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AKSU Appoints Prof Akpan Acting Vice Chancellor   The Governing Council of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has confirmed the appointment Of Professor Otoabasi Akpan as acting Vice Chancellor of the institution.   Akpan who is a professor of Biochemistry was confirmed during the 40th meeting of the Governing Council held at the main campus in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.   The council reached the decision in accordance with the institution’s regulations, pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.   Akpan, whose career spans decades of academic excellence, leadership, and research, both within AKSU and in broader academic circles, prior to his new role held the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration).   A brief profile of the new VC made available to our correspondent indicates that Prof Akpan previously served as Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, where he led reforms that improved academic output and research development. He has chaired numerous university-wide committees, including the Senate Curriculum Committee and the Academic Planning Committee.   Earlier in his career at AKSU, Professor Akpan served as Head of the Department of Biochemistry, a member of the University Senate, and Director of the Centre for Research and Innovation. His extensive experience within the institution has positioned him as a respected figure among faculty and students.   Beyond AKSU, Professor Akpan is recognized for his contributions to scientific research and development. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and maintains active membership in professional associations such as the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB).   In his acceptance remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Governing Council for the opportunity to serve. He pledged to maintain stability and uphold the academic values of the university.   “This is a collective responsibility, and I will rely on the cooperation of every stakeholder to keep the university on its path of growth,” he said.   He also pledged to prioritize student welfare, staff development and academic integrity during his time in office. According to him, the immediate focus will be on continuity, institutional efficiency, and strategic planning.   Professor Akpan takes over from Professor Nse Essien, whose five-year tenure ended in line with the university’s statutes. The outgoing Vice Chancellor is credited with spearheading major infrastructural projects and enhancing the institution’s visibility nationally and internationally.

Benue Records 156 Suspected Lassa Fever Cases, 6 Deaths Benue State has recorded 156 suspected cases of Lassa Fever, with 15 confirmed cases and six deaths from those confirmed cases. Additionally, there have been nine probable deaths linked to the disease in the past six months, according to Dr. Msuega Asema, the State Epidemiologist.   The seven Local Government Areas affected by the suspected cases are Ukum, Makurdi, Guma, Okpokwu, Vandeikya, Gwer-West, and Otukpo. Dr. Asema emphasized the need for prevention, early detection, and treatment, highlighting measures like covering food and washing hands to prevent infections.   Meanwhile the World Health Organization (WHO) has advocated for a shift from reactive to proactive measures in tackling Lassa Fever in Benue.   Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, WHO State Coordinator, stressed the need for attitudinal change in health practices to prevent infections.

Gunshot Death in Church, Akwa Ibom Police Launch Murder Investigation On August 5, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Ikot Oku Usung village, Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. A 45-year-old man, Mr. Udeme Sunday Uko, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head inside a church where he was sleeping with his wife and children. According to a release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John and made available to Newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the incident occurred at approximately 12:10 a.m. A gunshot was heard in the church, and Mr. Uko was later discovered in a pool of blood. “The Command was alerted to the incident by concerned citizens who received the report from the victim’s wife. “Upon receiving the information, a team of police officers was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime. During the visit, a locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit. The corpse of the deceased has since been deposited at the Mortuary for preservation and autopsy”. The report stated The release reports further that a locally made pistol was recovered from the scene as an exhibit, adding that the body of the deceased has been taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy. It hinted further that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed a thorough and swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. “Investigation is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public as they arise,” the police statement read.

Akwa Ibom Governor Kicks Off APC Membership Registration   Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has initiated the membership revalidation/registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.   The Governor validated his membership at Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, securing registration number 001 in the party register.   Addressing the people, Governor Eno called on all party faithful and intending members to register at their respective wards, maintaining that the exercise is necessary to validate and revalidate authentic members of the party. The registration exercise will last for one month, after which a new membership register will be recognized as the authentic working document of the party.   The Governor expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise and charged party members to be patient and orderly during the registration process. He stated that the registration is a deliberate effort to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda and Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s leadership.   Governor Eno urged the people to work in unity, peace, and love for a united Akwa Ibom, emphasizing that a united people will always remain progressive. He encouraged party members to participate in the registration exercise and obtain their membership tickets.   The party’s membership registration exercise at Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II witnessed a large turnout of members and would-be members, who were enthusiastic and excited to participate in the registration.   The registration exercise is expected to formally identify party members and their stance, and the new membership register will serve as the authentic working document of the party.

