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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.

A’IBOM GOVT. PLEDGES SUPPORT TO IBOM ANGELS, RECEIVES SPORTS INVESTORS   The government of Akwa Ibom state has pledged its support to Ibom Angels Football Club, the state-owned women’s football outfit, ahead of the upcoming 2025/2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League – NWFL.   The state Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, made the pledge today, Monday, when he played host, in his office, to officials of a global and UK-based sports investment firm, African Sports Investor Limited – ASI, who were in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, on a facility-inspection tour.   Mr Bassey noted that sports was a cardinal objective of the ARISE agenda and described the visit as timely and in tune with Governor Umo Eno’s blueprint for the development of sports in the state.   “His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State places a lot of premium on sports development and Ibom Angels Football Club, composed of our young and enterprising women, is a special project after his heart.” Mr Bassey said.   “The present administration has brought untold peace, security and sports infrastructural renaissance, which makes the state quite the destination of choice for investment.” The sports boss added.   In her remarks, the Founder and CEO of ASI, Mrs Abiola Ijasanmi, who is also a former Chief Operating Officer of the Confederation of African Football – CAF, said they were in the state as part of an ongoing inspection tour of all top flight female football clubs in the country, with view to improving the standard of the women’s game, enhancing players welfare and laying the foundation for the elevation of the standard of the game.   “This is the tenth state in the country we’ve visited, and having been driven around, I can tell how very peaceful, secure and investment-friendly Uyo, the state capital, in particular, and the state in general, really is.” “We are satisfied with the facilities and personnel we’ve seen, and we do look forward to working with you in the upcoming season.” Ijasanmi said.   Speaking earlier at Uyo Township Stadium while receiving the ASI delegation, the chairman of Ibom Angels Football Club, Prince Ukeme Ukpong, expressed optimism that the partnership with ASI would be spring in the step as the team sets out to accomplish its targets for the new season which include qualification for continental football.   Prince Ukpong listed the availability of a vast chunk of young and marketable players in its main team, a vibrant u-15s set-up, standard camp and dedicated stadium facilities as comparative advantage of Ibom Angels.   The ASI delegation which also had its Director of Operations, Mrs Andrea Grainger, in attendance, in addition to delivering a pep talk to players and officials, and also standing by to watch Ibom Angels’ Monday training session, toured Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, the club’s camp, among others.   With the Prince Ukeme Ukpong-led management committee now in place, Ibom Angels will be looking forward to greater exploits than those of last season when the 2025/2026 NWFL gets under way later this year.     ©️ Ibom Angels FC Media Department

BREAKING NEWS GOVERNOR ENO RELEASES N50BN TO CONTRACTORS The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., has approved the immediate release of N50bn to all contractors whose Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) are ready. During an impromptu project inspection visit to the Ibom Model Farm at Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service to ensure that all IPCs at the Accountant-General’s office are paid. He explained that it was imperative to maximize the benefits of the dry season; hence, contractors should be mobilized back to site immediately. “Please ensure the monitoring teams are made to inspect and report compliance by the contractors,” the Governor told his Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Adviser, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson.

Don@75 Seeks Collective Commitment to Tackle Nigeria’s Woes …Launches Book, Awards Scholarships Through Late Wife’s Foundation A retired Professor of Ethnocommunicology, Desmond Wilson, has called for a collective commitment to tackle Nigeria’s challenges. Prof. Wilson made the call during the celebration of his 75th birthday and the presentation of his latest book, “Communication Nuggets in Private and Public Spaces,” at the University of Uyo’s TETFund Auditorium. Wilson, who also used the occasion to announce scholarship awards to deserving students from tertiary institutions through The Elizabeth Des Wilson Scholarship Foundation, expressed gratitude to the Prof. Akpan H. Ekpo Center for Public Policy, the organizers of the event, and all who attended. Turning to a pressing concern, the Don observed sadly that excitement for books is declining in Nigeria due to the nation’s challenges. He therefore charged everyone in attendance to make a difference by committing to making Nigeria a better place from whatever corner they find themselves. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ekong Sampson, represented by Prof. Etete Peters, applauded Professor Wilson’s unwavering integrity. “Prof. Wilson is a man of unwavering integrity. When you can conduct yourself in a very transparent manner, people will be so proud of you,” he stated. Unveiling Professor Wilson’s new book, the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E.C.D. Abia, noted with a touch of humour that uncovering the book was like searching for treasure. “You have to dig very deep before you find gold or diamond,” he said. The book reviewer, Professor Peter Esuh, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, presented the 291-page book to the audience, calling it a vital compendium of wisdom for modern life. “A nugget is a precious metal, something you would not be able to do without,” Prof. Esuh declared. Delving into the book’s content, Prof. Esuh highlighted its practical nature, covering everything from writing abstracts and memoranda to understanding propaganda and artificial intelligence. To underscore Wilson’s originality, he posed a question to the audience: “How many of us know the difference between feedback, feed-forward, and Wilson’s own ‘feed front’?” Professor Herbert Batta, Head of the Department of Information and Media Studies, had earlier described the celebrant as “the Professor of Professors, our mentor-in-chief, builder of captains of industry, and our icon of ethnocommunicology in Africa.” He noted that the event was a fitting tribute to a scholar whose work has shaped the field for over four decades. In a lecture on Wilson’s academic trajectory, Prof. Batta traced the origins of a visionary who was part of the young founders of the School of Communication Studies 42 years ago. He detailed Wilson’s groundbreaking work in cataloging the intricate systems of indigenous Nigerian communication—from instrumental modes like hydrophones and symbols to demonstrative modes like music and ballads, and even the profound realm of extra-mundane communication involving incantations. This scholarly labour, Batta argued, was not an exercise in nostalgia but a vital mapping of cultural DNA for the modern, digitized world. He elaborated on the scholar’s groundbreaking M-E-L-D-S model for African communication policy, which is predicated on communication for Mobilization, Education, Liberation, Development, and Self-actualization. Batta emphasized that Wilson’s work seeks to liberate the African mind. The goal, he said, is to free it from “the emotional, psychological, and ideological clogs that stifle the vision of society and overall actions in a dynamic world.” Batta, a Professor of Science Communication/Media, concluded from his critical analysis that the Don has always recognized the centrality of communication in the development process, particularly for the Global South. Adding a personal dimension, Professor Effiong Johnson shared reasons for celebrating Wilson’s character. “He’s one person who believes that right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter who is affected,” Johnson said. He also highlighted Wilson’s constructive approach to criticism. “He can criticize, but constructively, and part of that construct is that he would propose solutions to correct the situation.”

