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Showing posts from January, 2025

CRIME

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AKWA IBOM POLICE COMMAND CRACKS DOWN ON BURGLARS AND CHILD TRAFFICKERS  By Julius Nsikak - Uyo PPRO, DSP Timfon John  In a recent press briefing, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, through its Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, has made known the command's achievements and stride to bring criminality to the barest minimum in the state.  This move by the command led to the arrest of two burglars, identified as Moses Ndiong and Abraham Eshiet, in Eket Local Government Area. "On 20th January 2025, at about 04:00hrs, based on credible information from a complainant that his apartment was burgled and valuable items were stolen," DSP John explained. Discovered Items  Operatives of the command arrested two suspects, one Moses Godwin Ndiong and Abraham Godwill Eshiet, both males from Apostolic Road in Eket LGA.  According to the PPRO, the suspects were found with burglary tools, including cutters and pliers. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and ...

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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  EASTERN OBOLO PEOPLE'S PLIGHT: A CRY FOR JUSTICE AGAINST STERLING PETROCHEMICAL, FERTILIZER LIMITED   By Julius Nsikak - Uyo As the Eastern Obolo people passionately chanted, " Obolo Itiki - Iya, Obolo Itiki - Iya, Obolo Itikiso - Iyaaaaaah", the entire audience, particularly members of the press, were left gobsmacked, with smiling faces.  To strangers, it was an amazing experience but to them, it was a clear indication of their frustration and desperation over the situation with Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer Limited (SPEL).  The conference room of Villa Hilton Hotel and Apartments was transformed into a scene of unison chanting by the Eastern Obolo people, leaving mixed feelings as to whether it had suddenly become an army training field.  The meeting, Christened "A World Press Conference By The Chiefs, Leaders Of Thought And Good People Of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area", aimed to shed light on the concerns of the Eastern Obolo people regarding ...

ENTERTAINMENT

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Nigerian Movie Producer, Duke of Shomolu, Commends Nduka Obaigbena Over Invitation to Thisday Award Ceremony By Nora Inwang, Uyo Nduka Popular Nigerian movie producer and author, Duke of Shomolu, has commended Dr. Nduka Obaigbena, the Chairman of Thisday Newspaper, for inviting him to the upcoming Thisday Awards, which will mark the 30th anniversary celebration of the newspaper. In a statement shared on social media this morning, Duke expressed his excitement and gratitude for the invitation. He referred to Dr. Obaigbena as "a prince who refused to turn into a frog," highlighting his admiration for Obaigbena's understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political structure and his unwavering commitment to his values. Duke recounted his encounters with Dr. Obaigbena, noting that he had met him only three times in his life. “Twice in his expansive apartment in Ikoyi, and once at the Afrif event last December, where I had gone to meet the governor. Dr. Obaigbena was seated at the front...

NEWS

  THISDAY Newspaper Celebrates 30 Years of Existence, Set to Launch Awards in Davos By Nora Inwang  One of Nigeria’s foremost newspapers, THISDAY, is celebrating 30 years of existence.  To mark this milestone, the newspaper is honoring some of the nation’s most resilient and distinguished individuals and institutions across various sectors.  The awards ceremony will kick off tomorrow, January 22, in Davos, Switzerland. Founded on January 22, 1995, THISDAY began as a weekly publication before transitioning to a daily newspaper just two months later. Over the past three decades, THISDAY has consistently set the standard for innovation and excellence in Nigerian journalism. Known for pioneering color printing and introducing influential back-page columns, THISDAY has played a transformative role in reshaping the media landscape in Nigeria. Throughout its 30-year journey, THISDAY has become synonymous with quality journalism and remains the preferred choice for Nigeria’s...

NEWS

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Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, Strengthens AGN Leadership Team Ahead of Final Tenure Phase The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has further reinforced his leadership team with the appointment of new Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to key positions. In a statement issued by the President's spokesperson,Amb. Cornelius Udofia, on Wednesday, November 22, 2025, this strategic move is designed to ensure the successful completion of Dr. Rollas' tenure and to further advance the Guild's vision for growth and sustainability. The newly appointed individuals are:Chief Tony Nnaji as SSA for South-South AGN Activities,Hajia Hauwa Ishaku as SSA for North-West AGN Activities,Hajia Fatima Ahmed as SSA for AGN Film Production and Actors working across Northern Nigeria These appointments are part of Dr. Rollas' continued efforts to strengthen the Guild and position it for ongoing success as he approaches the final phase of his adminis...

CRIME

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AKWA IBOM POLICE ARREST TWO BURGLARY SUSPECTS,  RECOVER STOLEN GOODS By Julius Nsikak - Uyo Two suspects identified as Moses Godwill and  Abraham Udoh, in connection with a burglary incident have been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. The arrest led to the  recovery of a substantial amount of stolen goods.  According to a press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command's operatives sprang into action after receiving a tip-off from a vigilant citizen about a burglary at a residence in Okpokpong, Eket Local Government Area. "Upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, immediately dispatched a team to the scene, which led to the arrest of the two suspects. During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the burglary."   The police recovered several items, including a cutter and pliers used in the burglary, a 65" LG Smart TV, a 2900 SUMEC Generator, two LG ...

