Pillar Today

  • Gov. Eno, Akwa Ibom State Bag Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce Awards

    Gov. Eno, Akwa Ibom State Bag Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce Awards

    The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah (right) and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Lagos, Mr. Michael Effiong James displaying the awards.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Akwa Ibom State and her Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, have bagged the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Awards.

    The Governor was honoured with the Distinguished Public Service and Transformational Leadership Award by the NACC in recognition of his visionary leadership through the ARISE Agenda.

    The award, presented during the Chamber’s 65th Anniversary celebration and the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th National President, acknowledged Governor Eno’s commitment to fostering agriculture, rural development, healthcare, education, inclusive growth, and economic empowerment , all aimed at creating lasting prosperity for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

    In addition, a Special Appreciation Award was presented to the Akwa Ibom State Government in recognition of its invaluable partnership and continued support for the Chamber.

    The ceremony, held on Saturday, April 12, at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island drew a distinguished audience, including several governors, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and key players from the private sector.

    Governor Eno, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, conveyed the felicitation of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State to the Chamber on reaching the milestone of 75 years.

    He congratulated the newly- inaugurated President, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, and members of the executive committee on their emergence, and commended their contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

    Umanah thanked the Chamber for the honour bestowed on the Governor and the State, highlighting some of the life-transforming achievements recorded under the ARISE Agenda.

    He noted that the award serves as a further call to duty and a motivation to continue delivering impactful governance to the people of Akwa Ibom.

    Umanah was accompanied to the glitzy event, which also featured the unveiling of the prototype of NACC’s new Head Office building, by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Media, Lagos, Mr. Michael Effiong James.

  • Attah, Oku Ibom, Others Congratulate Nana on 60th Birthday

    Attah, Oku Ibom, Others Congratulate Nana on 60th Birthday

    Dr Udeme Nana

    Dr Udeme Nana, the founder of Uyo Book Club and father of the book club initiative in Akwa Ibom State has been described as a scholar with an uncommon passion for societal advancement.

    In several goodwill messages to him on his 60th birthday by prominent personalities like former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, Chairman, INI Local Government Area, Comrade Inibehe Umah and former Commissioner for Finance, Sir Sunday Udo Akpan, Nana was praised for his intellectual prowess, impactful contribution to the advancement of education, and for campaigning for a return to a life of excellence and moral rectitude by young people.

    Attah said, Nana is a light whose gift ‘with words shone through,” and “illuminate the way for others.’

    Ntenyin Etuk who said he had been associated with Nana for long, having attended the same St Patrick’s College, Calabar, described him as ‘veteran journalist and writer” who has impacted lives in the society.

    Umah said Nana’s accomplishment at 60 made it worthwhile to celebrate ‘a life of scholarship, service and  uncommon passion for societal advancement.”

    Sir Akpan reflected on Nana’s works in God”s vineyard, recalling how the celebrant journeyed with him on several evangelism retreats and seminars, and prayed for an increase of God’s grace upon his life.

  • Rivers: Ibas Charges 23 LG Administrators on Financial Prudence

    Rivers: Ibas Charges 23 LG Administrators on Financial Prudence

     

    The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has charged the newly appointed Administrators of the 23 Local Government councils to be prudent in their financial dealings.

    Ibas, who gave the charge at a meeting with the appointed Administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, urged them to prioritise the well-being of the people.

    He also told them to ensure good governance in the promotion of trust, sustainable development and peaces and reminded the appointees that he had served Nigeria for more than 40 years with an unblemished record of service in the military and diplomatic corps and was in retirement when the current appointment was made.

    Ibas said he accepted the offer to serve Nigeria and, indeed, the people of Rivers from a conviction that the best must always be given to ensure progress and achievement of great potential.

    His words : “Since resuming this assignment, I have taken time to visit a few local government areas. Those visits have accorded me the opportunity to interact with local government civil servants and it is clear that I needed help with administering the entire State, which I am responsible for following  Mr. President’s proclamation.

    “And so I went about trying to identify a few individuals from which on the 7th of April 2025, I selected those seated here today as administrators of the 23 Local Government Areas.”

    Ibas also urged them to concentrate on the enormous responsibility of their office, knowing that the local government remained the closest tier of government to the people.

