EXPLICIT MAGAZINE

IKONO CHAIRMAN FLAGS OFF 5-DAY ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING FOR WOMEN AND YOUTHS Our correspondent, Ikono  In a bold move to boost local enterprise and empower the grassroots, the Chairman of Ikono Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Engr. Oto-Obong Essien, has officially flagged off a 5-day intensive skills acquisition training for women and youths.  The initiative is in collaboration with the Technology Incubation Centre, Uyo. The training, which commenced Monday, 14 July, and is scheduled to run through Friday, 18 July 2025, is taking place at the Council Secretariat in Ibiaku Ntok Okpo. It focuses on practical, hands-on skills in key areas such as liquid soap and fabric wash production using local materials; wig-making from plantain stems and raffia; as well as cosmetology, including the production of body creams and soaps. Speaking during the official launch, Engr. Essien expressed gratitude to God for the success of the initiative and extended appreciation to His Excellency, ...

HIVE 2025: UK-NIGERIAN FILMMAKER SPARKS CREATIVE REBIRTH IN UYO  By Julius Nsikak, Uyo In a vibrant fusion of creativity, culture, and innovation, UK-based Nigerian filmmaker and talented artist, Godwin Nicholas, has set the stage for a visual renaissance in Akwa Ibom State, empowering 17 exceptional visual artists during a transformative one-week workshop tagged Hive 2025: A Culture of Rebirth. Held recently, the immersive training and mentorship programme culminated in a grand exhibition at Breakfort Hotel, Uyo, drawing attention from art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and creative stakeholders. More than just a workshop, Hive 2025 was an incubator of vision, designed to spark new dimensions in contemporary artistic expression. The initiative, powered by Nicholas’ deep-rooted commitment to cultural development and global artistic engagement, offered participants intensive studio sessions, collaborative projects, and access to cutting-edge artistic tools, including digital storytel...

IKONO CONTINGENTS DAZZLE AT ITU ZONAL UBEC/SUBEB BASIC EDUCATION SCHOOL SPORTS COMPETITION The Itu Zonal UBEC/SUBEB Basic Education School Sports Competition, held recently at PCN School, Ibiaku, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, turned out to be a triumphant outing for students representing Ikono Local Government Area, who delivered an exceptional performance across multiple sporting categories. Track Events 800 Metres Race Girls: Emem Sunday Ekwere (Government School, Aka Ekpeme) – 1st Position Boys: Etimbuk J. Ekpenyong (Methodist School, Ikot Ayan Ndiya) – 1st Position 200 Metres Race Girls: Imoh Otobong Effiong (Government School, Ikot Akpa Ayara) – 1st Position Boys: Destiny Edet Etim (Holy Child Catholic School, Nung Udoe Itak) – 1st Position Mfoniso Otobong Okon (Government School, Ikot Akpa Ayara) – 2nd Position 400 Metres Race Girls: Emem Sunday Ekwere (Government School, Aka Ekpeme) – 1st Position Boys: Idorenyin Daniel Sunday (Government School, Aka Ekpeme) – 3rd Position ...

AHEAD OF 2027, INEC RESUMES CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION AUGUST 18 ••• As A'Ibom New REC Distances Self from Partisanship, Favouritism By Precious Ukeje – Explicit News Magazine Mr. Effanga, A'Ibom REC The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its arrangements to resume the Continuous Voter Registration on August 18, 2025, ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the online processes will commence earlier on the said date, the walk-in procedures will consequently follow August 25, 2025. This comes as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Obo Effanga, distances himself from all speculations of partisanship. Both disclosures were made recently during an interactive session with pressmen at the Akwa Ibom State office of INEC, where Effanga reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring democratic progress and processes in Nigeria. The new REC, a lawyer who assumed duty in the state earlier in June, explained that the pre-reg...

UK-NIGERIAN FILMMAKER GODWIN NICHOLAS BUILDS GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR YOUNG NIG ARTISTS THROUGH 'HIVE 2025' By Julius Nsikak  Uyo, Nigeria — UK-based Nigerian filmmaker and successful artist, Godwin Nicholas, has unveiled a bold initiative aimed at nurturing a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian artists through his platform, Hive. Speaking to journalists in Uyo at the ongoing Hive 2025 Workshop held at Concave, Nicholas shared his vision of creating a vibrant and inclusive community that empowers emerging creatives from across Nigeria’s diverse artistic spectrum.  The week-long event, which commenced on Tuesday, 1 July and runs until 8 July 2025, brings together aspiring talents for immersive training, mentorship, and creative collaboration. “Hive 2025 is designed to awaken the artist’s mindset,” Nicholas stated, “and to help them see the value in their work at any stage, regardless of where they currently stand in their creative journey.” Nicholas, who has made his mar...

AKHA COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON BILL TO ESTABLISH CULINARY, HOSPITALITY SCHOOL  By Julius Nsikak In a landmark step towards transforming the hospitality landscape of Akwa Ibom, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) Committee on Education, chaired by Hon. (Mrs.) Kenim Onofiok, recently convened a public hearing on the proposed “Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State School of Culinary Studies and Hospitality Management, a Board, and for other connected matters.” The public hearing, held at the Assembly Complex, provided a platform for stakeholders from across the state to deliberate, offer perspectives, and present memoranda on the Bill, which seeks to institutionalise culinary and hospitality education in the state. The event was formally declared open by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, ably represented by Hon. Dr. Itorobong Etim, member representing Uruan State Constituency. In his opening remark, the ...

A'IBOM POLICE COMMISSIONER RATTLES SABRE AGAINST CRIME By Julius Nsikak  The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azara, fsi, has reiterated his leadership's commitment to ensuring the command remains tough, smart, proactive, and focused to prevent criminals from finding a foothold in the state.  CP Azara made this assurance Thursday, June 19, 2025, during a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. Reviewing the command's achievements for May 2025, the police commissioner highlighted several successful arrests, recoveries, and investigations into critical crime-related matters in the state.  "I am pleased to present to you a chronological account of key achievements recorded from the month of May 2025 to date. A period that witnessed intensified intelligence-led policing, prompt tactical response, and fruitful community collaboration," he said. Based on reliable information, the command's ope...