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Cletus Ukpong, a Nigerian investigative journalist and Deputy Managing Editor of Premium Times, published a series of investigative reports on the rot in public education in Akwa Ibom State, and many people allegedly sponsored by the Akwa Ibom State Government went to Facebook and Twitter to attack him.“These fellows deployed all kinds of derogatory words to insult me and my family online,” he said.Ukpong is not alone. Eight among the 10 journalists in Akwa Ibom interviewed for this investigation reporteddirect cases of digital surveillance, cyberbully, and coordinated online smear campaigns.The two others said they know colleagues who were victims of such attacks.In the Ukpong case, the majority of the people that harassed and intimidated him,ironically, were fellow journalists allegedly hired by Akwa Ibom state government. In Akwa Ibom, cyberbullying and other kinds of online harassment of news reporters are real. Increasingly, armies of trolls weaponise hate speech and online harassment against journalists, especially investigative reporters and women. UNICEF defined cyberbullying as the “intentional and repeated harm inflicted on someone through the internet, social media, texts and games using digital devices like cell phones and computers. It can involve name-calling, physical threats, spreading rumors andposting explicit pictures of someone online.” Ekemini Simon, an Uyo-based investigative journalist with Mail Newspaper, has been regular victim of name-calling online. Critics and online trolls have labelled him a mercenary sponsored to attack the state government in Akwa Ibom because of his several accountability reports exposingwrongdoing and abuse of power in public office. In retaliation, pseudo accounts were created on social media and used to post false stories maligning him. But the public often comes to his defence, he said.“Although I felt sad over the proliferation of the false narrative, the sadness wasn’t so deepbecause I saw how many in the public often rose to my defense.”Simon’s experience as well as that of other journalists has demonstrated a new form ofthreats faced by journalists in the digital age. A 2017 survey by the Council of Europe found that 40% of 940 journalists polled had beensubjected to harassment that affected their personal life, with 53% of cases consisting ofcyber harassment.   Women journalists are not exempted. They often are often targeted with sexist and racistthreats, including rape. Mercy Obot, an Uyo-based female journalist with Crystal Express recalled the cyberattack she was exposed to for publishing an investigative story. The publication exposedhow social norms affect the rights of women in society.“ I was cyberbullied by men, especially on social media. This affected me personally, causing anxiety and stress. I became more cautious of my reportage on gender issues onsocial media.” Iniabasi Umo, a female journalist, the Akwa Ibom State Correspondent of Daily Trust hasnot directly experienced cyber attack, but whenever she reads some of the commentsabout her report, she feels attacked indirectly. “But it didn’t discourage me professionally because I felt the negative comments were from a place of ignorance”. According to UNESCO, 73% of women journalists globally have experienced online violence, and one in five has reported being attacked or abused offline in connection withthreats received digitally, while 18% face threats of sexual violence.Journalists in Nigeria have also reported increasing cases of digital surveillance, cyberharassment, or orchestrated online smear campaigns, according to the Media RightsAgenda (MRA).  Across Nigeria, those who dare to speak truth to power are increasingly becoming targetsof cyber attacks.  A 2021 report by the International Press Center on the “safety of journalists anddimensions of press freedom violation” listed 57 cases of attacks and threats to 54Nigerian male journalists and 3 female journalists and major newsrooms in Nigeria.Reviewing Nigeria’s 2024 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Beyond Borders, BusinessDaynewspaper reported that Nigeria ranks 123 out of 180 countries, sliding three places fromthe previous year. One of the key reasons cited was the rise in digital harassment and lack of legalprotections for journalists operating online. Sharing a personal experience on cyberbullying, an investigative journalist, Ibanga Isine of Next Edition, reported a coordinated attempt by state actors to silence him.“My phone has been hacked many times, and my conversations were eavesdropped bystate and political actors. It’s very frightening and frustrating and could make one reluctantto embark on any serious investigation,” he told RSF. Isine said cyberbullying gets intensified because state and political actors do not want journalists to speak truth to power or the public to know what they are doing in secret,especially as the internet has democratized information and communication.