Pillar Today

  • UNICAL Set to Host Int’l Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems

    UNICAL Set to Host Int’l Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems

    By Our Reporter
    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to host the 26th Annual International Conference of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), Nigeria chapter, from October 21 to 24, 2025.

    Themed “Communication and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Era of AI, Big Data, and Cultural Transformation,” the conference will bring together scholars, media professionals, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond.

    PillarToday gathered that the University of Calabar’s Department of Mass Communication will be hosting the event which aims to explore how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) can be preserved and adapted in the face of rapid digital transformation.

    Key discussions, it was learnt, will cover journalism, broadcasting, media ethics, public relations, advertising, and development communication, among other topics.

    Speaking on the significance of the conference, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, said: “This conference will provide a crucial platform for academics and practitioners to discuss how indigenous knowledge can coexist with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Virtual Reality.”

    He added that “The ACCE has called for abstract submissions from researchers interested in presenting at the conference, with a deadline set for August 24, 2025. Registration is open for early-bird participants until May 30, 2025, offering access to networking opportunities and discussions on the future of IKS in Africa’s communication landscape.

    “Prospective participants are encouraged to submit abstracts aligned with sub-themes, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and political communication. Abstracts, limited to 250 words, must be submitted by August 24, 2025, to accenigeriaconferences@gmail.com.”

    Also speaking, Dr. Ibituru Pepple, ACCE National Secretary, reiterated the value of the conference, noting, “This event will challenge participants to think critically about how to preserve and adapt indigenous communication systems within modern frameworks.”

    Organizers said the conference’s 14 sub-themes include critical areas such as media ethics, broadcasting studies, and science communication, reflecting its broad scope, and that discussions would address long-standing challenges of IKS marginalization and offer strategies for its integration into Africa’s communication landscape.”

    With Nigeria and other African nations seeking to balance technological advancements with cultural preservation, the UNICAL-hosted conference is expected to contribute significantly to policy and academic discourse on indigenous knowledge integration in the digital age.

  • UNICAL Set to Host International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems

    UNICAL Set to Host International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems

    The University of Calabar (UNICAL) is set to host the 26th Annual International Conference of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), Nigeria chapter.

    Themed “Communication and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Era of AI, Big Data, and Cultural Transformation,” the conference will bring together scholars, media professionals, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond from October 21 to 24, 2025.

    The University of Calabar’s  Department of Mass Communication, will be hosting the event which aims to explore how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) can be preserved and adapted in the face of rapid digital transformation.

    Key discussions will cover journalism, broadcasting, media ethics, public relations, advertising, and development communication, among other topics.

    Speaking on the significance of the conference, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, stated, “This conference will provide a crucial platform for academics and practitioners to discuss how indigenous knowledge can coexist with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Virtual Reality.”

    The ACCE has called for abstract submissions from researchers interested in presenting at the conference, with a deadline set for August 24, 2025. Registration is open for early-bird participants until May 30, 2025, offering access to networking opportunities and discussions on the future of IKS in Africa’s communication landscape.

    Prospective participants are encouraged to submit abstracts aligned with sub-themes, including journalism, public relations, advertising, and political communication. Abstracts, limited to 250 words, must be submitted by August 24, 2025, to :  accenigeriaconferences@gmail.com.

    The ACCE National Secretary, Dr. Ibituru Pepple, reiterated the value of the conference, noting, “This event will challenge participants to think critically about how to preserve and adapt indigenous communication systems within modern frameworks.”

    The conference’s 14 sub-themes include critical areas such as media ethics, broadcasting studies, and science communication, reflecting its broad scope. Discussions will address long-standing challenges of IKS marginalization and offer strategies for its integration into Africa’s communication landscape

    With Nigeria and other African nations seeking to balance technological advancements with cultural preservation, the UNICAL-hosted conference is expected to contribute significantly to policy and academic discourse on indigenous knowledge integration in the digital age.

  • Cross River Government Poised to End Inter State Boundary Dispute With Ebonyi

    Cross River Government Poised to End Inter State Boundary Dispute With Ebonyi

    Acting Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The  incessant communal clashes between communities in Cross River and Ebonyi states will soon be a thing of the past as Government of Cross River has commenced moves to complete the building of a mobile police base as a buffer zone in the warring area.

    Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting in Obubra Local Government Area recently, the state government assured of a speedy completion of the proposed base for a Squadron of  the  Nigerian Police Mobile Force (PMF) at Ogurude, in Obubra to ensure an enduring solution to the age long boundary dispute between Osopong people of Cross River and Izi/Ikwo people of Ebonyi state.

