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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

Over 300 Golfers to Storm Uyo as Arise Golf Course Plays Host to Ibom Open No fewer than 300 golfers from across Nigeria and the African continent are expected in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital for Ibom Open- a two-day golf tournament. According to Mr. Isuamfon Archibong, Chairman of the Ibom Country Golf Club, and Barr Usenobong Akpabio, Chairman of the planning committee, the event is expected to be a thrilling display of golfing prowess . Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, Barr Usenobong Akpabio expressed satisfaction with the unprecedented zeal of golfers to participate in the tournament, adding that within 48 hours of opening the registration portal, over 300 golfers had already registered. “In totality, this is what Akwa Ibom state needs. It encourages tourism and through golf, we can achieve this,” Akpabio said ¹. The event, scheduled to take place from June 5th to 8th, will be held at both the prestigious Ibom Golf Course and the ARISE Golf Course. The tournament promises to provide direct jobs to over 300 persons who will act as caddies during the event. “With the addition of ARISE golf course to Ibom Golf Course, Akwa Ibom is gradually becoming a golfing destination in West Africa and Ibom Open has come for that purpose,” Akpabio added ¹. The Arise Recreational Park, where the golf course is located, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a wasteland to a world-class recreational facility. The park features a 9-hole par-3 golf course, a clubhouse, a lake with fish barbecue bars, and other amenities. Governor Umo Eno’s vision for the park is to create a tourism destination that will attract visitors from across the world ². The Ibom Open is expected to create economic opportunities for the local population. Mr. Isuamfon Archibong expressed hope that the event will boost the economic status of the State, saying, “We are promoting tourism and you need instruments like the golf course. January and May we had a lot of events. We need tourism as major drivers of the economy and by so doing, the economy of the state will be better off” ¹. The event is organized by Ibom Golf and Country Club and sponsored by Ship Afrika, Hensek Engineering, Bulletin, and e-transact, among others. Ibom Air has also partnered with the organizers to provide return tickets to the three overall winners of the tournament Our correspondent reports that Governor Umo Eno’s administration has continued to demonstrate commitment to developing the tourism sector in Akwa Ibom State. The Governor’s vision for the Arise Recreational Park is to create a world-class facility that will attract tourists and golfers from across the world ². The Arise Golf Course is a unique 9-hole par-3 golf course that presents a thrilling challenge with holes ranging from 90 to 170 meters, traversing hills, steep slopes, and a bridge across a major channel of water. The course is designed to test the skills of golfers and provide an exciting experience