“By keeping the public unaware of the reality of misgovernance and the associated impact,political actors are able to perpetuate themselves in power,” he said“These attacks are not merely digital annoyances; they are potent tools of suppression.Weaponized misinformation, character assassination, and digital surveillance are moderninstruments of censorship that threaten the very foundation of democracy.”Beyond the cyberspace, journalists have also been exposed to physical harassment, legaltorture and charges for daring to report truthfully and objectively. An instance is the case of Tega Oghenedoro, a journalist with Secret Reporters, who wasdetained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba, Delta State, following a storyhe wrote about an alleged robbery incident in the Delta State Government House.The detention, which followed summons for questioning, raised concerns about thegovernment’s tolerance for press freedom.   In another instance, two journalists, Joe Ogbodu and Prince Amour Udemude, wereremanded by a Magistrate Court in Asaba over a report published about the oil crisis in theUzere community. Prince Amour Udemude and the Managing Editor of BIG PEN Nigeria Online Newspaper,Joe Ogbodu were Sentenced in 2023 by the Magistrate Court in Asaba, to two years andone year imprisonment, respectively with option of fine amounting to N100,000.00 andN50,000.00, respectively. These incidents further underscore the challenges journalists face in Nigeria, wherereporting the truth can lead to harassment, detention, or sometimes, death.According to Azubuike Okey, the Akwa Ibom State correspondent of the News Agency ofNigeria, the government and politically privileged class often resort to harassment ofjournalists because they are insincere about governance, and have a lot to hide.State and political actors do not want the public to know what they

Implement Financial Autonomy for LGs, CIF, Actionaid Task Presidential Committee   The Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) and ActionAid Nigeria have called on the Presidential Committee on Financial Autonomy for Local Governments to establish clear, actionable timelines and a measurable roadmap to fully implement financial autonomy for all local governments across Nigeria.   This demand was made in a communiqué issued at the end of a 2-day Institutional Strengthening and Agenda-Setting Meeting under the Strategic Partnership Agreement II (SPA II) project.   The meeting, which brought together Chairpersons and representatives of the 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Akwa Ibom State, identified several challenges facing local governance in the state. These challenges include weak transparency in budgeting, limited community participation in fiscal processes, and underfunded and understaffed public health centers and schools.   To address these challenges, the communiqué called on LGAs to adopt inclusive budgeting processes with clear feedback mechanisms for citizens, especially youth and women. It also urged LGAs to publish their budgets and service delivery targets via platforms like MyLGAGovTrack for real-time monitoring.   In the communique jointly signed by Elkanah Oluyori, Director, Clement Isong Foundation, and Celestine Okwudili ODO, Head of Programmes and Policy, ActionAid Nigeria, the organizations demanded that State Governments respect the financial autonomy of Local Governments by ending the diversion, withholding, or undue control of LGA funds.   “We demand that State Governments respect the financial autonomy of Local Governments by ending the diversion, withholding, or undue control of LGA funds, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the communiqué reads.   “The Presidential Committee on Financial Autonomy for Local Governments must establish clear, actionable timelines and a measurable roadmap to fully implement financial autonomy for all local governments across Nigeria, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process,” the communiqué stated.   According to the communiqué, the meeting aimed to enhance the capacity of local government leaders in public finance management, governance, and resource mobilization to drive inclusive and accountable development at the grassroots level.   The meeting was anchored on the urgent need to align local governance with the renewed financial autonomy of LGAs, citizen expectations, and broader state/national development priorities. Key themes discussed included participatory governance, youth engagement, climate justice, and institutional reforms.   The communiqué also called on LGAs to strengthen their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) systems through automation, anti-corruption measures, and equitable redistribution. Additionally, LGAs were urged to establish merit-based fundraising teams to pursue grants, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and donor funding.   The organizations believe that implementing financial autonomy for LGs will promote transparency and accountability in local governance. By establishing clear timelines and a measurable roadmap, the Presidential Committee on Financial Autonomy for Local Governments can ensure that LGs receive the support they need to function effectively.