    This was contained in a press release by the Chief Press Secretary of  Obubra LGA, Mr. Ekong Okpa.

    The Acting Governor of Cross River, Rt. Hon  Peter Odey, gave the assurance following the outcry of security threats in the boundary areas by stakeholders at the interactive session with the  people, held at  Obubra  Council auditorium.

    The Acting Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Pius Ankpor, stated that work  will resume with immediate effect to ensure completion and delivery of the project.

    “Let me assure you that Work will start at the proposed Police Mobile Force Base in Ogurude as soon as I return to Calabar” he stated.

    The Governor who also commended the Council Chairman Hon Kingsley Arikpo, for his uncommon feat in infrastructural development, intimated that the state government has mapped  out in it’s 2025 budget, a few kilometres of roads infrastructure to cover the geo spread of the LGA within available resources.

    Oday explained that government would deploy the concepts of choice and opportunity cost in the face of scarcity of resources to satisfy the people’s priority projects, urging the people of Obubra to draw up a scale of preference in their choice projects.

    During the five hours interactive session, the demand for the Obubra Ring Road topped the agenda as stakeholders spoke in the affirmative, craving for the grading and  asphalting of Obubra- Ofumbongha/Ochon Ring Road, navigating Ofumbongha Yala- Onyen-Orangha, Akam-Ogbagwoni and  Onyen Okpon communities, to immortalize the former Deputy Governor of Cross River, His Excellency, Chief John Oyom Okpa of blessed memory.

    The stakeholders also  placed as priority, the completion of the proposed base for the Nigerian Police Mobile Force at Ogurude, Obubra, long abandoned at 70 percent completion.

    In  a rousing ovation, the stakeholders passed a voice vote of confidence on the Council Chairman Hon. Arikpo  for his unrivaled giant stride and vigor in stamping out  threats of inter communal skirmishes and other pockets  of violence that bedeviled the LGA in recent times.

  • Akwa Ibom Govt. Goes Tough With Sterling Global, Oil Multinational Firm Over Land Grabbing

    Akwa Ibom Govt. Goes Tough With Sterling Global, Oil Multinational Firm Over Land Grabbing

    Gov. Umo Eno presiding at the meeting on Wednesday.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Akwa Ibom state government has barred Sterling Global, a multinational oil company operating in the state from any further encroachment on land in its area of operations.

    The state government took this decision on Wednesday, April 2, as part of resolutions taken at the end of its 4th Executive Council (EXCO) meeting in the EXCO Chambers since reconstitution and was presided over by the State Governor, Dr. Umo Eno with the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and other EXCO members in attendance.

    A five point communique issued by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah at the end of the meeting, said the state government took the decision following complaints received from various communities in the oil-bearing part of the State, particularly the area of operations of the Sterling Global.

    Accordingly, “the State Executive Council after due consideration and review, directed that the oil company to immediately revert and limit  its operations within the 1000 hectares of land earlier allocated to them and the 700 hectares buffer zone”.

    In addition, “Council therefore directed that the company must stop any further encroachment or closing of any creek in the state and directed the Ministry of Lands to take appropriate actions to ensure the determination of all statuses as regards the approvals given, to ensure that they operate within the confines of the Law”.

    Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah.

    The EXCO, in pursuant to the Agriculture and Food Sufficiency programme of the ARISE Agenda, inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee.

    The eight-member committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. Okon Ansa, has as members, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, Prof. Trenchard Ibia, Prof. Elizabeth Ebukiba, Dr. Etemudo Udongo, Ambassador Alphonsus Inyang  and Pastor Godwin Ukwat, while Mr. Ofonbuk Nelson will serve as Secretary.

    The Committee  was charged to “design data based food production and processing system to ensure  food availability through adequate food stock and feedstock for farmers in the State as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda as envisioned by the Governor”.

    In other resolutions taken, Governor in Council granted approval for  the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to exercise supervisory role  over the Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure and Asset Management and Maintenance Agency, with effect from today, April 2, 2025.

    This decision according to the communique, followed a memo brought before Council by the Head of the Civil  Service on the  importance and strategic nature of the Agency and need to provide effective oversight on its  operations for efficiency and effectiveness.

    EXCO  Session.

    Following a memo also presented by the Head of Civil Service and in pursuant to the directive of the Governor for the recruitment of Safety Officers into the Akwa Ibom State Public Service and issuance of Establishment Circular No.1 of 2024, for the domestication of Federal Circular on the creation of Occupational Safety Officers Cadre in the Public Service, Umanah said, “Council approved the establishment of the Department of Occupational Safety in the Akwa Ibom State Public Service, to be headed by a Permanent Secretary under the Office of the Head of Civil Service”.