GOV ENO COMMISSIONS ROAD, MODEL HEALTH CENTRE IN NSIT UBIUM … assures continuous partnership with media Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the 14.28km Ikot Ubo-Odot road and a model primary health centre in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. Inaugurating the projects, Governor Eno noted that the road is significant in the lives of the people as it does not only benefit the people of Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas, but also links Eket, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas to Uyo and the Victor Attah International Airport. “This road is not only serving the people of Nsit Ubium and Nsit Atai, but is also serving the people of Eket, Eastern Obolo, Onna, Ikot Abasi, and Mkpat Enin, linking all of them more conveniently to the Airport in the State. “I used to live in Eket myself, and It was always a nightmare going to the Airport. Sometimes, we had to go through Uyo to access the airport as this road was terribly bad and impassable,” he said. The Governor explained that the deplorable nature of the road caused him to direct a complete reconstruction of the road with the best quality and standard that it deserves. He spoke on the issue concerning the deployment of the correspondent and video editor of Channels TV, posted to Government House and the manner the issue has been reported in a section of the media, reiterating that his government is enjoying the best working relationship with the media community including Channels TV which did a live coverage of the commissioning ceremony. *I cannot have any problem with the media. It’s not possible. It is within the purview of the Chief Press Secretary to change Correspondents within the Government House Press Corps. It is the practice all over the world. “If you have served at a post for up to 10 years, and the Chief Press Secretary decides to ask for your replacement, that is not a fight. It is the prerogative of his office. So, we are working well with all media houses,” he said. Commissioning a model Primary Health Centre at Ikot Ekwere, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to put in place workable health facilities across at he State. He announced the plans of his administration to employ 1000 health personnel in the State and urged qualified candidates to apply through the employment portal. “Go now and apply as government has opened the employment portal for employment of medical personnel into the State’s Civil Service. “Please, note that you will only be employed through the portal but not through any political connections or links of any kind,” he emphasized. In his welcome remark, the Chairman, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon Alfred Charles, thanked the Governor for rehabilitating the road, saying that the dilapidated state of the road had crumbled businesses and socio-economic activities of the people of that area and described Governor Eno as a true leader who keeps and fulfils his promises to the people. Highlighting the economic importance of the road, he said the road which connects Nsit Ubium, Onna, Esit Eket, Ibeno to the airport within twenty minutes is one of the greatest gifts from the Governor to his people in his administration. In his remark, Political leader of Nsit Ubium and Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob appreciated the Governor for touching the lives of his people and the State generally through the projects, and assured of continuous support for the Governor and his decision to politically link the State to the centre. In his goodwill message, the Political Leader of Eket Senatorial District, Hon. Chief Nduese Essien thanked Governor Eno for fulfilling his campaign promises to the people and for serving Akwa Ibom people beyond political rhetorics. He appreciated the Governor on behalf of the people of Eket which, according to him, are the most beneficiaries of the road, describing the road as one of the best finished roads in the State. He said the quality of the road is an indication that it will stand the test of time and charged the people to take good advantage of Governor Eno’s pragmatic leadership to improve their economy in the rural areas. The Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Mark Eset expressed gratitude to the Governor for making Akwa Ibom stand out amongst its contemporaries in terms of development as the pride of the nation. Highlighting the negative impact of the deplorable state of the road in the past years, he expressed delight that the Governor changed the narrative of the road which has restored hope to the people, and reaffirmed his constituency’s support to the Governor’s second term ambition. Also speaking at the commissioning of the Primary Health Centre, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barr Onofiok Luke appreciated Governor Eno for keeping to his promise of touching the lives of his people and the State generally, and also assured assured of continuous support for the ARISE Agenda and the Governor who whom he described as their pride. Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) Dr. Tope Osundara Zenith appreciated the Governor for prioritizing healthcare, welfare of medical practitioners and the State generally. He said it was unprecedented to have such well equipped primary health center in the country adding that it was towering above some secondary health centres in the country in terms of facilities.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: GOV ENO TO RESTRUCTURE IBOM PLAZA Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says his administration will rehabilitate and upgrade the popular Ibom Plaza in Uyo, the State capital, to its original plan as a world-class eco-tourism relaxation centre. The Governor made this known when he stopped over to inspect facilities at the Plaza on his way back from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area where he commissioned the 14.28km Ikot Ubo -Odot road road and a model primary health centre at Ikot Ekwere Ubium. He said, “The concept of this facility was to be a walk-through park. This place links the Wellington Bassey Way to Aka Road, Abak Road, and other streets. It was a place where people could just stroll and have their leisure time. That was the original concept but quite unfortunately the facility has been terribly abused. “We need to return this place to what it was originally meant to be. We evacuated the market people, and now we are about to start its beautification so that people could make use of it as it was envisioned.” According to the Governor, the Plaza will be provided with the necessary security facilities for security agencies to be stationed there permanently to ensure the safety of the park. “This Park was not built to be a market place. There is a section of it that was meant for that. So, if we must promote tourism in our State, we must restore this place to its original concept. “This Park, you would recall, was designed and built by Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah. It has an amphi-theatre where people could relax to watch series of entertaining activities on the big screen television set. We are going to restore all that for our people and rejuvenate tourism,” he explained. The Governor stated emphatically that “we cannot continue to abandon what our past heroes had built with impressive vision and concept, and be creating new ones. If you keep doing that, then you are not helping the system. “We must adopt the global best practice of building our infrastructure and State on what had already been started by our past leaders to make our State stand out meaningfully.” He particularly the Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCD), Hon. Anietie Eka, for clearing and sanitizing the Park in readiness for its envisioned rehabilitation.

