in shaping economic direction for the nation through strategic policies and regulatory frameworks would enhance payment systems, promote financial inclusion and supporting sustainable economic growth. “Uyo Branch remains committed to upholding the mandate of CBN, while supporting the economic aspirations of Akwa Ibom State through effective stakeholder’s engagement, financial literacy campaigns, and seamless service delivery” she said.

We Are Building Not jJust Classrooms, But Centers of Creativity and Skill- Gov Eno Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno says his ongoing Model Secondary Schools initiative in the state is a cornerstone of his vision to redefine learning by integrating academic excellence with technical and vocational training. Speaking during an inspection visit to one of the flagship Model Secondary School projects sites in Ikot Akpan Abia, Nsit Ubium on Monday, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational transformation under the ARISE Education Renewal Initiative. “This project represents our vision of a new learning environment and quality education that meets global standards. We are building not just classrooms, but centers of creativity and skill,” the Governor stated. Governor Eno announced that construction will commence immediately following the approval of the supplementary budget, with multiple contractors being engaged to ensure timely delivery and foster community participation. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing local contractors and labour, calling on interested parties to register through the State Employment Portal to ensure a transparent and inclusive hiring process. The Governor listed the school’s key features, which are designed to be polytechnical in nature to include; specialized skill acquisition centers for ICT, catering, metalworks, and entrepreneurship center. “We want our secondary schools to be polytechnical in nature so that by the time our students gain admission into the university, they already have something to support themselves,” he explained. speaking further on the school’s self-sufficiency and practical learning focus, Governor Eno says he has allocated 10 hectares of land for a model school farm. This initiative, he said will support agricultural training and sustainability programs for students. Setting a clear timeline, the Governor confirmed the school is scheduled for completion and will be ready to welcome its first intake of students by September 2026. He also announced that similar flagship Model Secondary Schools of international standard will be established in the Ikot Ekpene and Eket senatorial districts to ensure equitable access to quality education across the state. He used the occasion to reveal that the State Government is currently collating data on schools with significant infrastructure challenges in preparation for a comprehensive renovation programme set to begin in the coming weeks. In his remarks, Senator Effiong Bob commended the Governor for siting the project in Nsit Ubium, describing it as a demonstration of visionary leadership. “This shows that charity indeed begins at home,” Senator Bob said, while appealing to community youths to cooperate with contractors to ensure the project’s smooth and timely execution.