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Customer Convenience: Ibom Air to Fly Calabar Daily, Enugu Six Days Weekly   In a bid to enhance connectivity and provide unparalleled convenience to its passengers, Ibom Air has announced the expansion of its flight schedule on the Enugu and Calabar routes.   Effective July 25, 2025, the airline will operate daily flights from Lagos and Abuja to Calabar, while flights to Enugu will operate six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday   A release signed by Aniekan Essienette, Group Manager, Marketing & Communications, Ibom Air and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday indicates that “This adjustment transforms what was previously a limited-schedule operation into a more robust service offering, giving travelers greater flexibility and more options to plan their trips with confidence.   “At Ibom Air, we understand the value of consistency and convenience in travel. Expanding our flight frequency on these routes is a direct response to our customers’ needs for more choices without compromising on the schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service we are known for,” said Mr. George Uriesi, Acting Managing Director and CEO, Ibom Air.   “With this development, Ibom Air continues to reinforce its promise of putting passengers first by enabling seamless connections across its growing network. More days. More options. Same great service. For flight schedules and booking information, please visit www.ibomair.com”. The release stated

Speaker Abbas Unveils Plans for National Sports Academy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has revealed plans to establish a National Sports Academy to nurture and develop the athletic talents of Nigerian youths nationwide. The proposed academy will cater to secondary school-age children discovered through grassroots competitions, providing them with a platform to grow their sporting abilities. According to Abbas, the initiative is designed to produce global sports icons that the nation would celebrate. He emphasized the need to revive grassroots sports development as a vital strategy for restoring Nigeria’s past successes on the international stage. “We cannot accept a situation where a country with over 200 million citizens returns from global competitions empty-handed,” “The academy will accommodate all outdoor and indoor sporting disciplines.. These children will be given the platform to further grow their sporting abilities” he said Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu, who applauded the Federal Government and the National Assembly for significantly increasing the sports sector’s budget, also noted that supporting grassroots sports is an investment in the hopes and aspirations of the youth, adding “today marks a turning point in the country’s sports development”.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROTECT AKWA IBOM CHILDREN — GOV. UMO ENO …Assures Continued Welfare of Youths   The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has said his administration will continue to protect children of the State and also continue to cater for the welfare of youths in the State.   The Governor said these on Tuesday, when he played host to delegates from the African Union Committee of Expert on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), at Government House, Uyo.   Represented by his Deputy, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Pastor Umo Eno avered that his administration remains passionate about the well-being of children and youths, maintaining that relevant legal frameworks have been put in place to secure the rights and future of Akwa Ibom children.   Governor Eno emphasized that his love and concern for children and youths of the State is evident in the provision of proper education and health care and also youth empowerment initiatives such as the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre in Ikot Ada Idem, where youths are trained on different skills and are also empowered with starter kits.   “Our concern is to ensure that every Akwa Ibom child gets proper education and healthcare. To ensure that the Akwa Ibom youths are not used in the wrong way, we engage them very positively and effectively in training, because they are the future leaders. We have a special skills acquisition centre, where they are trained and at the end of the day, they are empowered with starter kits to enable them start their own livelihood and earn a living, instead of going round to beg or getting involved in vices, and they also become employers of labour”.   Governor Eno further stressed that because of the concerns for children, there has been laws to protect and ensure the rights of children such as the Child Rights Law, which has been in existence since 2008, adding that no parent, caregiver or guardian, is allowed to maltreat a child, and that there is a department set up to monitor compliance.   The State Chief Executive also said that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law which was put in place in 2020, as well as the Widowhood Practices Law which helps to defend any maltreated widow are also laws which are made to ensure that the rights of children and citizens are protected.   Governor Eno noted that his administration has constructed and equipped model primary schools across the State and also offers free and compulsory education, including uniforms, sandals, and books, to encourage children to go to school and be educated.   Pastor Umo Eno stressed that every Local Government Area is to own a model school and primary health centre, to ensure that children in the rural areas will have the same access to quality education and health care as their peers in the urban areas.   He maintained that his administration has a heart and conscience to ensure that the future generation of Akwa Ibom which are the youths and children, have a proper foundation and are properly protected.   Speaking earlier, the Head of Delegation and ACERWC Country Rapporteur, Hon. Robert Nanima, said the objective of the visit was to foster partnership with the state government, so as to promote and protect children’s rights.   While acknowledging the warm reception and hospitality accorded his delegation, Hon. Nanima said that they are in Akwa Ibom to work together for the protection of children.   He further commended Governor Umo Eno for his investments in healthcare, education, scholarships and the good works being done in other sectors, saying it shows exemplary leadership and excellence; he therefore urged other States in Africa to emulate.   The event which featured presentation of mementos to the Governor, had in attendance officials from the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom State Government, including the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien; Executive Assistant/Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; Commissioners of Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Justice, Uko Udom, SAN; Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Inibeghe Etukudo; Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga; Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh; Health, Dr. Ekem John, Permanent Secretaries, amongst others.