    He said the local government was also the primary channel through which the government must necessarily touch the lives of the citizens in their homes, in their communities, and in their daily realities.

    Ibas urged them to focus on issues of sanitation and environment management, primary healthcare, welfare and discipline of local government civil servants, primary education, and youth engagement as those issues would be used to access their performances in the coming weeks.

    Ibas said: “I expect you all to recognise this moment in history and rise to the occasion, as impartial leaders who will help me deliver on the mandate given to me by Mr president to restore peace and stability and work towards returning all democratic institutions in the State.

    “Your selection to the important office is not by chance but a recognition of your capacity to lead, your commitment to service, and the trust reposed in you to bring governance closer to the people.

    “Therefore, you bear the sacred responsibility, a duty to ensure that affairs of your respective councils are managed with the utmost care, respect, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people.”

    He said that the expectations of the people were high, adding that they deserved to know that their leaders were honest, selfless, and devoted to building a better future for everybody.

    “it was for such expectation that they must be of good conduct, be fair, prioritise collaborations that would ensure effective policing of their domain to enhance the safety of lives and properties”, he stated..

    Ibas said: “Let me state it unequivocally clear here, this administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office, or misuse of public funds or trust. The resources allocated to our local government must be used strictly for the purposes intended. So that there might be accountability and value for money for every project executed, every policy implemented, and every kobo spent. The people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money is being used, and it is your duty to give proper account and value.

    “To this end, we will work out the necessary modalities to monitor and ensure good compliance with the principles of due processes, transparency, and zero tolerance for financial recklessness across all local government councils.”

  • Christian Chukwu: We Have Lost a Football Icon – Akpabio

    Christian Chukwu: We Have Lost a Football Icon – Akpabio

    Late Christian Chukwu

    By Anietie Akpan

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has described the death of the former captain of Nigeria’s Men’s National Football team; the Green Eagles, Mr Christian Chukwu, MFR, as the loss of a national and international football icon.

    Akpabio who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, said “we mourn the loss of a Nigerian football icon; Christian Chukwu”.

    “As a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history. His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations.

    “I’m deeply saddened by his passage. He was a legendary Nigerian footballer. His contributions to Nigerian football are immeasurable”, he added..

    Akpabio further said, “as a pioneering defender and former Green Eagles captain, he etched his name in the annals of Nigerian football history. His leadership, skill, and dedication inspired countless fans and paved the way for future generations.

    “On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community and may God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May Christian Chukwu’s soul rest in perfect peace.”

    It is also of note that Chukwu was a long time captain of Enugu Rangers International that won many trophies in Nigeria and Africa.

  • Why We Had the EXCO Retreat, Gov. Eno

    Why We Had the EXCO Retreat, Gov. Eno

    Gov. Eno briefing some newsmen on arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo on Saturday.

    By Anietie Akpan

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has listed reasons why the just concluded four day retreat in Lagos was necessary for the State Executive Council (EXCO) members.

    He said that the retreat was an opportunity to inspire members of his team, get them to aspire for greater performance and take actions that would enhance full actualisation of the ARISE Agenda.

    Governor Eno explained that the four-day exercise was an opportunity to critically assess his administration’s alignment with the economic development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, and identify gaps to be plugged as he heads towards third year in office.

    The Governor stated this while briefing Government House correspondents on his arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, on Saturday April 12.

    He emphasized on the need for regular self assessment, training and skill improvement, especially to equip the newly-appointed EXCO members with necessary knowledge to carry out their responsibilities.

    “We just brought some new commissioners on board, and we needed to induct them and bring them up to speed with public service procedures in line with the ARISE Agenda.

    “In the last two years, we have done a few things, so it was necessary to assess our performance in line with the ARISE Agenda and the gaps that we have to plug”, he explained.

    He stated that “as human beings, there must be gaps, and through assessment, the gaps are identified, and with action plans to plug them. There is always need for assessment, and any life that is not assessed is not worth living.

    “So that is all the retreat was about, we are back, reloaded, refreshed and ready to progress in our services to our State”.

    On the 18- Storey iconic Ibom Towers in Lagos which he inspected shortly after the retreat, the Governor expressed delight over the progress of work at the site, and appreciated the contractor, Messrs WL Construction Limited for its commitment towards realizing the vision of the State on the project.

