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Wave of Vandalism, More Electricity Infrastructure Thieves in A’Ibom Police Net   To counter the ongoing wave of vandalism on public infrastructure, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reported another arrest of two suspects, John Joseph Udo and David Anthony Udo, for vandalizing and stealing public electricity infrastructure in Ikot Ekpene. The latest brings to four, the number of suspects nabbed by the police in recent times for similar offenses. Just recently, operatives of the command arrested two other suspects, Collins Ekene and Elijah John, for vandalizing electricity transformers. The suspects , according to a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, were apprehended in the early hours of Saturday, September 6, 2025, while in the act of stealing electrical cables belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company. “Acting on credible information from a concerned community member, a police crack team was dispatched to a farmland in Nkap village where miscreants were reported to be stealing electrical cables and other property belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) company. “The team apprehended John Joseph Udo, 33yrs and David Anthony Udo, 37,yrs both from Ifoho village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, while they were in the act of vandalizing PHED electric cables. The stolen cables were recovered from the suspects at the scene. “An investigation is underway to recover more stolen items and identify and arrest the individuals who purchase these stolen items. Suspects will be charged to court accordingly” the release stated Recall that Governor Umo Eno had expressed concern over the spate of vandalism of public facilities in the state, particularly electricity transformers. In January 2025, Governor Eno had lamented that vandalism not only result in huge costs for the government but also hinders rural development, a key focus area of his administration. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has therefore commended the swift action of the community members who provided credible information that led to the successful arrest. “An investigation is underway to recover more stolen items and identify and arrest the individuals who purchase these stolen items. Suspects will be charged to court accordingly”. The command assured

GOV ENO TO FLAG OFF TREE CROP REVOLUTION IN A’IBOM … plans N1 billion grant per LGA in 2026 In line with the agricultural revolution component of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to kick-start an unprecedented oil palm tree planting revolution in the State. Governor Eno announced this while addressing the Convention Victory Service at the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, to conclude the 21st Anniversary and Discovery Convention of the church. He said the State Committee on Food Security has recommended a template which involves the distribution of improved seedlings, deployment of extension officers in the planting, establishment of oil palm board and the off- taking of processed oil from different producers. The Governor who had served as the Executive Director of Agriculture Investment at the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, AKICORP, said the initiative is a way of putting money in the hands of the citizenry as the improved seedlings has high yield capacity and fruits within two years. He said Akwa Ibom has declined from number one to number four in oil palm production and needs to take back it’s pride of place. Governor Eno urged the youths to take advantage of the different job opportunities in the State, and to desist from complaining about lack of jobs. “Let our young people stop complaining that there are no jobs. Right now, we are building over 305 houses across this State, and our young people are being engaged and employed. Please find something to do,” he said. He used the opportunity to clear the air on the empowerment for members of support groups in the State, stressing that the monies in the recently published list of support groups and beneficiaries for the different empowerment packages were not given to group heads or any member of the groups to share, but to individuals who applied through the ARISE portal and had registered members of the support groups. He noted that his administration would continue to give business grants, saying, “What we have decided to do for next year is being worked out in our next year’s budget. We are appraising N1 billion per Local Government in our 2026 budget, plus other funds that we are going to send to the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry. “The grants through this will only be obtained through the Government’s portal by those who have registered and have never gotten one before,” he stressed. The Governor said his administration has made efforts to maintain peace in the State, and expressed disappointment at some high profile personalities in the State who pride themselves as members of certain cult groups and warned that the ban on cultism is still operational and defaulters would be tried accordingly. He also used the opportunity to announce plans for a memorial service in honour of the departed State First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, slated for September 26, 2025. The Governor who is also the Undershepherd of All Nations Christian Ministry International, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the Ministry for the past 21 years, and appreciated everyone for partaking in the convention activities and the victory service. In his homily, Rev. (Dr.) Godwin Amaowoh, speaking on the topic “You shall not be put to shame,”drawn from Romans 10:12-14, admonished Christians to put their trust only in God as their Creator, stressing that those who put their trust in God will not be put to shame. Rev. (Dr.) Amaowoh instructed the congregants that by trusting in God, God will use men to help, uplift, and honour them. Also preaching on “How to access the help of God”, culled from Genesis 27:29, Rev. Simeon Afolabi charged Christians to trust in God to enjoy His strategic help, honour, and defense, noting that when they enjoy the help of God, shame will be eradicated in their lives. The 4-day Convention which featured sessions of praise, worship, choir ministrations, messages, and prayers, was graced by the, National Vice President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Pastor E. U. Johnson who was specially celebrated by the Governor, members of the State Executive Council, the clergy, political stalwarts, captains of industry and Christian faithful within and outside the State.

Asuquo Appointed Governing Council Member of Southern Atlantic University The Management of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo is has announced the appointment of Mr. Mkposong Asuquo as a Member of its Governing Council. Mr. Asuquo, a seasoned entrepreneur and development strategist, brings with him a wealth of experience spanning business, education, energy, and community development. His appointment reflects the University’s commitment to fostering leadership that is both innovative and rooted in service to society. In his new role, Mr. Asuquo will work alongside other distinguished members of the Governing Council which boasts of eminent scholars and professionals, including Senator Ita Enang, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Prof. Etete Peters, Prof. Usen Ikpe, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Rev. Udeh Agwu, and Francis Maduekwe to strengthen the University’s vision of delivering world-class education in Nigeria. The Governing Council serves as the highest decision-making body of the institution, guiding its policies, strategic growth, and long-term sustainability. Speaking on the appointment, the Founder of Southern Atlantic University Pastor Bassey James remarked: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Mkposong Asuquo into the Governing Council. His proven leadership in advancing educational and socio-economic initiatives will greatly enrich our mission of nurturing the next generation of leaders.” Mr. Asuquo expressed gratitude for the appointment, stating: “It is an honor to join the Governing Council of Southern Atlantic University. I am deeply committed to contributing to the University’s growth and ensuring it becomes a beacon of academic excellence not just in Akwa Ibom State, but across Nigeria and beyond.” The University community which has since been commissioned and ready for academic activities looks forward to working closely with Mr. Asuquo as it continues to build a strong foundation for academic excellence, innovation, and impactful research. Southern Atlantic University, located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is a premier institution dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation. With a mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in a dynamic world, the University is committed to producing leaders who will transform society.

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.