NPRW25: Neliaku Re-elected NIPR President The President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigeria n Institute of Public relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku has been re-elected for a second term in office. He was elected alongside 16 others including the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong after the institute’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), inductions, and fellows’ inauguration, at the ongoing Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW25) in Uyo. Dr. Neliaku who addressed the AGM earlier, highlighted his administration’s achievements over the past two years. These achievements include digital migration of membership applications, establishment of sectoral hubs, execution of MoUs with various organizations, and the annual Nigeria Spokespersons Summit. The Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW25) was themed “Harnessing Public Relations for Economic Renaissance.” was attended Akwa Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who was inducted Patron, Minister for Information and national Orientation, members of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, the political class, fellows, and members of the Institute. The weeklong activities included a PR round table with traditional rulers, undergraduate forum, plenary sessions, posthumous awards, installation of the Body of Advisers, and the investiture ceremony.

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Champions: MTN Star’s Mother Wants Parental Support for Young Athletes   Abasiama Onyeama, mother of 17-year-old Alvin Onyeama, one of the breakout stars of the MTN Champs athletics talent discovery initiative has made a heartfelt appeal to parents to support their children’s sporting ambitions, saying the family plays a crucial role in nurturing young athletes.   Alvin, representing host state Akwa Ibom, impressed spectators during the 100-metre dash heats at the MTN Champs Season 3 Grand Finale, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. He clocked a personal best of 10.89 seconds, finishing second behind Rivers State’s Williams Stanley, who blazed through in 10.77 seconds.   Reflecting on her son’s journey, Mrs Onyeama spoke candidly about the emotional and financial investment required to support a child with athletic aspirations.   “It takes a lot of time, money, and commitment to support a child’s sporting dream. We’ve made sacrifices—daily training, gear, nutrition, it all adds up. Many parents may struggle to sustain that kind of support, especially when balancing academics.” She said   She recounted the early tensions with school authorities over Alvin’s dedication to sports, even as he continued to perform well academically.   “Alvin is passionate about athletics. There were times I had to stand my ground with school authorities who believed sports would distract him. But he continued to excel in his studies, which gave us the confidence to support him further.”   Mrs Onyeama also shared the emotional challenges of watching her son grow into his role as a national contender.   “Letting him travel alone, staying away from home for extended periods—it wasn’t easy. As a mother, I always want to be there. But I had to step back so he could pursue his dream. And it’s paying off.”   Following his strong showing in Uyo and Abuja, Alvin is now one of 20 standout athletes selected by MTN Champs for advanced training at a Lagos-based sports academy, where he continues to hone his craft post-secondary school.   The MTN Champs Season 3 finale continues with finals and medal presentations across various track and field events.

Media Group Demands Urgent Security Reforms After Kidnap of Professor Batta   A leading advocacy media group, Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals has issued a strong call to the Federal Government to urgently overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture following the abduction of renowned communication scholar, Professor Herbert Batta, along the Owerri axis in Imo State on Tuesday, May 6.   Professor Batta, a respected academic from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Uyo, was kidnapped while returning from an academic engagement. Though he regained his freedom early Wednesday, May 7, reports suggest that other victims were not as fortunate.   Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the group, Elder Edet Okpo, described the situation as a “painful reflection” of the nation’s growing insecurity, adding that freedom of movement guaranteed by the Constitution is increasingly being denied due to unchecked criminality.   “We are only relatively relieved that Professor Batta came out alive and unhurt,” Okpo said. “But this is not just about one person. Nigerians are being kidnapped on highways, in their homes, and even on waterways. This must stop.”   The group also condemned what it called the government’s “condonable laxity” in tackling insecurity. Citing the recent abduction of over 20 passengers on a boat from Oron to Calabar during Easter—who remain missing—a statement from the group warned that no part of the country is safe.   “Whereas the authorities often dismiss these acts as the handiwork of ‘unknown gunmen,’ we challenge the government to unmask these criminals and restore public confidence. The Constitution is clear the protection of lives and property rests squarely on the government.” Okpo said   Calling for sustainable solutions rather than rhetoric, the group urged all levels of government to take decisive action against kidnapping and banditry. “A stitch in time saves nine. Enough of belated apologies and sensational commentaries. Nigerians deserve real security.” He cautioned