    He advised the project contractor to ensure that Akwa Ibom indigenous contractors and artisans residing in Lagos are duly engaged to feel the impact of the project.

  • OPINION : Ovation as Commendations Continue to Trail Betta Edu’s Honours by UNICAL

    OPINION : Ovation as Commendations Continue to Trail Betta Edu’s Honours by UNICAL

    Dr. Betta Edu (middle), showing off her award while the Vice Chancellor, UNICAL, Prof. Florence Obi (1st right) and others watch in admiration.

    By Rasheed Olanrewaju

    More than one and half decade after leaving the University of Calabar (Unical), medical school as a graduate of medicine, Dr. Betta Edu returned to the prestigious institution last month, in a blaze of glory amid effusive praises, to receive a distinguished award in recognition of her sterling service to her fatherland and humanity as well as for consistently projecting Unical in good light through her impeccable public service record.

    The immediate past All Progressive Congress (APC) National Women Leader, and Honorable Minister; was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame. She was also awarded with the Grand Ambassador of Unical.

    The fitting and deserving honours were bestowed on Dr Edu during Unical’s 50th anniversary of its establishment as well as special convocation.

    Dr Edu was honoured along side the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio,GCON, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu CON, the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu among other top Nigerians from various fields of endeavors.

    The process of recognizing Dr Edu began early March with an official letter from the University’s management intimating her of the decision to honour her. The letter reads in part:”In nominating you for this prestigious award, the University has considered your success in using the knowledge/skills acquired in the University in your chosen field/professional career.

    “The University also notes the worthy manner you have flown the flag of integrity for the University both in Nigeria and abroad, your past/future contributions to the development of your Alma mater (UNICAL) and your pride as an Alumnae”. “You are the face of University of Calabar”

    The UNICAL honour has continued to attract loud ovations to the outspoken Medical Doctor famous for her humanitarian and welfarist inclination.

    For example, UNICAL’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi who personally conferred the honours on Dr Edu said: “We are very proud of my daughter, Doctor Betta Edu for always making the University proud”..

    The 15th Emir of Kano, HRH Aminu Ado Bayero, commended Dr Edu as a shining star of the younger generation who has continued to distinguish herself as a trailblazer in public service.

    Similarly, the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), in its congratulatory message to Dr Edu described the honours on her as “a testament to Dr Edu’s unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service to humanity”

    The NUJ, in the congratulatory message signed by its Chairman, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, further stressed that, “Dr. Edu has continued to distinguish herself as a trailblazer in public service, and her contributions to healthcare, governance, and humanitarian efforts have brought immense pride to Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

    “Her recognition by UNICAL reflects not only her personal achievements but also the university’s legacy of producing leaders who make significant impacts both nationally and globally. We particularly commend her passionate commitment to giving back, as demonstrated by her pledge—on behalf of the Class of 2009 Medical School—to contribute ₦15 million towards the completion and equipping of the university’s new medical center”

    The Council extolled Dr. Edu’s dedication to progress and nation-building, noting that, “it is truly inspiring, and we have no doubt that she will continue to be a shining example of integrity, service, and leadership”

    Other well meaning groups and individuals, from the South South,Niger Delta, Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt regions  also congratulated Dr Edu on the well deserved award.

    They  variously expressed optimism that the honour will spur Dr. Edu, a 2009 graduate of UNICAL’s Medical School, into doing more for humanity; and wished her even greater heights in all her future endeavors.

    The political base of Dr Edu, the APC, in Abi Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, where she hails, is not left out in the effusive praises and kind words. APC members in the council area and indeed the entire Ebi LGA are delighted that their beloved daughter has continued to attract national and international honours not only for herself but also for the council thus putting Abi and its people on the world map.

    Pastor Joshua Igboke, the Abi LGA,  APC Chapter Chairman, said , “On behalf of APC Abi Chapter and my family, I felicitate Dr. Betta Edu, on her conferment of Award of honour as UNICAL’s Ambassador and induction into Unical Hall of Fame as Legacy Face of Unical during  Unical@50 Celebration/Award Ceremony.

    “Suffice it to say that, this well deserved recognition and award is a clear testament of your sterling leadership qualities as a notable and visionary leader par excellence with unwavering and uncommon sacrificial commitment towards influencing and impacting lives and humanity.

