vvcwatch

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.

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.