GOVERNMENT

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  GOV. ENO SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH JOURNALISTS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE By Donatus Ekong - Ibesikpo Asutan GOV. ENO Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey  Eno, has expressed his commitment to collaborating with journalists in the state to ensure effective delivery of good governance and promote peace, security, and sustainable development. This announcement was made at the 2025 Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council Thanksgiving service, which took place at The Apostolic Church Nigeria in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.  The governor expressed his gratitude to God for the state's prosperity and acknowledged the role of the press in promoting development and integrity. Pastor Eno commended Comrade Amos Etuk, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, for upholding the ethics and codes of the journalism profession. He also praised his administration for promoting the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on bringing peace,...

CRIME

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AKWA IBOM POLICE ARREST PASTOR FOR DEFILING OWN DAUGHTER, RESCUE ABDUCTED CHILDREN By Julius Nsikak - Uyo The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made some significant arrests recently, including a pastor who allegedly defiled this own  daughter.   According to the  Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, during a press briefing, the suspect, Pastor Louis Akpojotor of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State who resides in Ibiono Ibom  Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has been sexually assaulting his fourteen (14) year old daughter since she was twelve (12) years old.  The latest incident occurred in December 2024, and the suspect will be prosecuted duly. DSP John stated, "We have arrested one Louis Akpojotor Mevoweoyo ‘m’, a pastor from Ughelli North LGA, residing in Ibiono Ibom, for defiling his daughter (name withheld). Investigationsrevealed that the suspect had been sexually assaulting the vict...

SECURITY

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AKWA IBOM POLICE COMMAND TO ENFORCE THIRD-PARTY VEHICLE INSURANCE   By Julius Nsikak - Uyo CP Azare The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has held a crucial meeting with key stakeholders to ensure a faultless implementation of third-party vehicle insurance in Akwa Ibom State.  The meeting took place recently at the Police Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo, and had representions from the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), National Union of Road Transport Workers, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), amongst others.  CP Azare stressed the importance of adhering to instructions from the  Inspector General of Police, IGP,  Kayode Egbetokun PhD, NPM, regarding the enforcement of third-party vehicle insurance in Akwa Ibom State.  He emphasised that all vehicle owners must possess valid third party insurance as required by section 68 of the Insurance Act and section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third...

ADVOCACY

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A'IBOM: CCSON URGES RESTRAINT FROM POLITICAL GLADIATORS By Julius Nsikak - Uyo The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (CCSON) has held its inaugural press conference in Uyo, marking the beginning of its activities for 2025.  This epochal event has been described as a significant milestone, as CSOs in Akwa Ibom have begun to make their presence felt on the national stage. The conference brought together several CSOs, community-based groups, and professional journalists from across the state and beyond.  As the umbrella organisation for approximately 180 human rights groups and others nationwide, CCSON is committed to promoting democracy, good governance, transparency, and accountability. Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator, Otuekong Franklyn Isong cautioned political actors against commencing campaigns for the 2027 general election until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deems it timely.  He also condemned the "deleterious ac...

CRIME

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A'IBOM NEW CP HOSTS JOURNALISTS, SEEKS COLLABORATION TO TACKLE INSECURITY By Julius Nsikak - Uyo The new Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Muhammed Azare FSI, has hosted a maiden press briefing with journalists in Uyo. The briefing took place recently at the State Police Command headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia in Akwa Ibom State capital, aimed at bridging the gap between the police force and the people of Akwa Ibom and as well foster a collaborative relationship with journalists in the state. As a trained journalist himself, with a  Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano State, CP Azare, who is the 34th Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State police command, feels a strong affinity with media practitioners, describing them as his "first constituency" and first group of stakeholders he has met since his assumption in office. The police boss said that journalists are partners in the command's progress and seeks an...

LEGISLATURE

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A'IBOM ASSEMBLY PASSES LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING BUREAU FOR ICT, INNOVATION AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES By Julius Nsikak -  Uyo Speaker Otong Hon. Ekpo-Ufot A bill to establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau for ICT, Innovation and Emerging Technologies (AKBICT) has recently been passed into law by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.  The legislation, which was adopted following a report by the House Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by the member representing Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot, seeks to coordinate and standardise ICT-related assets across the state. The objectives and functions of the Bureau include coordinating, owning, administering, and strategically planning ICT-related assets, as well as maintaining and managing official websites and domain names.  The Bureau aims to also liaise with federal and international agencies, such as the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Information Technology Development Agency, to bo...

GOVERNMENT

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  A'IBOM STATE UNVEILS 2025 BUDGET: A COMPREHENSIVE BREAKDOWN By Julius Nsikak - Uyo Dr. Nsikan Nkan The Akwa Ibom State government has recently organised a budget breakdown exercise at the Ibom Icon Hotel, where the Ministry of Finance, led by Commissioner Dr. Nsikan Linus Nkan, provided a detailed overview of the 2025 budget.  However, the budget breakdown exercise was a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the state's finances.  As noted in the Akwa Ibom State Budget Process Manual, the budget process is designed to ensure that the state's resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, with a focus on achieving the government's development objectives and as well sustain good governance. The budget, christened "The Budget of Consolidation and Expansion", aims to consolidate and expand the state's productivity in all positive aspects, while actualising the blueprints and ARISE Agenda visions of Gover...