    “The Party is very proud of you as a shining star, pacesetter, trailblazer, mentor, destiny helper and pathfinder. Your uncommon and unprecedented achievements are overwhelming and highly commendable.

    ” I hereby implore you to remain steadfast in you vision and determination to impact lives and humanity positively against all odds especially bettering  the lives of the less privileged”

    Urbane, focused and celebral, Dr Edu’s UNICAL honours, highlight her huge goodwill base, immense public relations skill, dynamic, visionary leadership acumen and ceaseless nationalistic fervour.

    UNICAL, of course played a critical role in the iconic figure and role model that Dr Edu has become today, honing her leadership skill from her early days of her student activism as the Vice President of UNICAL’s Student Union Government, (SUG)..

    Edu herself recognizes UNICAL’s place in her rise to the top.According to her,  “UNICAL is  my very powerful University that actually built the leadership skills in me”

    As for me, since its about selfless service to humanity and Alma Mater, let the ovations, commendations and outpouring of love and congratulatory messages continues for this young, delectable and quintessential Nigerian Medical Doctor because she deserves all the accolades.

    Congratulations, Dr Betta Edu, keep soaring higher!

    Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, ANIPR, writes from Abuja.

    He can be reached on Rasheedolanrewaju75@gmail.com

  • Alleged Payment of N50,000 Business Grant to All Individuals in Akwa Ibom is Fake, AKSG

    Alleged Payment of N50,000 Business Grant to All Individuals in Akwa Ibom is Fake, AKSG

    Gov. Umo Eno.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared as fake recent reports by some scammers that the government has begun the payment of N50,000 Business Grant to all individuals in Akwa Ibom.

    A disclaimer dated April 12 and endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh said, “our attention has been drawn to a scheme by scammers, obviously aimed at hoodwinking unsuspecting members of the public to the effect that His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, Governor, Akwa Ibom has ‘begun the payment of N50,000 Business Grant to all individuals in Akwa Ibom’ State”.

    The scammers further stated that, “over 10,000 people have received N50,000 each from Governor Umo Eno’s Community Development Group.”

    But the state government in the statement, distanced itself from such claims saying, “we wish to notify the general public that the link  they provided is fake  as the only authentic Business Grants and indeed other empowerment schemes currently being executed by the Pastor Umo Eno, PhD Administration are those that are being harvested, profiled and screened through this authentic  and duly certified website https://employment.akwaibomstate.gov.ng.

    “The general public is hereby advised to discountenance and ignore this reprehensible work of scammers and con- artists”.

    Recall, the scammers had in some reports claimed N50 million had been doled out for the fake empowerment scheme and solicited for participation from innocent members of the public.

  • Debts: Court Restrains Sterling Bank From Seizing Firm’s Properties

    Debts: Court Restrains Sterling Bank From Seizing Firm’s Properties

    By Jack Kalio, Port Harcourt

    Attempts by Sterling Bank to seize the properties of an indigenous company, Zomay Marines and Logistics Limited, over alleged debts whose authenticity and exactitude are yet to be determined, has been restrained by the Rivers State High Court presided over by Justice Frank Onyiri.

    Justice Onyiri on Friday, April 11, issued a restraining order against attempts by the bank or its agents to confiscate or sell any property belonging to Zomay Marines and Logistics Limited, over claims of disputing debts by the company, a matter that is already before the court for determination.

    The order of the court was based on an interlocutory application brought by Counsel to Zomay Marine and Logistics Limited, Chief Chris Okeke, SAN, seeking to stop the commercial bank from sealing off and taking over the company’s properties in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, which according to them, were used as collaterals in obtaining the loan that has turned controversial.

    The applicants disclosed to the court that the Sterling Bankhad already shut down some properties belonging to the company and had audaciously frozen the company’s account in total defiance of an earlier order by the court, stressing that the bank also acted in bad faith by concealing the appointment of receiving managers to the company’s properties.

    The court, in its ruling, observed that the defendants had failed to reveal the entire debt owed by Zomay Marine and Logistics Limited to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), during a reconciliatory engagement by the apex bank and required by law, and that an independent investigation commissioned by the company had raised key issues which Sterling Bank would be required to respond to.

