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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

GOV ENO TO FLAG OFF TREE CROP REVOLUTION IN A’IBOM … plans N1 billion grant per LGA in 2026 In line with the agricultural revolution component of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to kick-start an unprecedented oil palm tree planting revolution in the State. Governor Eno announced this while addressing the Convention Victory Service at the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, to conclude the 21st Anniversary and Discovery Convention of the church. He said the State Committee on Food Security has recommended a template which involves the distribution of improved seedlings, deployment of extension officers in the planting, establishment of oil palm board and the off- taking of processed oil from different producers. The Governor who had served as the Executive Director of Agriculture Investment at the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, AKICORP, said the initiative is a way of putting money in the hands of the citizenry as the improved seedlings has high yield capacity and fruits within two years. He said Akwa Ibom has declined from number one to number four in oil palm production and needs to take back it’s pride of place. Governor Eno urged the youths to take advantage of the different job opportunities in the State, and to desist from complaining about lack of jobs. “Let our young people stop complaining that there are no jobs. Right now, we are building over 305 houses across this State, and our young people are being engaged and employed. Please find something to do,” he said. He used the opportunity to clear the air on the empowerment for members of support groups in the State, stressing that the monies in the recently published list of support groups and beneficiaries for the different empowerment packages were not given to group heads or any member of the groups to share, but to individuals who applied through the ARISE portal and had registered members of the support groups. He noted that his administration would continue to give business grants, saying, “What we have decided to do for next year is being worked out in our next year’s budget. We are appraising N1 billion per Local Government in our 2026 budget, plus other funds that we are going to send to the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry. “The grants through this will only be obtained through the Government’s portal by those who have registered and have never gotten one before,” he stressed. The Governor said his administration has made efforts to maintain peace in the State, and expressed disappointment at some high profile personalities in the State who pride themselves as members of certain cult groups and warned that the ban on cultism is still operational and defaulters would be tried accordingly. He also used the opportunity to announce plans for a memorial service in honour of the departed State First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, slated for September 26, 2025. The Governor who is also the Undershepherd of All Nations Christian Ministry International, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the Ministry for the past 21 years, and appreciated everyone for partaking in the convention activities and the victory service. In his homily, Rev. (Dr.) Godwin Amaowoh, speaking on the topic “You shall not be put to shame,”drawn from Romans 10:12-14, admonished Christians to put their trust only in God as their Creator, stressing that those who put their trust in God will not be put to shame. Rev. (Dr.) Amaowoh instructed the congregants that by trusting in God, God will use men to help, uplift, and honour them. Also preaching on “How to access the help of God”, culled from Genesis 27:29, Rev. Simeon Afolabi charged Christians to trust in God to enjoy His strategic help, honour, and defense, noting that when they enjoy the help of God, shame will be eradicated in their lives. The 4-day Convention which featured sessions of praise, worship, choir ministrations, messages, and prayers, was graced by the, National Vice President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Pastor E. U. Johnson who was specially celebrated by the Governor, members of the State Executive Council, the clergy, political stalwarts, captains of industry and Christian faithful within and outside the State.

Asuquo Appointed Governing Council Member of Southern Atlantic University The Management of Southern Atlantic University, Uyo is has announced the appointment of Mr. Mkposong Asuquo as a Member of its Governing Council. Mr. Asuquo, a seasoned entrepreneur and development strategist, brings with him a wealth of experience spanning business, education, energy, and community development. His appointment reflects the University’s commitment to fostering leadership that is both innovative and rooted in service to society. In his new role, Mr. Asuquo will work alongside other distinguished members of the Governing Council which boasts of eminent scholars and professionals, including Senator Ita Enang, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, Prof. Etete Peters, Prof. Usen Ikpe, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Rev. Udeh Agwu, and Francis Maduekwe to strengthen the University’s vision of delivering world-class education in Nigeria. The Governing Council serves as the highest decision-making body of the institution, guiding its policies, strategic growth, and long-term sustainability. Speaking on the appointment, the Founder of Southern Atlantic University Pastor Bassey James remarked: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Mkposong Asuquo into the Governing Council. His proven leadership in advancing educational and socio-economic initiatives will greatly enrich our mission of nurturing the next generation of leaders.” Mr. Asuquo expressed gratitude for the appointment, stating: “It is an honor to join the Governing Council of Southern Atlantic University. I am deeply committed to contributing to the University’s growth and ensuring it becomes a beacon of academic excellence not just in Akwa Ibom State, but across Nigeria and beyond.” The University community which has since been commissioned and ready for academic activities looks forward to working closely with Mr. Asuquo as it continues to build a strong foundation for academic excellence, innovation, and impactful research. Southern Atlantic University, located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is a premier institution dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation. With a mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in a dynamic world, the University is committed to producing leaders who will transform society.

Lafarge Africa Launches another First Low-Carbon Ready-Mix Concrete Lafarge Africa Plc has announced the launch of a new product into the market, EcoCrete, Nigeria’s first low-carbon Ready-mix concrete. The leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company, renowned for the manufacturing of high-quality building solutions including cement, in a press release made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Wednesday said EcoCrete delivers a minimum of 20% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional CEM I concrete, while maintaining the same high performance and reliability. The release informed members of the public that Lafarge’s Abuja Ready-Mix (RMX) plant has been fully converted to 100% EcoCrete production, marking the first phase of this groundbreaking rollout. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said that the introduction of EcoCrete expands the company’s portfolio of sustainable solutions, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonizing Nigeria’s construction sector. Alade-Akinyemi also stated that the launch of the new product demonstrates the company’s commitment to offering innovative solutions that empower customers to build better with less. “The introduction of EcoCrete is another bold step in our mission to enable builders and our customers make smart choices and support Nigeria’s transition to a greener economy. Just like our ECOPlanet cement, EcoCrete represents a game-changing innovation that combines performance with reduced carbon footprint,” he said. Speaking on the benefits of the product, Head of Aggregates and Readymix, Lafarge Africa Plc, Derek Williamson explained that EcoCrete offers superior performance across a wide range of applications including housing, commercial buildings, roads and bridges. Williamson stated that the introduction of the new product would certainly pave way for contractors, engineers, and architects to meet their sustainability goals without compromising on strength, durability, or workability. “EcoCrete provides superior performance while significantly reducing carbon emissions in the environment. It is versatile and reliable for a wide range of applications from residential housing to commercial and infrastructure projects. With EcoCrete, builders and developers can now make environmentally conscious choices without compromising on strength, durability, or workability,” he added. Also commenting, the Head of Innovation and New Product Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Emmanuel Ilaboya, described the product as the preferred solution to tackling the challenges posed by climate change in the country. “EcoCrete is more than just a product; it is a climate-smart innovation designed to address the urgent need for sustainable construction. EcoCrete represents an innovative concrete solution developed through extensive research and testing. With EcoCrete, we provide a scalable alternative that significantly lowers CO₂ emissions and supports Nigeria’s path towards sustainable development,” he added. The launch of EcoCrete builds on the success of EcoPlanet Unicem and EcoPlanet Elephant cement products that were introduced in 2024 and 2025 respectively, as part of Lafarge Africa’s efforts to provide sustainable alternatives across its product range.