Luke Bows Out as Uniuyo Alumni Association Elects New President The University of Uyo Alumni Association has welcomed a new leadership team, with Comrade Ekerette Adiaiduo emerging as President Adiaiduo polled 589 votes to win his closest rival, Prof Aniekan Brown, who garnered 481 votes in the keenly contested election held over the weekend. Presenting the result, Chairman, Election Committee, Dr Odumayak Okpo who also announced winners for 15 other offices contested for, expressed satisfaction that the process was kept free, fair and credible. In his acceptance speech, President Adiaiduo thanked his colleagues for the trust placed in him and promised to fulfill his campaign promise of taking the association to new heights. “I appreciate the confidence reposed in me and assure you that I will work tirelessly to justify the trust you’ve placed in me,” he stated. In his valedictory speech, outgoing President Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke commended the association’s electoral umpire for conducting a credible election, one of his administration’s key targets. Luke, a former House of Representatives member highlighted notable achievements of his administration to include influencing the Vice Chancellorship appointment, attracting projects from TETFUND, and providing scholarships to outstanding students. “When the Vice Chancellorship position of this University was in contention, it was the voice of this association heard at the NUC that restored the Vice Chancellorship of Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo. “Again, with my relationship with TETFUND, we have been able to attract some projects to this University. The Medical students who were rusticated, we were able to bring them back to the University. “And, in this same University, there were whole lot of things that we did. For the very first time in our Alumni Association, for three consecutive sessions, the best graduating students totalling forty-one of them were given two hundred thousand Naira each as scholarship and that money was paid. “During COVID-19, three million Naira (N3,000,000.00) was given to the Faculty of Pharmacy by the alumni association for research”. He said The former Akwa Ibom Assembly Speaker and outgoing President noted challenges faced by his administration, particularly the non-release of dues by the University’s consultant, which hindered project implementation. He however expressed satisfaction that the University management had taken steps to address the issue, with the consultant being investigated by the EFCC and expected to remit approximately N40 million in owed dues. “We could not carry on most of the projects because the consultant that the University gave to collect our dues, up until today, is still owing us about forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00). And today, I want to commend the management of the University led by Prof. Ndaeyo who had caused that man to be arrested and he’s been in the EFCC custody for the past three months. He will produce our dues totaling over forty million Naira”. Luke congratulated his successor and wished him well, while also urging the new administration to prioritize resolving the outstanding dues issue. “I congratulate Comrade Adiaiduo on his election and wish him success in his tenure. I hope he will build on the foundation laid by my administration and take the association to greater heights,” Luke stated.

Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria Lament Operational Challenges A recent conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has highlighted the operational challenges facing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria. The 2025 South-South Regional Conference on Improving the Operational Environment for CSOs, themed “Scaling Policy to Action – Strengthening the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable CSO Operations at the Subnational Level,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the issues. Despite their crucial role in promoting democracy, accountability, and community empowerment, many CSOs in Nigeria face duplicative registration requirements, burdensome financial obligations, and restrictive regulations imposed by multiple state agencies. These challenges hinder their ability to operate effectively and deliver services to communities. Ken Henshaw, Co-Chair of the Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening, noted that Nigeria’s civic space is getting restricted, limiting citizens’ participation in democratic processes. “The freedom to speak out is limited while the existing atmosphere is repressive,” he said. Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, emphasized the need for a more enabling environment for CSOs to thrive. “Let’s build Nigeria where peace and justice reign,” she urged, calling for stronger collaboration between CSOs and government agencies. The conference featured panel discussions on innovative strategies for navigating shrinking funding, strengthening the legal framework for civil society, and promoting CSO sustainability. Participants also discussed the disparity in operating environments between North and South Nigeria, attributing it to different CSO focuses in the two regions. KufreAbasi Edidem, Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, acknowledged the challenges faced by CSOs but emphasized that these can be overcome with proper legislative reforms. He highlighted CSOs’ contributions to promoting the rule of law, social justice, and political participation. The conference concluded with a call for improved collaboration between CSOs and government agencies to create a more enabling environment for civil society to thrive. A presentation of the 2025 CSO State Ranking Dashboard provided insights into the operating environment for CSOs across different states in Nigeria.