Lafarge Africa Delivers Record Revenue of N269 Billion in Q2, Operating Profit up 153%, and Profit After Tax Surges to N84.03 billion … a 248% increase compared to same period last year. Lagos State, Nigeria, Monday, July 21, 2025. Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and producer of a range of cement brands, has recorded a sales revenue of N268.63 billion for the second quarter of the 2025 financial year. This revenue represents an increase of 70% from N157.80 billion that was recorded in the corresponding period in 2024. A breakdown analysis of the unaudited result revealed that operating profit for the company in the second quarter of the financial year also grew from N47.70 billion in the corresponding period in 2024 to N120.61 billion, representing a 153 % significant increase. The rise in operating profit was largely due to topline growth and operational efficiency of the company. According to the provisional results released by NGX, Profit After Tax for the second quarter rose by 248% from N24.16 billion in 2024 to N84.03 billion in the corresponding period in 2025. This rise could be attributed to strong Operational performance, relative stability of the naira with no significant FX losses. The Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, in a statement, explained that the exceptional performance recorded by the company in Q2 was driven by innovative product offerings, strategic operation and distribution efficiency. “Following our impressive Q1 results, Q2 performance showcases the strength of our team, market positioning, operational efficiency, cost management, and dedication to value creation. We achieved excellent financial results in Q2, with Net Sales growth of 70%, Operating Profit up 153%, and Profit After Tax growth of 248%. This strong performance closes H1 with a sales and operating profit growth of 75% and 144% respectively. This performance is driven by our innovative product offerings and strategic operational Initiatives,” Alade-Akinyemi said. He noted that the company remains mindful of the ever-evolving macroeconomic conditions, and is confident to continue to deliver value by focusing on its strategic priorities, while leveraging innovation and green growth, in line with its sustainability ambitions. “I am deeply grateful to our exceptional team, valued customers, and loyal stakeholders for their unwavering contributions and support of Lafarge Africa. Despite the challenging macroeconomic environment, your commitment continues to inspire us and strengthen our confidence in the future,” he added. He disclosed that despite challenges posed by macroeconomic activities on purchasing power, the building industry is projected to sustain its growth trajectory with the company reaping the benefits. Commenting on projections for the second half of the year, he expressed optimism of a positive outlook, anticipating that the market will maintain a growth rate consistent with the trend from the first half of the year. “We will continue to capitalise on volume opportunities across our markets while diligently managing our costs. Our commitment to sustainability remains steadfast, as we pursue our strategy of ‘Accelerating Green Growth’ through innovative building solutions that enhance stakeholder value,” he said.