    On the question of whether the application was an abuse of judicial process, the court noted that the applicants had already served the defendants an order issued by the court on 4th of March, 2025 to maintain status quo ante before proceeding to file another suit at the Federal High Court, and that the court has jurisdiction to entertain the suit since it was filed before the applicants became aware of the pendency of another suit.

    Justice Onyiri observed that from the evidence before the court, Zomay Marine and Logistics Limited had paid an amount it believed to be its total indebtedness to the bank, only to have its account frozen and properties sealed up while issues of reconciliation arising from conflicting claims were yet to be concluded by the CBN.

    It was the decision of the court that the essence of granting the interlocutory injunction was to stop any further injury on the claimant who had proven that it has legal rights which have been threatened and breached, and that the process sought to preserve such rights has already been initiated.

    The pending suit, according to the judge, is to resolve the actual amount owed Sterling Bank by Zomay Marine and Logistics Limited, a situation that he said made the action of the bank in sealing up the property of the company evidently embarrassing, because it could lead to business losses, harm public trust and damage earned goodwill.

    In granting the application Justice Onyiri held that “An order of interlocutory is hereby issued restraining the defendants/respondents, agents, servants, privies or whosoever from continuing with the process of annihilating the properties of the claimant/applicants used as collateral pending the determination of the suit.

    “An order of interlocutory is hereby issued restraining the defendants/respondents, agents, servants, privies or whosoever from continuing with the process of confiscating, decipating, or sale of properties of the claimant/applicants used as collateral pending the determination of the suit.”

    The judge thereafter adjourned the matter to May 29 for commencement of pre-trial conference.

    In an interview with journalists shortly after the ruling, Barrister Frank Okpara who held brief for Chief Okeke, SAN, stated that the court dismissed the preliminary objection of the respondents because they failed to disclose material facts regarding the debt while filing their objection.

    “We filed this suit not knowing that they had filed another suit at the Federal High Court where they failed to disclose material facts too. So, the court on the premise of failure to come in good faith and non-disclosure of fiduciary interest which they owe every party dismissed their preliminary objection.

    “We filed an application which is a motion for injunction for all parties to maintain status quo until the determination of this suit. The court has also granted that motion for injunction, reason being that they failed to disclose material facts, material exhibits that they were taking this matter to the Federal High Court.

    “Two, that they also failed to allow the negotiation that was ongoing to be exhausted.

    “Three, that again, they also did not disclose to the court that these people have paid some amounts and that this is the amount remaining, on which premise the court found their applications unworthy and rather granted an injunction which was filed by the claimant for parties to maintain status quo ante, for them to vacate the area and for them not to take any further step in respect to the properties of the claimant.”

     

     

  • 5,000 Hectares International Airport for Calabar as C’River GIA Mulls Partnership With Aviation Ministry

    5,000 Hectares International Airport for Calabar as C’River GIA Mulls Partnership With Aviation Ministry

    Director General, CRGIA, Mr. William Archibong (left), with the  Commissioner for Aviation, Capt. Inah Utum (Rtd) during the visit 

    By: Sylvia Okoi

    A world class international airport will soon be built in Calabar, Cross River state just as the State Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA), mulls partnership with the Aviation Ministry to optimize Cally Airline operations.

    The Commissioner for Aviation, Capt. Inah Utum (Rtd) disclosed this recently following a meeting he had with the Director General, CRGIA, Mr. William Archibong who paid him a visit in his office in Calabar as they partner for a better service delivery, stressing the importance of infrastructural support for achieving the Ministry’s overall goals.

    He announced that, “plans are in progress to build a 5000-hectare international airport, featuring a world-class aircraft servicing centre similar to Los Angeles Airport”.

    Of this area, 2500 hectares will be used for runways, and the other 2500 hectares will be developed for high-profile real estate, Utum said.

    He noted that the success of these ambitious projects relies heavily on strategic collaborations and the integration of advanced technologies such as Geographic Information System (GIS).

    The Commissioner for Aviation who was responding to an earlier presentation by the Director General, CRGIA, expressed enthusiasm over the partnership and reiterated his Ministry’s commitment to delivering seamless air connectivity and world-class aviation services to the people of Cross River State and Africa at large.