AKSG SET FOR RECRUITMENT OF 3000 WORKERS ….As HCS, Essien Unveils 2025 Public Service Week   Akwa Ibom State Government is set to recruit 3000 workers into government employ.   The Head of Civil Service of Akwa Ibom State, Elder Effiong Essien made this known Monday in Uyo during a Media Parley organized bh his Office to unfold the lined-up of activities for the celebration of the 2025 Public Service Week in the State.   Elder Effiong Essien said, the recruitment of new hands into government employ became necessary to fill the shortfall in the numerical strength of Workers realized during the recently concluded Staff verification exercise ìn the State.   The Head of Civil Service disclosed that, the 3000 workers to be employed shall be distributed to fill the vacancies in the Mainstream Civil Service, the Teaching Service and the Health sector with 1000 new employees going into each of the listed Service areas.   Accompanied by members of the College of Permanent Secretaries, Elder Essien used the occasion to applaud His Excellency the Governor of the State, Pastor Umo Eno PhD for approving the 2025 Public Service Week Celebration in the State barely a year after, on breaking the jinx in 2024, since the last celebration of the event a decade ago.   He said Pastor Umo Eno is a blessing to Workers in Akwa Ibom and listed the numerous gains of workers under the Governor Umo Eno-led administration to include: Procurement of sophisticated SUVs to Permanent Secretaries in the State, Capacity building for Permanent Secretaries and Directors in the State by the prestigious Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, provision of 150 Housing Estates for Workers at the Grace Estate, registration of 8000 Workers into the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme and the Reward of hardworking staff in all MDAs with the sum of N1M each.   Others include: release of 2024 Promotions to workers and payment of entitlements, payment of pensions and gratuities to pensioners, payment of Wardrobe allowance to Teachers, approval of Special Promotion to outstanding workers and provision of Enomber 13th month’s largesse to Civil Servants in the State, among others.   He listed the planned activities for the 2025 Public Service Week to include: a Public Lecture on the Theme of the year’s Public Service Week – ,*Leveraging Technology For A Smart and Agile Public Service* to be handled by the State Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, on Wednesday, 25th June, a Novelty Football Match, between the Mainstream Service and the Unified Local Government Service on Friday, 27th; A Roadwalk on Saturday 28th and a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 29th, to be held at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.   Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 2025 Public Service Week celebration in the State and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Grace Akpan had said, this year’s celebration is unique because it has been extended to include: workers in the Unified Local Government Service and those in the Federal Government employ.   Mrs. Grace Akpan said the celebration of the Public Service Week is a means of expressing a sense of Value and Worth to workers in the State emphasizing that this exercise will give workers a sense of belonging in government and exlressed appreciation to the Worker-friendly Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for giving the workers the opportunity to celebrate themselves as the engine room of government.   In a vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Ms Doris Ukpoho, expressed gratitude to God for a successful Media Parley which will aide in effective publicity of the weeklong event, expressed appreciation to the State Governor for approving the hosting of the event in the State and thanked the Permanent Secretaries and the Press Community for turning up for the event.   On his part, the Chairman of the State Council of NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk acknowledged the great strides of Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State both to the Workers and the populace and described him as a *Pride* in the heart of Nigerians.   Comrade Amos Etuk said, the Labour and Workforce is very Happy with the leadership style of the Head of Civil Service and expressed appreciation to him for the appointment of a Journalist in the person of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Grace Akpan as Chairman of the 2025 Public Service Week Celebration.   He pledged continous partnership and support by the Press Community to the Office of the Head of Civil Service and assured that, all activities lined up for the weeklong event will receive effective publicity by the Press.   The Media Parley was attended by the Dean, College of Permanent Secretaries, Bar Uduak Eyo-Nsa, Exco members of the College of Permanent Secretaries, distinguished Permanent Secretaries, Labour Union Leaders, members of the 2025 Public Service Week and the Press Community.

Traceability: Solidaridad Trains Akwa Ibom, Cross River Stakeholders on Framework Development To support the development of an oil palm traceability system as well as enhance smallholders’ access to green financing and market, Solidaridad West Africa last weekend held a two day training workshop in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital. The training, organised under the National Initiative for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) in Nigeria was designed to strengthen multi-stakeholder and inter-ministerial collaboration in establishing a national traceability system to help smallholder farmers overcome market entry barriers. Stakeholders from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states were drawn from agencies including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN), and food protection agencies from the respective states. Setting the tone, Programme Manager for Solidaridad, Mr. Kene Onukwube said the workshop was designed to assist stakeholders come up with a traceability framework that will align with national sustainability standards, promote deforestation-free supply chains, and strengthen smallholder integration within the palm oil sector. Onukwube listed the workshop’s objectives to include; promoting deforestation-free supply chains, enhance smallholder integration in the palm oil sector, and strengthen multi-stakeholder and inter-ministerial collaboration in support of a national traceability system. “This system will unlock access to green financing and high-value international markets, including the EU. The workshop will feature highly interactive sessions, requiring active participation from all attendees. It will also contribute significantly to the realization of a deforestation-free palm oil landscape in Nigeria, reinforcing transparency, sustainability”. He assured He explained that the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform and oil palm desk offices, in partnership with the four. state governments (Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, and Kogi), to coordinate aid investors and smallholder farmers have also been key in strengthening green growth and sustainable development. “In Nigeria, 14,000 farmers have been trained on sustainable farm practices and diversification methods, bringing 18,581 hectares of farmland under sustainable practices. 6,351 hectares of degraded land has been restored, technological upgrade of 8 artisanal mills facilitated an increase in oil extraction rate. “Also, the project has distributed 175,344 seedlings for replanting 1,227 hectares of land. The project’s focus on sustainability and climate resilience aligns with national and international development goals. “By promoting sustainable land use and reducing deforestation, the project contributes to a more sustainable future. The development of the oil palm traceability system will enable smallholder farmers to access green financing and markets. “This will improve their incomes and livelihoods, contributing to sustainable development. The project’s success serves as a model for sustainable development in the palm oil sector”. He said Our correspondent reports that NISCOPS in Nigeria is supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The project contributes to improved land use, sustainable and climate-resilient oil palm landscapes, enhanced incomes for smallholder farmers, and the creation of inclusive markets for sustainably produced palm oil.