Youths in Ibeno Protest, Demand Shift to Green Energy Funding from Oil Firms Youths from Ibeno Local Government Area staged a ‘Die-In’ protest on Tuesday, demanding that oil and gas companies operating in the area cease funding environmentally harmful activities and instead invest in renewable energy and agroecology. The protest, held at the Ibeno LGA headquarters, was organized by ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with Clement Isong Foundation as part of the 2025 Global Week of Climate Action. Ibeno community, a major oil-producing area, has experienced significant environmental degradation from decades of extractive activities. Kofi Asuquo, President of the Ibeno Youth Advocacy Network (IYAN) in, articulating the protesters’ demands said: “We are telling them instead of funding crisis, they should fund the future. Their funding should be tailored towards renewable energy, agroecology, and the inclusion of youths in their policy making.” Protesters emphasized the severe impact of gas flaring on local health and livelihoods, insisting that community members must be included in energy transition discussions. “Whatever they do, they should carry the mindset of our people. That’s what we are agitating for in a peaceful way,” Asuquo added. Friday Ogezi of ActionAid Nigeria explained the protest’s objective was to advocate for improved policies, financing, and sustainable alternatives as Nigeria transitions from fossil fuels. The organization has established a community hub to provide green skills training for local youths. “We call it just transition. Now that we are transitioning, let’s not create more problems for the people. Let it be fair, let it be inclusive, let the people be involved,” Ogezi stated. Dr. Caroline Gordian, Project Lead for Clement Isong Foundation, highlighted accountability concerns, noting that oil companies often divest without proper decommissioning of sites, leading to persistent environmental damage. “There is that need for government and relevant stakeholders to take action. They should be able to fund just transition. Young people should be trained, women who are into fishing and farming should be trained so that they can transit,” Dr. Gordian affirmed.

ARISING TOGETHER: Commissioner Appeals for Continued Royal Support The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong (Hon) Frank Archibong, has called for unified and sustained support from traditional rulers for Governor Umo Eno’s administration and its transformative ARISE agenda. Speaking during a visit to the Traditional Rulers Council in Uyo on Wednesday, Commissioner Archibong stated that the depth and quality of Governor Eno’s developmental blueprint for the state necessitates a broad coalition of support from every sector. While thanking the Royal Fathers for their essential support thus far, Archibong passionately appealed for this collaboration to continue through the Governor’s first term and beyond. He emphasized that such enduring partnership is crucial to consolidating the developmental gains already achieved. “This support for the governor has been remarkable, and I’m sure it will continue. We must support him in all ramifications, 360 degrees,” Archibong declared. He assured the monarchs that their efforts are highly valued, noting, “I appreciate the royal fathers for their work, and I know the governor does not take their contributions for granted.” He described the traditional institution as the bedrock of societal stability, indispensable for ensuring order and fostering an environment where government policies can flourish for the benefit of all citizens. Reflecting on his own experience as a former Council Chairman, the Commissioner acknowledged the relentless service and challenges faced by traditional rulers and expressed profound gratitude for their steadfast backing. Shifting to civic duties, the Commissioner urged the traditional leaders to champion the ongoing voter registration exercise, as the response so far has been unimpressive. He explained that as key influencers, their role is critical in strengthening the state’s democratic foundations by ensuring a fully enrolled electorate, which is essential for fair political representation and development planning. Looking ahead, the Commissioner highlighted the upcoming state anniversary celebrations on September 23rd, an event designed to honor the traditional institution. He called for their full cooperation to ensure its success, framing it as a testament to the government’s respect for the royalty. Archibong used the occasion to condemn in the strongest terms recent abuses of tradition and culture. He cited specific instances of individuals using the internet to hurl insults at the Governor and a case where a masquerade inflicted physical harm on a citizen. The Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner made it clear that while the government cherishes and promotes culture, it will not tolerate its perversion into a tool for violence and intimidation. He therefore directly appealed to the Royal Fathers, as custodians of peace and order, to curtail such excesses within their domains. “While the state government is not against culture, it will not condone harmful practices against the people in its name,” he stated.

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