    Earlier , the Director General, CRGIA, declared intention of his agency to collaborate with the State’s Ministry of Aviation, leveraging the capabilities of its CRGIS project as a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering the aviation sector within the State and increasing its competitiveness both nationally and globally.

    According to the Director General, the purpose of this initiative is to significantly improve air travel infrastructure and streamline aviation services in the state, thereby establishing it among the top aviation service providers in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Highlighting the vital role of GIS, Archibong affirmed the agency’s commitment to leveraging this technology for aviation development through optimized flight paths, enhanced operational efficiency, and detailed infrastructure mapping to support planning and connectivity.

    While maintaining that the agency’s services extend beyond land administration, the DG averred that the automation features of the GIS system “allow for the creation of an expansive and reliable database, which can be leveraged to support not just land management but also aviation-related planning and development”.

    On the features of the new technology, Archibong stated that, “the implementation of GIS technology will ensure more precise navigation systems, better terrain analysis, and improved safety standards for Cally airline and the proposed Advanced Aircraft Servicing Centre”.

    He assured the Commissioner of his agency’s unwavering support in achieving the state’s aviation vision and pledged that the agency would continue to provide technical expertise and data-driven insights to support key aviation projects, while also complementing the efforts of the Cross River State Aviation Projects Management and Delivery Team.

    Experts believe that the collaboration between the two agencies signals a significant step towards modernizing Cross River State’s aviation infrastructure.

  • Akwa Ibom Govt Ends Exco Retreat, Approves Ibom City Bus Project, Revamp of Ibom Hotel, Others

    Akwa Ibom Govt Ends Exco Retreat, Approves Ibom City Bus Project, Revamp of Ibom Hotel, Others

    State Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah (centre), Commissioner for  Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem (left) and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh during the briefing.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The four day retreat organized for members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council and some critical stakeholders has ended at the Eko Hotel, Lagos.

    Themed “Delivering the ARISE Agenda,” the retreat provided a high-level platform for evaluating the government’s performance and setting clear delivery strategies for ongoing and future initiatives.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah who briefed the press Thursday evening, disclosed that during the retreat, far reaching decisions were also reached at an emergency exco meeting presided over by the Governor on Wednesday.

    Umanah, flanked by the State Commissioner for  Health, Dr Emmanuel Ekem and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, said the State Executive Council approved the engagement of Alpha Diaz Ltd as contractor for the Ibom City Bus Project, covering both construction and post-implementation management to enhance public transportation in the capital city and beyond.

    “Council ratified the award of the contract for the complete remodeling of the Ibom International Hotel to Ratcon Construction Company Ltd, with a 12-month completion timeline.

    “Council conducted a comprehensive review of the current status of all state-owned enterprises and investments and approved regularization of board structures across state entities and strategic divestment of government interests in select ventures in line with global best practices to ensure long-term viability and efficiency”.

    Following a review of the progress of the One Project per Local Government Initiative (Phases One and Two), alongside the status of 47 other projects that have either been flagged off or are scheduled for commencement before May 29, 2025, Council directed the Direct Labour Committee to urgently schedule the commissioning of all completed projects for public use.

    Over 20 key projects were also considered and scheduled for commissioning and flag-off activities to commemorate the second anniversary of the administration in May 2025.

    Umanah further announced that the State Executive Council approved the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Task Force on Primary Healthcare (PHC) to strengthen PHC services across the State’s 31 LGAs.

    “The Task Force team headed by the Deputy Governor, comprises top government officials, local government leaders, traditional and religious leaders, medical professionals, and development partners including WHO, UNICEF, and NPHCDA”.

    He listed the terms of Reference to include, Coordinating PHC and immunization efforts across the state, reviewing and implementing a 12-month PHC action plan, Monitoring campaign quality and performance by LGAs, advocating for resource allocation and accountability and reporting progress to the Governor via quarterly updates from the Ministry of Health.

    The retreat, according to the Commissioner, also served as a strategic session to review progress made under the ARISE Agenda in nearly two years of governance, strengthen inter-agency coordination and performance accountability as well as, outline delivery frameworks and timelines for critical projects and policies.

    All the participants witnessed 28 expert-led sessions on leadership, governance, communication, project delivery, economic expansion, and public service reforms, he added.