“We Proved Them Wrong”, Says Top Graduate As 30 More Women Complete Lafarge Africa’s Heavy Duty Truck Driving Training Nzom Gertrude stood proudly before a cheering audience in Calabar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as she was named best graduating student from Lafarge Africa’s “Women on Wheels” (WoW) initiative – an intensive training programme for […]
Fens CEO Insists on Ethical Procurement Process to Unlock National Value The Managing Director/CEO of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Udofia, has called for a national reawakening to the transformative power of ethical and efficient procurement systems, describing procurement as the “frontline battlefield for national development and integrity.” Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the International Procurement Day 2025, organized by the University of Port Harcourt over the weekend, Udofia emphasized that procurement is not merely an administrative process but a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, and public trust. “A well-designed procurement process is a nation’s engine for development, innovation, and integrity,” he declared. Speaking on “Unlocking National Value: The Power of a Good Procurement System,” Udofia cited global examples to underscore his point. He referenced the London 2012 Olympics and Estonia’s revolutionary e-Procurement system as evidence that transparency and professionalism in procurement directly correlate with national prosperity. He further noted that “Nigeria’s own Due Process Mechanism, when enforced, has saved billions by eliminating inflated contracts and ghost projects,” stressing that the gains of a strong procurement system include building trust, enhancing efficiency, ensuring cost-effectiveness, promoting fair competition, mitigating risks, and strengthening legal compliance. Reflecting on the event’s official theme, “Flowchart of Procurement Processes: Unlawful Interference, Consequences and Punishment in the Eyes of the Nigerian Procurement Law,” Udofia warned against tampering with procurement standards. “Compliance with the Public Procurement Act is not optional. It is the shield against systemic chaos and a safeguard for national stability,” he maintained. He further stressed that effective procurement is critical to public service delivery, maintaining that when procurement is swift and ethical, hospitals receive life-saving equipment, schools are supplied with necessary learning materials, and roads are fixed faster. “Procurement is not just paperwork; it is the heartbeat of governance,” he asserted. Addressing broader industry challenges, Mr. Udofia highlighted that globalization and digitalization have reshaped procurement landscapes, requiring greater agility, technological competence, and resilience. He urged procurement professionals to embrace continuous upskilling, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance sector-wide efficiency and accountability. “Procurement professionals are not just administrators; we are architects of national destiny. Through strategic sourcing, ethical conduct, and sustainable practices, we build the economic backbone of nations,” he charged. Udofia challenged the procurement community to uphold excellence, drive innovation, and enforce transparency at every level. “Let’s be the professionals who demand and deliver the highest standards every day, every contract, every nation,”* he declared. Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, lamented the current difficulties Nigerians face in accessing contractual opportunities. “Nigerians no longer have opportunities to bid for contractual opportunities. You must clearly define the basis upon which you judge bids before you commence. Every bidder must meet minimum eligibility standards,” he advised. Dr. Adedokun also commended the University of Port Harcourt for leading the South-South region in hosting an International Procurement Day and encouraged other institutions to embrace ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the procurement sector.
Fens CEO Insists on Ethical Procurement Process to Unlock National Value The Managing Director/CEO of Fens Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michael Udofia, has called for a national reawakening to the transformative power of ethical and efficient procurement systems, describing procurement as the “frontline battlefield for national development and integrity.” Speaking as Special Guest of Honour […]
Clement Isong Foundation, ActionAid Push for Youth Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management
Clement Isong Foundation, ActionAid Push for Youth Inclusion in Disaster Risk Management The Clement Isong Foundation, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria under the Strategic Partnership Agreement II Project (SPA II), has made a strong case for the inclusion of youths in disaster risk management. The advocacy was made in Uyo at the weekend during a […]
AKSU Staff to Join State Payroll as A’Ibom Mobilizes ₦60bn for Gratuities
The Akwa Ibom State Government is integrating Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) staff into the main state payroll to grant them the same benefits as other public servants, confirmed Head of Service Elder Effiong Essien in Uyo on Thursday. Governor Umo Eno’s administration has released ₦60 billion toward a ₦90 billion backlog in gratuities, promotions, and entitlements, […]
Youth and Experts Urge Disaster-Response Overhaul in Akwa Ibom
Youth leaders, disaster specialists, and government agencies are calling for a robust, proactive emergency-response strategy for Akwa Ibom State. They spoke at a one‑day, youth‑led dialogue on disaster risk management—hosted by the Clement Isong Foundation with support from ActionAid Nigeria in Uyo. Participants—including NEMA, the Civil Defence Corps, the Fire Service, and civil‑society groups—noted the […]
Umo Eno Endorses Tinubu for Second Term, Links Support to Coastal Highway Completion
Umo Eno Endorses Tinubu for Second Term, Links Support to Coastal Highway Completion Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, tying the call for continuity directly to the completion of the multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Speaking at the flag-off of the 65km […]
VP Shettima Declares A’Ibom’s Human Capital Development Strategy a National Model
VP Shettima Declares A’Ibom’s Human Capital Development Strategy a National Model Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has described Akwa Ibom State’s approach to human capital development as a strategic blueprint that other states should emulate Speaking at the launch of the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategic Plan held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, […]
Ikot Ekpene at 74 Calls For Recognition As Pioneer LG in Nigeria
Ikot Ekpene at 74 Calls For Recognition As Pioneer LG in Nigeria The people of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have called on the Federal Government to award the area a national recognition as pioneer LGA in the country, describing the delay as glaring injustice to Nigeria’s history. Leading the advocacy […]
Oron Union Centenary in Limbo as Burial Fund Dispute Triggers Legal Threats
Oron Union Centenary in Limbo as Burial Fund Dispute Triggers Legal Threats The planned centenary celebration of the Oron Union, one of Nigeria’s oldest socio-cultural organizations may face indefinite suspension following renewed legal demands over an unresolved N200 million burial fund controversy involving the late Chief Ambe Bassey—an iconic former leader of the Union. Son […]
Gov Eno to Appoint Muslim Representation in Pilgrims Board, Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed the leadership of the Muslim community in the state to nominate seven members, including two indigenes, for appointment to the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The move, according to the Governor, is part of his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equitable representation of all religious […]