GOV ENO COMMISSIONS 10.4KM UYO-UKPOM ABAK ROAD … directs employment of visually impaired law graduate into State Civil Service Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the 10.412km Uyo – Ukpom Abak Road as part of his administration’s unrelenting effort to link the state’s rural communities to its major urban centre, Uyo. Inaugurating the road project, Governor Eno noted that the construction of the road was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to complete uncompleted projects by his predecessors. “This project was initiated by the administration of my political father, Governor Udom Emmanuel, and we had promised to complete it. Today, we are here in fulfillment of that promise because governance is a continuum.” Governor Eno commended the management of Amitec Construction Company, and the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, for taking up the challenge to restore the road to a desirable standard. “It is our promise that we will keep connecting our rural communities to the centre, just as we keep connecting the centre of our State to the centre in Abuja. “This road project would not have been possible without the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who made sure that funds are released to our State for completion of projects,” he stated. Pastor Eno reaffirmed the State’s full support to the administration of President Tinubu towards ensuring that the President will be voted back to power in 2027 for his second term. “We will make sure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is returned to office in 2027 to continue with his good works. The same support and full votes will equally be given to our son, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his second term, likewise myself, in order to continue with our development strides of building a peaceful and united Akwa Ibom for the good of our people,” he said. The Governor announced plans by his administration to flag off the construction of Youth-Friendly Centres in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the State, explaining that the project would galvanize young people in the hinterland and develop their skills for better productivity and profitable living. “Each Local Government Chairman will give us a space within their Local Governments so that we can build Youth-Friendly Centres for our young people to develop, upgrade, and promote their creative skills and make the best out of their lives. He therefore charged youths to rise to the occasion and get ready for the planned project that will be launched soonest to build and empower them for meaningful living and responsible impact on the society. The Governor appreciated Amitec Construction Company for donating six water borehole facilities for communities within Uyo and Abak axis where the new road spans as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities. Pastor Eno equally commended a virtually impaired law graduate, Barr. Udeme Emmanuel Ekanem, who graduated recently from the Nigeria Law School through his sponsorship for his doggedness and directed the State Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien and the Commissioner for Justice, Barr Uko Essien Udom, SAN, to ensure his immediate employment into the State Civil Service with appropriate posting and mobilization for work. Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, accompanied by his Abak counterpart, Pastor (Mrs) Ime Effiong Charles, thanked the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise to the people. He explained that the road project had been left in a deplorable state for a long time, leading to several protests, especially because the road served as a major diversion route during the construction of the Abak Road Flyover. He thanked the Governor for redeeming the image of stakeholders who assured the people of Government’s commitment to completing the project, saying that it was an evidence of democracy in action with continuity in governance. Presenting an overview of the project, Prof. Ibanga thanked Governor Eno for deploying his finisher’s anointing to complete the project which he inherited from the immediate past administration by providing over 80% funding for its completion. Analysing the project, the Commissioner said out of 10.412 kilometers, 4.4 kilometers is a total reconstruction while the rest were overlaid, and appreciated the Governor for remaining committed to his promise to the people and for his passion towards the completion of inherited projects across the State. Speaking on behalf of Uyo Local Government Area stakeholders, the member representing the State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, said the Governor has wiped away the tears of his people, and assured of continuous support for the administration. Speaking on behalf of stakeholders of Abak Local Government Area,the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for putting smiles on the faces of the people and for making Abak people proud through numerous life- enhancing projects executed by the government in the area. He described the road as a great relief to Abak and Uyo people as its timely completion will revive economic activities of the area, and pledged that the people of Abak would reciprocate this kind gesture by supporting the Governor beyond 2027. On his part, the member representing Abak Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Clement Jimbo, lauded the Governor for his foresight and vision, especially for ensuring a calm political temperature, and for completing the road project which,he said, will greatly benefit his people and the State at large. The event was graced by members of the State Executive Council, members of the political class, captains of industry, the clergy, traditional rulers, and the general public.

STEAM Education and Sports Unite: Camp NexGen 2025 Empowers 150 Young People in Akwa Ibom” Let Girls Read, Run, Grow (LGRRG) has concluded its fifth iteration of Camp NexGen 2025, a STEAM and sports camp designed to empower young people, particularly orphaned youths and young girls from underserved socioeconomic backgrounds. The three-day program, held at Topfaith University in Mkpatak, Akwa Ibom State, welcomed 150 students aged 13-15, with 30% of the participants being orphaned youth and 60% female representation. LGRRG’s Founder and Board Chairman, Idara Otu, said the camp was designed to combat Africa’s youth unemployment crisis by exposing young people to high-demand career fields through engaging, hands-on learning. “The reality we face is that Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis is real. But here lies the opportunity—we know the next 30 years of job creation is coming from STEM fields. So, the time is now to plant seeds and challenge our campers, ‘why not you’ in these careers? When these young minds can see careers in physics, mathematics, and engineering come alive before their eyes, they don’t just dream—they make plans.” She said She acknowledged support from Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong, who provided professional football training, Global Air University, which provided specialized STEAM training and Topfaith University which provided venue, accommodation, and security for the camp. “The partnership with Troost-Ekong and his foundation was instrumental in the camp’s success. Troost-Ekong was directly involved in planning, fundraising, and leading daily athletic training sessions. His involvement not only provided the campers with expert training but also served as a source of inspiration. “LGRRG prioritized the needs of orphaned youths and young girls, recognizing the challenges they face in accessing quality education and opportunities. Our organization partnered with US-based Bras for Girls to provide each female camper with her first sports bra, removing a significant barrier to continued athletic participation”. She said She pledged the commitment of LGRRG to empowering young people, particularly orphaned youths and young girls, through its comprehensive programs and initiatives. She also disclosed the organization’s plan to soon break ground on a girls’ primary school in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Otu also appreciated other strategic partnerships, including Topfaith University, which provided venue, accommodation, and security for the successful hosting of the fifth iteration of Camp NexGen 2025. Also speaking, Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong said, “Camp NexGen is not just about sports or science, it’s about showing the children that they belong in any room and on any field.” Our correspondent reports that this marks the fifth iteration of Camp NexGen, following previous successful camps in Lagos, Nigeria; Harare, Zimbabwe; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Accra, Ghana. Let Girls Read, Run, Grow (LGRRG) was started in 2017 by Idara Otu, an Olympian who represented Nigeria in Athletics at the 2012 Olympic Games. Its mission is to build up the African girl through education, athletics, and entrepreneurship. Camp NexGen™