    Council also took presentations from  various ministries on their plans, projects and short term  goals  and provided pathways to improved service delivery.

    Pillar Today recalled that Sterling Global, operating in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state has been accused by the community and Media Action for Accountable Leadership (MAFAL), a non-profit organization on transparency and accountability in corporate activities, over the negative activities of the oil firm in Eastern Obolo.

    The company according to petitions, was said to be “responsible for the wanton destruction of the ecosystem in Eastern Obolo. The company’s operations have led to deforestation, pollution of water bodies, and the loss of habitat for wildlife”.

  • OPINION: The University of Education and Entrepreneurship : A Timeless Legacy of the Visionary Leadership of Gov. Otu

    OPINION: The University of Education and Entrepreneurship : A Timeless Legacy of the Visionary Leadership of Gov. Otu

    Gov. Bassey Otu.

    By Missang Oyama

    In the annals of governance in any society, true leadership is often measured by the legacies left behind—monumental initiatives that outlive the tenure of the leader and continue to shape the destiny of a people. In this regard, His Excellency, Senator(Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has etched his name in history with the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UE&E) in Akamkpa. This landmark institution is not just another higher learning center; it is a beacon of light, a strategic investment in human capital, and an audacious statement that Cross River State is determined to prioritize education as the bedrock of development.

    By setting up the UE&E, Governor Otu has demonstrated his deep understanding that among the hierarchy of development indices in any modern society, education is the most critical factor. No nation, state, or community has ever achieved sustainable progress without making deliberate and strategic investments in education. It is, therefore, a commendable decision that the governor has chosen to focus on an area that will yield intergenerational benefits for the people of Cross River State and beyond.

    What makes this institution even more remarkable is its dual specialization in Education and Entrepreneurship. These two pillars are at the heart of any thriving economy—education being the instrument for knowledge transfer and enlightenment, and entrepreneurship serving as the engine of innovation and wealth creation. In a country where youth unemployment remains a significant challenge and where many graduates struggle to secure employment after years of academic pursuit, the UE&E stands as a revolutionary solution to this long-standing problem.

    The integration of entrepreneurship into the university’s curriculum is an affirmation of Governor Otu’s visionary leadership. It reflects an understanding that beyond theoretical knowledge, education must equip students with the practical skills necessary to create wealth, generate employment, and contribute meaningfully to national development. The graduates of UE&E will not only be well-trained educators but also business innovators, equipped with the necessary knowledge to either establish their own ventures or improve existing ones. This is a radical departure from the conventional university model that primarily churns out graduates without an accompanying roadmap to self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.

    A look at global trends reveals that specialized institutions of learning have often played critical roles in the development of great nations. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) in the United States of America, the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom, and similar institutions across the world have been instrumental in shaping industries and economies through their focused approach to learning. The establishment of UE&E in Akamkpa, Cross River State is, therefore, an indication that the state is poised to be a leader in the education and entrepreneurship sectors within Nigeria and Africa at large.

    Moreover, the decision to site the university in Akamkpa is a masterstroke in balanced regional development. It moves the axis of educational excellence beyond the capital city, ensuring that growth and opportunities are decentralized. Akamkpa, with its rich cultural heritage, huge deposit of solid minerals, and economic potential, is well-positioned to host such a transformational institution. The university will undoubtedly stimulate the local economy, create job opportunities, and attract investors and scholars from different parts of the country and beyond.

    As we celebrate this groundbreaking initiative, it is imperative to emphasize that the success of UE&E will depend largely on the commitment of successive administrations to uphold and sustain this vision. There is an unfortunate history in Nigeria where laudable projects initiated by one government are abandoned or poorly implemented by another. Such regression must not be allowed to happen to this noble institution. We, therefore, urge the Cross River State Government, both present and future, to remain steadfast in maintaining and improving upon the foundation that has been laid.

    In practical terms, this means ensuring that UE&E receives adequate funding, attracts world-class faculty, and maintains high academic standards. It requires policy consistency and an unflinching commitment to the ideals that informed the university’s establishment. If properly managed, UE&E has the potential to be one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions, setting new benchmarks for educational excellence and entrepreneurial development.

    One crucial factor that can drive the growth of UE&E is the engagement of experienced consultants in the education sector by the state government. These experts should collaborate with the university’s leadership to urgently develop a Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for the institution. This plan should cover the first 10 years, with periodic reviews to ensure the university remains aligned with its vision. The SAP should serve as a dynamic framework—a guiding document that shapes the institution’s management and keeps it focused on achieving its core objectives.

