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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

Smallholder Farmers Demand Fair Share in Palm Oil Industry as Solidaridad Report Exposes inequities Smallholder farmers across West Africa, who produce the bulk of the region’s palm oil, are calling for urgent reforms to the global value chain that continues to exclude them from fair profits and investment. Despite contributing up to 80% of palm oil production in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone, these farmers remain trapped in poverty and face mounting challenges. A new report released by Solidaridad West Africa, Palm Oil Barometer 2025: Procurement for Prosperity, highlights how low incomes, poor access to tools, and limited infrastructure are preventing smallholders from improving yields or adopting sustainable practices. The report urges governments and companies to adopt a new model that ensures fair value distribution and farmer inclusion. “Oil palm production in our communities faces serious challenges,” said Michael Opong, a smallholder farmer from Ghana’s Eastern Region. “Most farmers lack access to proper tools, equipment, and infrastructure. Even with training, our incomes are too low to invest in improvements.” The report acknowledges that while smallholders produce the majority of palm oil, they receive the smallest share of its economic value. Many also face the effects of climate change, insecure land tenure, and price volatility that further weaken their position in the market. Solidaridad West Africa is advocating for a shift to a “Procurement for Prosperity” model that prioritizes four key areas: inclusive policy, fair pricing, equitable partnerships, and targeted support programmes. The aim is to make it possible for smallholders to earn a living income and participate meaningfully in the supply chain. “Simply demanding sustainable production is insufficient. Companies need to commit to an inclusive value chain that integrates smallholder voices and rewards sustainable practices fairly.” Marieke Leegwater, Senior Policy Advisor at Solidaridad Europe. “ said As global sustainability regulations like the EU’s deforestation rule tighten, Solidaridad warns that excluding smallholders will increase risks across the palm oil industry. The report calls on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a more equitable and resilient future for the farmers who form the backbone of the sector.

Digital Literacy: Senate Moves to Amend UBEC Act Nigeria is set to overhaul its foundational education laws to reflect a new digital reality, as the Senate embarks on a review of the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) Act to integrate smart learning into classrooms nationwide. This legislative move was made public by Senator Ekong Sampson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary), at the International Conference on Smart Education and Digital Literacy held Tuesday in Abuja. Speaking at the opening of the high-level conference, Senator Sampson said that digital literacy had become a developmental necessity. In his words “This is no longer optional, It is central to Nigeria’s educational transformation agenda and must be firmly embedded in the legal framework.” The event, hosted at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre and themed “Empowering African Smart Education through Emerging Technologies,” was co-organized by UBEC and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and featured wide participation from stakeholders in education and technology. Describing the conference as “timely and strategic,” Sampson revealed that the Senate’s proposed amendments to the UBEC Act are aimed at strengthening the institutional foundation for inclusive, equitable, and technology-driven education. “Our goal is to reposition the basic education sector to produce a generation that is future-ready, one that can innovate, not just consume technology,” he said. He further stressed the need to rethink traditional classrooms and adopt digital tools that align with 21st-century realities. “Every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a smart learning environment. We must act now to ensure no child is left behind in this digital revolution,” Sampson stated. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, corroborated this position as he called for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the national curriculum. “AI can help personalize learning, close systemic gaps, and prepare our students for a tech centric global economy,” he said. UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, assured participants of the Commission’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s digital education agenda. “UBEC is committed to ensuring that every child regardless of location, has access to digital tools and platforms that enhance learning,” she said.

Grassroots Glory: MTN Champs Finale Kicks Off in Uyo   No fewer than 2,400 athletes from 418 secondary schools across Nigeria on Tuesday converged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, for the grand finale of MTN Champs Season 3, Nigeria’s premier grassroots athletics competition.   Organized to discover and groom the country’s next generation of Olympic stars, MTN Champs has toured major cities including Benin and Lagos culminating in the ongoing grand finale in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.   Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ibe Etea, General Manager, Internal Audit & Forensic Services at MTN Nigeria, emphasized the scale and vision of the project.   “With over 2,400 athletes and 418 schools, the stakes are higher, the lights are brighter, and the talent on display is nothing short of world-class. MTN Champs is more than a competition; it’s a movement.” He said   Representing the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey applauded MTN’s investment in youth development and affirmed the state’s alignment with the competition’s goals.   “In Akwa Ibom, sports is a vital part of our Arise Agenda. We are mandated to go to the grassroots, and MTN’s objective aligns perfectly with ours.” He said   He urged athletes to compete clean and enjoy the rich hospitality of the host state.   Modeled after Jamaica’s famed high school CHAMPS, MTN Champs has fast become a national platform for uncovering Nigeria’s next athletic icons.

“We Proved Them Wrong”, Says Top Graduate As 30 More Women Complete Lafarge Africa’s Heavy Duty Truck Driving Training Nzom Gertrude stood proudly before a cheering audience in Calabar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as she was named best graduating student from Lafarge Africa’s “Women on Wheels” (WoW) initiative – an intensive training programme for female drivers of heavy-duty trucks. “Many people said we couldn’t do it, but today, we’ve proved them wrong—with courage, hard work, and the support of our instructors and families.” Gertrude said She is one of 30 women who successfully completed training at the Lafarge Driving Institute, earning certification to operate industrial-grade, heavy-duty trucks used in logistics and cement transportation, roles traditionally reserved for men in Nigeria’s haulage sector. Their graduation marks another milestone in Lafarge Africa Plc’s commitment to gender inclusion and workforce diversification in the country’s logistics industry. Since its inception in 2019, “Women on Wheels” has produced 103 certified female truck drivers across Nigeria. The initiative is not only bridging gender gaps but also addressing the industry’s driver shortage, enhancing safety, and setting new standards for inclusion and sustainability. Group Managing Director/CEO of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, hailed the courage and determination of the new graduates: “You are not only making history, you are building the future of logistics in Nigeria. “Women on Wheels” is a bold step toward a more inclusive and efficient transportation sector.” He noted that 56 women graduated from the Mfamosing plant in 2021, followed by 17 from the Ewekoro plant, before the latest cohort in Calabar. Logistics Director, Mr. Osazemen Aghatise, emphasized that the performance of previous graduates has continued to justify the company’s investment in the programme. “These women are not just competent, they’re excellent. Their success in operating heavy-duty trucks safely and efficiently is driving us to expand this programme further,” he said. Hon. Edema Irom, Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, urged the new drivers to remain ambassadors of possibility and perseverance. “You are pioneers and a source of inspiration to girls across Nigeria. You’ve shown that with the right support, women can thrive in any profession.”