Lafarge Africa Donates Modern Libraries to Host Communities in Cross River Lafarge Africa, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturer of a range of cement brands, has officially inaugurated two newly equipped libraries for secondary schools in its Mfamosing host community in Cross River State. The handover of the library projects held simultaneously on July 17, 2025 at Obutong Comprehensive High School, Obutong community,and Government Secondary School, Akwa Ikot Effanga. In his remarks, Mr. Abiodun Akingbade, representing the Plant Manager, Mfamosing Plant, Milad Hanna reiterated the company’s commitment to educational advancement, youth development, and infrastructure improvement within its host communities and emphasised that the project aligns with the Cross River State government’s ongoing effort to strengthen educational infrastructure in local communities. “These library projects reflect our commitment to listening and responding to what really matters to our host communities. We embarked on these projects to provide access to tools that empower children located within these communities,”Hanna Delivering his remarks at the ceremony, the Director of Policy & Higher Education, Cross River State, Dr. Moses Agboreyo, representing the Commissioner for Education, Sen (Dr.) Stephen Odeycommended Lafarge Africa for its continued interventions in the education sector which has helped a great deal in complementing the government’s work in education. Agboreyo urged traditional institutions and other relevant authorities to ensure proper security and maintenance of the facilities to guarantee long-term benefit for students. Also speaking at the event in Obutong, Communications & Public Affairs Manager, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Inyang Bassey explained that the initiative is part of the company’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts that is focused on creating shared value and sustainable futures. “We believe that knowledge is a cornerstone for building thriving communities. Through this project, Lafarge Africa is not only contributing to academic excellence but also reinforcing the value of community partnership. Every investment in education today is a step toward a more sustainable tomorrow,” Bassey noted.

CSOs Caution Akwa Ibom Government Over Breach of Fiscal Transparency Law A non-governmental organization, Policy Alert, has criticized the Akwa Ibom State Government for its recent decline in fiscal transparency. The NGO reminded the State Government that its recent actions breached the Fiscal Responsibility Law, which mandates full, timely, and wide disclosure of public finances. Speaking at the Public Finance Management Review meeting for Q1 and Q2 2025/Press Briefing in Uyo, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, Executive Director, Policy Alert noted that this reduction in transparency marks a significant departure from previous standards and will limit the ability of civil society, media, and stakeholders to scrutinize fiscal activities in the state. Bolton-Akpan regretted that the state has reduced its Budget Implementation Report to a mere 3-page summary for the first and second quarters of 2025. “For Q1 and Q2 2025, the State has reduced its Budget Implementation Report to a 3-page summary instead of the usual comprehensive reports (averaging 46-pages) in preceding years,” “The current limited reporting falls short of these legal requirements, risking non-compliance and undermining public trust,” the report stated. The NGO noted that Akwa Ibom State has made steady progress in fiscal transparency and accountability over the years, including online publication of annual budgets and budget implementation reports. However, the recent rollback in financial transparency is against these gains. According to the report, key gaps in the current public finance management cycle include lack of detailed breakdown of revenue by Administrative Classification and lack of data on Revenue Sources. To restore and strengthen financial transparency, the CSOs called on the state government to reinstate comprehensive quarterly and annual Budget Implementation Reports and align with PFM-aligned legal frameworks. The CSOs also called on the state government to improve data accessibility by making financial reports available online in user-friendly formats and engaging civil society and media in data interpretation. “Government officials should publicly commit to transparency, and civil society must hold government accountable through advocacy and monitoring,” the report emphasized. The coalition of Civil Society Organizations which took turns to make inputs at the meeting expressed concern that the Akwa Ibom State’s lack of fiscal transparency is particularly concerning given that it is one of only a few states in Nigeria that has not published detailed capital expenditure reports since Q1 2025. Adding that states publish reports exceeding 60 pages, including project-level details in key sectors like Education and Health.