    Again, stakeholders, including policymakers, traditional rulers, public spirited individuals, corporate organizations, and Cross Riverians in the diaspora, must rally around this initiative to ensure its success. Investments in research, infrastructural expansion, and partnerships with global institutions should be encouraged to keep UE&E on the path of excellence.

    The establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa is more than just a policy decision; it is a statement of intent, a visionary move that secures the future of Cross River State and Nigeria at large. Governor Bassey Otu has set the stage for a brighter tomorrow, one where education is not merely a pathway to employment but a catalyst for economic transformation. It is now left for all well-meaning individuals and institutions to support this vision and ensure that it stands the test of time.

    In years to come, when the story of Cross River’s development is told, the establishment of UE&E will be remembered as a defining moment. It will be seen as the point where a leader chose to build a legacy that transcends politics and personal ambition—a legacy rooted in the empowerment of future generations. For this, Governor Bassey Otu deserves commendation and the unshakeable support of all who believe in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship. May this vision endure, and may UE&E, Akamkpa, Cross River State become a symbol of excellence for many generations to come.

    Oyama is an Economist and a Public Affairs Commentator, writing from Abuja.

  • First Lady Designate Condoles Alice Ekpenyong Over Loss of Son

    First Lady Designate Condoles Alice Ekpenyong Over Loss of Son

    Stakeholders during the condolence visit on Tuesday.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has condoled with the family of to the Special Adviser on Cooperative and Rural Development, Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, over the demise of her son who passed away at 26.

    The delegation of stakeholders on the condolence visit on Hon. Ekpenyong at EwerHousing, Tuesday, April 1, was led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas on behalf of Lady Obareki.

    In a release from the Media Unit, Office of the First Lady, Lady Obareki encouraged Hon. Ekpenyong and members of her family to remain strong and find consolation in God.

    Admitting that words alone are not enough to console them, the First Lady Designate prayed that God would comfort and strengthen the family through their period of grief.

    Also speaking, the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Inemesit Uwah, while  describing the departure of Emmanuel Ekpenyong as a profound loss, prayed for strength, comfort and solace for the bereaved family at their moment of grief, assuring them of the hope of resurrection.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas (right), consoling the deceased mother, Hon. Alice Ekpenyong.

    Responding, the mother of the deceased,Hon. Ekpenyong thanked the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and the female stakeholders in Akwa Ibom for identifying with the family in their moment of grief.

    The Special Adviser described the death of  her 26 year old son as “painful, at a time I should be reaping the fruits of my labour”, thanking them for the visit and prayers for her and the family, proof that they are not alone, that the Governor, Coordinator of the office of the First Lady and Akwa Ibom Women are with them.

    Prayers were offered for the family by the Reverend Utibeno John during the visit which had in attendance  the Wife of the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs. Margaret Otong, wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, wife of the former military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Fumni Nkanga.

    Others are Member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Itoro Etim,  member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, wife of the State Chairman of the People Democratic Party, Mrs Unyime Akpan,  Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs , Princess Emem Ibanga and Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor.

    The late Emmanuel Ekpenyong who died at 26, is to be buried on Thursday, April 3, 2025 after a service to be conducted by the Methodist Church Nigeria, at their country home.

  • Tinubu Reconstitutes NNPC Ltd Board, Appoints New Chairman, Group CEO

    Tinubu Reconstitutes NNPC Ltd Board, Appoints New Chairman, Group CEO

    President Bola Tinubu.

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited board, removing the chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure and the group chief executive officer, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari.

    This was made known in a statement on Wednesday, April 2 by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

    President Tinubu also  removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

    The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.

    Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu.

    Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.

    President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.

    Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

    All the appointments are effective from April 2.

    President Tinubu, invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, emphasised that the board’s restructuring is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification.

    President Tinubu also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board: to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.

    Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms to attract investment. Last year, NNPC reported $17 billion in new investments within the sector. The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

    The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030.

    Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.

    Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.

    The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is from Borno State.

    He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984. He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris

    He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985.

    Musa became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015. Last year, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group.

    Apart from his oil industry career, Ahmadu Musa Kida is a former basketballer and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation(NBBF) board.

    Ojulari, the new NNPC Limited Group CEO, hails from Kwara State. Until his new appointment, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

    His Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), worth $2.4 billion.

    Like Kida, Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector.

    From Elf, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.

    Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager.

    In 2015, he became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

    During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

    President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns.