Arise Agenda: A’Ibom Govt To Partner UNDP on Key Development Areas   Akwa Ibom State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to drive the state’s ARISE Agenda.   The partnership focuses on key areas such as tourism, blue economy, energy, skills acquisition, innovation, broad governance, and finance development.   The MoU was signed at Government House, Uyo, on Wednesday, with Governor Umo Eno expressing his administration’s commitment to working with the UNDP to actualize the vision of the ARISE Agenda.   Governor Eno disclosed that his administration plans to open Youth-Friendly Centres in all 31 Local Government Areas of the State to help develop the skills, creativity, and innovative ideas of young people in the state, especially those residing in rural areas.   According to Governor Eno, “God willing, we will do everything in our power to ensure that we work with you to actualize our vision, because ultimately it is our vision that you are helping to actualize.” He added that the centres would serve as hubs for young people to congregate, develop their skills, and showcase their innovative ideas.   The Governor assured the UNDP team of his administration’s passion for timely delivery of projects, highlighting the state’s template for project delivery, which has been attracting interest from other states. He stated, “We have Delivery Advisors whose duties are project-specific, while Commissioners have adequate time to focus on policies, their interpretations, implementations, and others.”   On her part, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Elsie Attafuah, commended the State for standing out as an excellent model for other sub-nationals in its health, education, and aviation sectors. She identified five possible areas of collaboration, including tourism, blue economy, energy, skills acquisition, and innovation, broad governance, and finance development.   Mrs. Attafuah assured that the UNDP team came to build on the vision of the Governor and strengthen collaboration between the State and the organization. She emphasized that the partnership would promote the ARISE Agenda and create jobs for the people of Akwa Ibom State.   She assured that the partnership will drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the standard of living for Akwa Ibom State residents.

AKWA IBOM LAUNCHES NIGERIA’s FIRST YOUTH TECH HUB ..as ARISE Skills Week 2025 Closes In Uyo The 2025 ARISE Youth Skills Week officially came to a close yesterday with the launch of the ARISE Youth-Friendly Tech Hub by Nigeria’s Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande. The hub, which was unveiled at the Ibom E-Library, serves as a pilot centre for what is envisioned to become a state-wide network of youth-friendly innovation hubs across all 31 local government areas in the state. Designed to promote innovation and technology among the youth, the hub is equipped with internet access and digital tools, providing an enabling environment for skill acquisition and the development of creative ideas. Unveiling the facility, Comrade Olawande lauded Akwa Ibom State for being the first in Nigeria to establish such a youth-focused tech hub. Olawande noted that the “Green House,” as he referred to it, would serve as a centre for youth-driven innovation and enterprise development, and described Governor Umo Eno as a visionary leader with passion for youth development. He registered the Federal government’s admiration towards the Governor’s developmental and citizen-friendly initiatives. “Governor Umo Eno is a visionary leader, a thinker and a doer. He is an action Governor. We are now shifting from the ‘One Youth–Two Skills’ campaign to ‘One Local Government–One Product’,” the Minister declared, while urging Nigerian youths to acquire multiple skills as a means of reducing dependence. He also emphasized the need for deliberate and sustained investment in digital skills acquisition as a national priority. Representing Governor Umo Eno at the event, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, assured that the ARISE Youth-Friendly Hubs would significantly benefit the youth and promote grassroots innovation across the state. He explained that the initiative is aimed at equipping young people with the tools and platforms they need to create ideas and thrive in a fast-changing digital world. Goodwill messages were received from key stakeholders, including, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Youth Development Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Rector of Dakada Skills Acquisition Centre, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, and Supervisors for Youth Development across the 31 LGAs led by Etinyene OfongEkpe who all commended Governor Eno for the laudable initiative and pledged their support for its successful implementation. The Chairman of the House of Representatives of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Esin moved a motion to support the President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno’s continuation in office beyond 2027 and was seconded by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Youths, Sports and Security, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo. The event also featured presentation of prizes to outstanding young innovators, who pitched technological solutions to different socioeconomic challenges.

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.