PDP, APC on Banquet Tables As Governor Eno Marks two Years in office Idongesit Ashameri, Uyo   Indications are that Governor Eno, who has been rumored to be considering a switch from PDP to APC, may have bridged the gap between the two parties with his inclusive leadership style.   In a rare display of bipartisanship, leaders from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) came together to celebrate with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on his two-year anniversary in office.   The unusual gathering, which took place during a state banquet to mark the Governor’s second term in office at Government House Uyo, Thursday night, saw members of both political parties put aside their differences to celebrate Governor Eno’s achievements.   In their separate remarks, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Effiong Bob of the PDP, former deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere of the APC, State chairmen of the PDP, APC, as well as Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory not only congratulate the Governor but unanimously endorsed him for a second term in office   Addressing his 2nd year Anniversary Banquet Governor Umo Eno said; “We can stay in one roof, we can discuss together, we can all contribute to governance.”   The Governor who cited peace and unity as his greatest achievements in office during the last two years attributed the unprecedented peace experienced in the state to God’s grace and the cooperation of the people.   “For me, the greatest achievement is not in all those things you saw in the documentary, the greatest achievement is the peace that God has brought into this State, that is my greatest achievement,” he said.   He appreciated all the past Governors of the State for their respective contributions to the development of the State   Governor Eno specifically expressed appreciation to his Political god father and predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his vision, pursuit, resilience, and support that brought him to power.   Also addressing the occasion, an elder Statesman, Otuekong Don Etiebet described Governor Eno as a phenomenon, a spiritually-filled and an enigmatic leader, sent by God to serve Akwa Ibom in a critical time such as this.   He appreciated the Governor for his godly leadership role by reuniting the ethnic, social and political fragments of the State which, according to him, has brought an end to the era of political kidnappings and killings.   Speaking earlier during an interactive media chat to mark his two-year anniversary, Governor Eno revealed President Bola Tinubu’s willingness to support the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport project.   He told Akwa Ibom people of President Tinubu’s favourable disposition to rapid economic transformation in the state. “President Tinubu is willing to see the Ibom Deep Seaport come alive in the state,” Governor Eno said.   Our correspondent reports that the 2nd anniversary banquet featured the unveiling of a book, “The Golden Footprint,” chronicling Governor Eno’s two years of impactful leadership. The Governor also received the National Health Ambassador Award for his efforts in improving the state’s healthcare system and signed an agreement for a state-of-the-art international hospital project.

