EXPLICIT MAGAZINE

A'Ibom Assembly Concludes Public Hearing on 2025 - 2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework  By Julius Nsikak Hon. Akata  The Eighth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), dubbed " The Pragmatic Assembly", has concluded its second public hearing on the 2025 - 2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).    This marks the fourth public hearing on MTEF organised by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The event, which took place recently at the Assembly Complex in Uyo, was organised by the House Committee on Economic Planning and Development, AKHA, chaired by the  member representing Eket State Constituency, Hon. (Dr) Nsidibe Akata.  In his opening address, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, welcomed the numerous participants at the event, reiterated the importance of calling for public opinions and concerns on political, social, and other administrative issues, stating that it guides the legislators to better make decisions that will create an impact in...

  AKHA Health Committee Holds Meeting with Health Experts to Discuss Traditional Birth Attendants By Julius  Nsikak  On 27 August 2024, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, chaired by Ibiono Ibom lawmaker, Hon. Moses Essien, convened a meeting with the State Ministry of Health to discuss the proliferation of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in the state and their impact on maternal mortality rates. The meeting followed a resolution passed by the House on 21 August 2024, to regulate the activities of TBAs in Akwa Ibom State, proposed by Hon. (Dr.) Nsidide Akata. Hon. Essien highlighted the need to address the issues surrounding pre- and post-natal childbirth services provided by TBAs, which contribute to child mortality rates. He questioned whether TBAs are licensed or trained by medical experts. Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, praised the Committee for their prompt response to health matters. He noted that TBAs fall ...

 PRESIDENCY'S FAILURE: DEMOCRACY IN MOCKERY By Julius Nsikak Democracy, often regarded as the government of the people, for the people, and by the people, is considered the best style of government for Nigeria due to its absolute liberty to express oneself.  However, when dismembered, democracy explicitly translates to a systematic process of creating vision for others and having the power to sustain and bring it to reality.  Nigerians have come to a consensus that democracy is the most feasible form of government for Nigeria, as it is the foundation of sustainable development and poverty eradication. However, the existence of government is imperiled when it fails to adhere to and aptly observe the law fastidiously. Recent trends and crafty cornering between and within the present corridors of power have left democracy with no stamina to further stagger. If not tailored now, the 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule may be shattered apart. The presidential domain, wit...

 WHEN THOUGHT ARISES: MEN'S WORLD VERSUS  WOMEN'S By Julius Nsikak In Nigeria, when a man contests a political position, his wife often plays a supportive role to ensure his success. After winning, she typically initiates pet projects to boost her husband's administration and improve the lives of the represent people.  However, when the tables turn and a woman contests a political office, her husband's support is often conspicuous by its absence. Why don't men openly support their wives in politics, initiating projects to benefit the governed, just as women do for their husbands? Is it because men do not see the need to support their partners outside the family sphere? Or is it due to societal expectations and patriarchal norms? Some argue that men are busy with business or lack the confidence to solicit funds for projects. However, in today's revolutionary era, this narrative needs to change. Partners should support each other in all aspects. We must challenge ...

  SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO INAUGURATES REFURBISHED NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE OFFICERS' MESS By Julius Nsikak The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has inaugurated the newly refurbished National Defence College Officers' Mess in Abuja.  During the ceremony, he urged uniformed officers to maintain a unified operational structure and demonstrate professionalism in their duties. In a statement, Akpabio emphasised the facility's significance as a hub for strategic discussions and fostering unity among the armed forces. He stated, "As we unveil this remodeled facility, we recommit to the ideals of excellence, discipline, and service that this institution represents." Akpabio praised the National Defence College for producing distinguished officers who have served the nation with honor. He also commended those who contributed to the project's success, particularly the College's Commandant and team. The Senate President reaffirmed the Federal Government...

  ENGR OTO - OBONG ESSIEN PLEDGES TO EMPOWER 2000 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH SKILLS AND START-UP GRANTS By Emmanuel Ufon Engr. Oto - Obong Essien  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Ikono Local Government Area, Engr Oto - Obong Essien, has vowed to empower 2000 young people in the area with skills and start-up capital within her first 100 days in office.  This initiative aims to revive the rural economy, promote sustainable development, and boost self-reliance among young people. Engr Essien, a chartered engineer, addressed her Skill Acquisition/Youth Empowerment Team on Sunday in Uyo, outlining the training areas including Information Communication technology, Cosmetic Production and Baking and Pastry production Successful trainees will receive start-up grants. In agriculture, she will collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture/Rural Development and companies like Bertola Machine-Tool Company to train Ikono young people in large-scale mechanised farmi...