Chinese Nationals in EFCC Net Over Illegal Mining in Akwa Ibom   Eleven suspects, including seven Chinese nationals have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for alleged illegal mining of ilmenite in Akwa Ibom state.   Dele Oyewale, EFCC Head, Media and Publicity, said Tuesday, that Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the anti graft agency apprehended the suspects Thursday last week at Emem-Asuk, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.   “The Chinese suspects are Yang Chaobao, 32, Zhong Dun Yi , 33, Cheng Jiang , 35, Zhong Dun Long , 37, Pan Peiming , 33, Lai Yiping, 37 and Zhu Lekun, 35.   “Their Nigerian accomplices are: David Israel, 18, Jonah Bartholomew Jim , 24, Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20, and a female translator named Comfort Gabriel Ajaga , 23”. He said   “They are operating at Eastern Obolo area where they were arrested whilst setting up mining equipment at a second location. They were already engaged in the illegal activities at their first location, mining ilmenite, locally called black sand”   The only female among the suspects said her only connection to the illegal miners was her proficiency in speaking ‘mandarin’, a widely spoken language in China.   “I am a student studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State and I only work with them as a translator”, she said.   “The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation”, Oyewale further stated.

AKSU gets over N14b from TETFUND in 15 years …..as Masari inaugurates projects. Akwa Ibom State University(AKSU) has received over N14billon in the past 15 years from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for the development of key infrastructure in the institution. Chairman Board of Trustees of TETFUND, Aminu Masari disclosed this yesterday when he commissioned five key infrastructural projects worth over N7 billion at the University. Projects inaugurated included Faculty of Biological Sciences Building, Faculty of Physical Sciences Building, Faculty of Engineering Phase 1 Building, Faculty of Management Sciences Building and Faculty of Agriculture Laboratories/Classroom Administrative Buildings. Masari said that the federal government under President Bola Tinubu was committed to funding projects and advancing research in tertiary institutions across the country in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda. “Our mandate is clear: to ensure that public tertiary institutions in Nigeria are adequately equipped with the physical infrastructure necessary to enhance teaching, learning, and research. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment that stimulates creativity and innovation, thereby positioning our institutions as active contributors to national growth and development. This aligns perfectly with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration”, he said. On TETFUND’s intervention in AKSU, he said, “Since 2010, Akwa Ibom State University has consistently benefited from TETFund’s interventions. From 2010 to 2025, the University has received a total allocation of 14,476,013,835.31 (Fourteen billion, Four hundred and Seventy six million, Thirteen thousand, Eight Hundred and thirty five Naira, thirty one kobo only) specifically for infrastructure-related projects under the Annual, Special, Zonal, and Special High-Impact intervention lines. “Of this amount, a substantial portion has already been accessed, with only about N2.67 billion (Two billion, Sixty Seven million Naira only) outstanding for access as ongoing projects reach maturity and completion. “This is a remarkable achievement. With sustained judicious use of these funds, I am confident that the University will continue to position itself as a beacon of academic excellence and research, not only within this region but globally”. Masari urged the University to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities to prevent early deterioration and to guarantee maximum value from the resources invested. “Let me assure you that TETFund remains committed to supporting Akwa Ibom State University in its quest for excellence. We will continue to back your drive for creativity, research, and innovation, while sustaining our support for infrastructural development”, he said. Vice Chancellor AKSU, Professor Nse Essien in his remarks thanked the federal government through TETFUND for providing funds for the projects. He said, “The projects will add value to our university in no small measure as we put to use 189 new offices, 51 Classrooms, 40 state-of-the-art laboratories and about 237 restrooms among others. “Without being immodest, permit me to quickly emphasize how important these facilities are to our academic ecosystem: Apart from enabling more advanced research and laboratory work in fields like environmental biology, genetics, biotechnology, and microbiology, the Faculty of Biological Sciences will make a substantial contribution to preparing scientists and public health experts to tackle regional and worldwide issues. “For courses like chemistry, physics, mathematics and statistics, the Faculty of Physical Sciences offers state-of-the-art laboratories and instructional areas. This infrastructure will promote innovation, hands-on learning, and the advancement of STEM education “The founding of the Faculty of Engineering represents a turning point in the evolution of our university. This facility will accelerate our students’ disposition to receive top-notch instruction in fields vital to the development of the country, given the rising demand for engineers in the fields of oil and gas, power, civil works, and ICT”.