  • Tanzania Defends Top Position After Defeating Hard Fighting Namibians by 17 Runs

    Tanzania Defends Top Position After Defeating Hard Fighting Namibians by 17 Runs

    By Akanimo Kufre

    Laksh Bakrania posed as a true hero with his Player of the Match award after a super performance in the thrilling game against hard fighting Namibians at the Tafewa Belewa Square (TBS) on Tuesday.

    The exciting cricket game kept fans on the edge of their seats until the 48th overs when Max Heingo was run out by Karim Kiseto and Hamza Onai to end the game to decide the true leaders.

    Tanzania was shaken earlier in the first inning as they lost 3 big wickets within the 3rd over.  However,  captain Laksh Bakrania scored (34 runs), Agustino Mwamele (16), and Mohamedi Simba (61) to contribute big digits to the total tally.

    Tanzania final batting score was 159 after losing 10 wickets in the 47th over.

    Namibia took the turn to chase 160 runs in thesecondinning, but the battle set the audience glued to their seats for a tension soaked cricket match.

    Four Namibians stood out who took the fight to Tanzanians, included, captain Francois Du Plessis (31), Tiaan Merwe (32), Waldo Smith  (25) and Dan Brasell (15). Max Heingo was set to join the party before his timely dismissal by determined Tanzanian fielders. It was 142 runs all out in the 48th over.

    Most fans who took advantage of the holiday break to watch the tournament enjoyed the explosive cricket experience at TBS Cricket Oval.

    At the University of Lagos Cricket grounds, Uganda showed dominance over Sierra Leone, who fell by 5 wickets. Ali Balidawa won the Player of the Match.

    As Tanzania records 3 win in 3 matches, host Nigeria is billed for Kenya clash at the University of Lagos campus on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in a quest to remain in Division 1.

  • Gov Eno Inaugurates Agriculture and Food Security Committee Tomorrow

    Gov Eno Inaugurates Agriculture and Food Security Committee Tomorrow

    Gov. Uno Eno.

    As part of his commitment to agricultural revolution as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno, has approved the inauguration of Agriculture and Food Security Committee.

    The newly constituted committee is chaired by Prof. Okon Ansa and includes distinguished experts such as Prof. Trenched Ibia, Dr. Etimudo Udongo, Amb. Alphonsus Inyang, Prof. Elizabeth Ebukiba, and the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Mr. Ofonmbuk Nelson as the Secretary of the committee.

    In a press release issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the appointed members are officially invited to the inauguration ceremony, tomorrow Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Uyo.

  • OPINION : South-South Development Commission: A New Dawn for Regional Growth

    OPINION : South-South Development Commission: A New Dawn for Regional Growth

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. of Cross River Southern Senatorial District (left) with the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    By Gershom Henshaw

    In a landmark move that promises to reshape the future of the South-South region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to regional development by signing the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill into law.

    His passion for infrastructural transformation in the region is evident in several bold initiatives, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a game-changing project set to enhance connectivity and unlock economic opportunities across the coastal states.

    Alongside this, his administration has spearheaded numerous developmental programs aimed at boosting trade, industry, and human capital in the South-South, solidifying his legacy as a leader who prioritizes inclusive growth.

    This transformative legislation, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South Senatorial District, is yet another testament to Mr. President’s foresight in ensuring sustainable development beyond the oil sector.

    It aims to catalyze economic growth, boost infrastructure, and improve human capital development across the six states of the region—Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers—ensuring that developments reaches all corners of the South-South.

    Unlike the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), whose focus is on oil-producing communities—including some parts of the Southeast and Southwest—the SSDC is a dedicated South-South regional initiative.

    It will work hand in hand with the NDDC without conflict, complementing its work by targeting broader developmental goals beyond just the oil sector.

    This means that while the NDDC continues its oil-focused mandate, the SSDC will take a holistic approach, ensuring comprehensive development in all aspects of the region’s economy and social infrastructure.

    With a focus on road networks, education, healthcare, industrialization, and trade, the commission will help unlock the economic potential of the South-South, fostering job creation and improving the quality of life for millions.

    The passing of this bill is a testament to the visionary leadership of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the enthusiasm of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong towards the development of South-South, both of whom played pivotal roles in ensuring its successful passage.

    The SSDC represents a bold step towards self-reliance and sustainable growth, positioning the South-South as a key player in Nigeria’s economic transformation.

    As the commission begins its work, the people of the South-South can look forward to a new era of opportunity, prosperity, and inclusive development, solidifying Senator Ekpenyong’s legacy as a true champion of the South-South.

    High Chief (ESV). Gershom Henshaw MFR. is Chairman, Obong of Calabar Executive Forum.