 A'IBOM PARLIAMENT CALLS FOR REGULATION OF TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS By Julius  Nsikak  During Wednesday's legislative session, the Akwa Ibom State Parliament on resumption of its second legislative year, has urged the regulation of traditional birth attendants in the state.  This follows a motion sponsored by member representing Eket State Constituency,  Hon. Nsidibe Akata. The Eket legislator, expressed concern about the proliferation of traditional birth homes managed by non professional attendants, which according to him has increased maternal and child mortality in the state.  While stating UNICEF statistics, he maintained that  Nigeria records the second-highest number of infant deaths during delivery globally. Hon. Akata disclosed  the challenges faced by traditional birth homes, including inadequate prenatal and post-natal care, unverified concoctions, lack of supervisory oversight, and absence of emergency medical equipment.  He e...

 THREE BILLS CLEAR FIRST READING AT A'IBOM PARLIAMENT  By Esther Ukpe  Speaker Otong  As the eighth Akwa Ibom State Parliament resumed plenary for its second legislative year, three bills successfully passed the first reading stage.  The bills comprise: "A bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission", sponsored by member representing Eket State Constituency,  Hon. Nsidibe Akata and 15 others. A Bill to establish and regulate the Akwa Ibom State Correctional Service, with the aim of ensuring  public safety, humane and effective management of offenders and encouraging reintegration, sponsored by member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide and 13 others. A Bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Trust Fund (ADETFUND)", sponsored by Eket lawmaker, Hon. Nsidibe Akata". The Clerk, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, presented the bills during Wednesday's legislative session.  Spea...

  AKWA IBOM POLICE NAB ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT    By Julius Nsikak  In its ongoing efforts to combat crime, the Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested a suspect involved in an armed robbery incident.  According to a press release dated 21st August 2024 and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), ASP Timfon John, the arrest took place during a routine stop-and-search patrol at Ekom Iman roundabout, where a businessman reported being robbed of his valuables while en route to Aba. Police operatives promptly gave chase, apprehending one Ukpono Ekopntak, while others escaped and are currently at large. The release states that efforts are underway to capture the remaining members of the syndicate. Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene. Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Waheed Ayilara, has reaffirmed the command's commitment to eradicating criminal elements in the state.  He also warned members of clandestine groups to desist ...

  LG ELECTION: IKONO WOMEN ENDORSE PDP CHAIRMANSHIP CANDIDATE, ENGR. OTO-OBONG ESSIEN Hon. (Engr.) Oto - Obong Essien  Women from the three political zones of Ikono Local Government Area - Ediene Itak, Ikono Middle, and Ikono South have unanimously endorsed the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. (Engr.) Oto-Obong Essien, for the October 5th Local Government election. Speaking at the endorsement venue in Ikono, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Ekaette Columba, poured accolades on  Engr. Oto-Obong Essien, described her as the right candidate with the required credentials to serve Ikono people. She mentioned Hon. Essien's  good leadership track record, grassroots community mobilisation, and professional engineering expertise. Mrs. Columba expressed confidence in Essien's capacity and commitment to realising Ikono's potential through her unmatched experience and intellectual capacity. The endorsement letter presented by the women reads: "Our confident en...

  Dr Umontuen Inducted into Nigerian Book of Records for Advancing Medical Education By Nora Inwang  In recognition of his tireless efforts to advance medical education in Nigeria, Dr Godwin Umontuen, founder and chairman of the College of Nursing Sciences, Obohia, has been inducted into the Nigerian Book of Records (NBR). This prestigious honour makes him the first Akwa Ibom indigene to receive this recognition. The induction ceremony, chaired by Professor Sunday Chinenye, took place at the college premises and was attended by dignitaries from across the country. Professor Chinenye commended Dr Umontuen and his wife, Confidence, for their impactful investment in Obohia Ndoki, describing Dr Umontuen as a worthy in-law and his wife as a jewel of inestimable value. Chief (Sir) Chris Nkwonta, Member representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West in the House of Representatives, expressed satisfaction with the college's rapid growth and lauded Dr Umontuen's resilience and courage. In his ac...

 LG ELECTION : HON. (ENGR.) OTO - OBONG ESSIEN IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR IKONO LGA  By Julius  Nsikak  Leadership is prong upon governance and representation, maybe through a consanguineous factor or vote casting and sometimes, nomination by a majority group. The Cradle of Ibibio which is Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is now  christened "BLESSED" to have Hon. (Engr.) Oto - Obong Okon Essien, an endeared grassrooter and cerebral female representative as the Peoples' Democratic  Party (PDP) standard flag carrier for the 2024 Ikono council chairmanship bout. Her governance strategy is set to gobsmack the minds of many, reposition the trajectory of Ikono  LGA, emend the several long ignored lacuna and bring revival and restoration to the entire people of Ikono. Engr. Oto Essien is receptive to dynamics and adaptive to the ever evolving leadership terrain, irrespective of the political landscape. Already, Engr. Oto Essien has taken palpable s...