A’Ibom Flags-Off N2.16bn Conditional Cash Transfer Programme with 28,834 Beneficiaries The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, with a total of N2,162,550,000 to be disbursed to 28,834 beneficiaries across the state’s 31 local government areas. Addressing the flag-off of the scheme in Uyo on Friday, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno described the programme as a practical demonstration of the love and care that President Bola Tinubu has for Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Governor Eno who was represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Helen Obareke also commended the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for ensuring the successful roll-out of the scheme. He said the state government’s commitment to social welfare and poverty alleviation is evident in its various initiatives, including the Arise Compassionate Homes and monthly payments to elderly citizens. The Governor therefore urged beneficiaries to make good use of the humane and kind intervention and continue to support the President’s initiatives. Delivering a keynote address, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga described the programme as a stepping stone to eradication of poverty, particularly in rural areas. She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for implementing the programme, which she believes will have a significant impact on the lives of the people. In her words “This is one program that is of great benefit to the rural setting, the rural areas, not just in the five states, but in Nigeria at large. This is one program that I may call a stepping stone to eradication of poverty”. Dr. Godwin Akpan, State Focal Person, National Social Investment Programme, Akwa Ibom State, in his remarks said the programme is a flagship component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at providing financial support to vulnerable individuals. He urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, “Let these funds be a stepping stone toward economic stability and self-reliance. We encourage every recipient to strive toward a brighter, more secure future.” He advised Highpoint of the flag-off was presentation of Debit Cards to beneficiaries of the programme.

Dismissed Soldier, Civilian to Die by Hanging Over Armed Robbery A dismissed soldier, Lance Corporal Promise Okokon Usoro, and one Odinaka Emmanuel Victor have been sentenced to death by hanging for armed robbery. In a judgement delivered by Justice Archibong Archibong of the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo on Thursday, the culprits were sentenced to death for robbing tricycle operators, popularly known as keke riders, at gunpoint in the capital city. It was learnt that Lance Corporal Promise Okokon Usoro, dismissed from 6 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Ibagwa Barracks, in Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State robbed one Peter Daniel Okon at gunpoint of his tricycle along Idoro Road, Uyo, on February 10, 2013. Usoro, a 41 year-old indigene of Ikot Osom in Abak, who was said to be armed with AK-47 during the robbery, had earlier faced a court-martial which led to his dismissal from the army before he was handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution. In his confessional statement, Usoro admitted that he participated in at least three armed robbery operations targeting tricyclists in Uyo, alongside an accomplice identified as JJ, who is currently at large. He confessed that one of the stolen tricycles was sold by JJ, and he received a share of ₦50,000 from the proceeds. The second convict, Odinaka Emmanuel Victor, 32 years-old from Osisioma in Abia State, also confessed that he robbed his victim, Anyanwu Chidi Francis, along Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, with an AK-47 rifle in the company of the dismissed soldier on February 14, 2013. Odinaka stated in his extrajudicial statement that he was involved in a tricycle snatching operations in Port Harcourt, led by one Engr. Obuigwe. He said he was contacted by a gang member, James, on February 10, 2013, who brought him to Uyo in a Passat car for an operation, where they picked the dismissed soldier at the barracks and proceeded to rob a tricyclist. Odinaka was later arrested with the stolen tricycle, while the others fled. The convicts were tried alongside a third accused person, Ndifreke Willie Udo, a 37-year-old native of Odoro Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, who was residing in Port Harcourt at the time of the incident. In his judgment, the trial judge, Justice Archibong Archibong held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against Lance Corporal Usoro and Odinaka Victor. The court however discharged and acquitted the third defendant, Ndifreke Udo, for lack of sufficient evidence linking him to the crime, and sentenced Promise Okokon Usoro and Odinaka Victor to death by hanging.