PEACE, MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT IN TWO YEARS – GOV UMO ENO … bags National Health Ambassador Award Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says the inherent peace and unity experienced in the State has been his greatest achievement in the last two years of his administration. Governor Eno was addressing guests during his 2nd year Anniversary State Banquet held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo. Governor Eno attributed the unprecedented peace and unity to God’s grace, love and the cooperation of the people of the State and charged Akwa Ibom people to continue to work in peace, love, unity and respect for one another, saying that political parties should be seen as platforms for election, after which comes governance. “Whatever we have been able to achieve is because of the grace and faithfulness of God, and it is because of the cooperation of our people. “For me, the greatest achievement is not in all those things you saw in the documentary, the greatest achievement is the peace that God has brought into this State, that is my greatest achievement. “Like His Excellency, Otuekong Don Etiebet said, we know how this State used to be. It would be difficult for all of us to gather in this room because of political affiliations. “Someone would die in a family and you cannot attend the burial openly so that they don’t think you are doing anti-party. “We were made to think that wisdom resides in one political party. I want you all to understand that wisdom resides in all of us as Akwa Ibom people not political party. “I thank God today that we can stay in one roof, we can discuss together, we can all contribute to governance, we can reach out to our brother and see political party only as a vehicle for election. And whoever God brings, he becomes the Governor for all, and bring people together. “Let’s continue to push, we must live for each other, learn to extend hands of fellowship to people. That is the truth, we cannot continue to do winner takes it all. We need to bring people and learn how to work with the people,” he noted. Speaking further, he expressed appreciation to his Political god father and predecessor, His Excellence Deacon Udom Emmanuel for his vision, pursuit, resilience, and support that brought him to power. He also appreciated all the past Governors of the State for their respective contributions to the development of the State. On his part, an elder Statesman, Otuekong Don Etiebet described Governor Eno as a phenomenon, a spiritually-filled and an enigmatic leader, sent by God to serve Akwa Ibom in a critical time such as this. He appreciated the Governor for his godly leadership role by reuniting the ethnic, social and political fragments of the State which, according to him, has brought an end to the era of political kidnappings and killings. Otuekong Etiebet notes that as a compassionate leader, Governor Eno has won the heart of Akwa Ibom people given his pragmatic approach to governance in the State. In their separate remarks, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Effiong Bob, former deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, and State chairmen of the PDP, APC, and Blessing, Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council congratulated the Governor on a successful two years of impact which according to them, has motivated his endorsement for a second term by all the political parties in the State. High points of the colourful and well attended event were the unveiling and presentation of a book, The Golden Footprint, chronicling his two years of impactful leadership and the presentation of National Health Ambassador Award to Governor Eno by the National President of Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Ozundara Tope-Zenith. The Governor, in his response, highlighted his vision towards creating more medical tourism infrastructures to boost tourism development in the State and expressed his readiness to sign the international hospital agreement for the state-of- the-art international hospital project to be handled by a Turkiye-based construction company.

NIMN Sets Stage for ESG-Driven Marketing Revolution in Uyo   The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has announce Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital as host city for the highly anticipated 2025 Annual Marketing Conference (AMC) and National Annual General Meeting (AGM).   Scheduled for June 19-21, 2025, this pivotal event will ignite conversations on leveraging Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to drive sustainable value across generations.   A release signed by Mr. Idorenyen Enang, FNIMN, President and Chairman of Council, made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Thursday indicates that the conference themed; “Leveraging ESG in Driving Value Across Generations.” will bring together top marketing professionals, executives, policymakers, students, academia, and business leaders from across the country and beyond.   Enang explains that the conference will focus on integrating ESGs principles into brand leadership, strategy, innovation, and business decisions.   “AMC 2025 will be a convergent point for thought leaders and marketing professionals to engage in thought-provoking dialogues that will elevate the Marketing profession. The conference will also spotlight Akwa Ibom as a destination for business, culture, and tourism.   “The conference will feature several highlights, including a Marketing Symposium on Sustainable Marketing: The Future of Brand Leadership, the Annual Marketing Conference, a Fellowship Dinner, and the Annual General Meeting and Elections.   “Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking sessions, panel discussions, and networking events. They will also get to experience the city’s culture, including city tours, cultural exhibitions, and culinary experiences of Akwa Ibom’s finest delicacies”. Enang explains   The Institute’s President said the choice of Uyo as the host city signals a renewed commitment by the Institute to decentralize professional engagement and spotlight regional excellence. It also highlights the importance of sustainable marketing practices across Nigeria.   The conference, according to Enang will extend a great opportunity for marketers to come together and discuss the latest trends and best practices in the industry., as well as provide a platform for networking and building meaningful relationships.   “We are excited to welcome marketers from across Nigeria to experience our hospitality, engage in forward-thinking discussions, and build meaningful networks. The conference promises to be an exciting and informative event”. He said   He therefore invites stakeholders across public and private sectors, academia, and the marketing profession to partner, participate, and be part of this transformative national gathering. pledging the Institute dedication to promoting marketing excellence through education, professional development, and ethical standards. “For more information on the conference, including registration and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties can contact NIMN via email at info@nimn.org.ng or phone +234 (0) 907-325-9580. The website (link unavailable) also provides more details on the conference”. He added