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Udom Gets Kudos Over Road Projects In A’Ibom
Ikono leaders and stakeholders have poured encomiums on Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State for his concerted efforts in embarking on several turnkey projects in their communities.
The Ikono people believe that the Governor has performed creditably in their locality, a far departure from the state of abandonment that plagued the area previously.
The latest projects being new roads approved by the State Government on Wednesday.
In a statement he personally signed, Mr Nyakno Uwemedimo Okoibu, the Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, sincerely appreciated “the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel for the approval of the construction of 21.5KM Ikot Ayan Ediene – Ikot Ntia – Urua Naira – Ikot Nseyen – Nkwot – Nung Ukim road with 45M Span bridge in Ikono Local Government Area.”
The chairman maintained that “Your Excellency, it is clear that you bestrode the saddle with the blueprint of engendering a massive infrastructural renaissance, and this, we the cradle of Ibibio Nation, are very grateful for.”
“We are also very pleased with your revolutionary strides in all facets of the state’s economy.
“Thank you for all you did in times past, what you are doing today and what you will do tomorrow,” Mr. Okoibu said.
On his part, the Immediate Past Chairman of Ikono, Mr. Itoro Columba wrote:
“His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has graciously approved the construction of the “Ikot Ayan-Urua Naira- Ikot Nseyen- Nkwot-Nung Ukim Road” with 45m-span bridge”.
Mr. Columba said that, ‘Posterity will be eternally grateful to you for the golden era Ikono is enjoying from your government. Glory!.
“It is no doubt that when the righteous are in power, the people rejoice.
When government is able to address the needs of its people, especially at the grassroots, the result is an overwhelming acceptance and support for its programmes and policies.
Another indigene of Nkwot, Ikono, David Akpan took to social media to express his thoughts, saying.
“Governor Nnyin, you have no idea what you’ve done for Nkwot people by giving approval for the construction of the 21.5KM Ikot Ayan Ediene – Ikot Ntia – Urua Naira – Ikot Nseyen – Nung Ukim Road with 45M span bridge in Ikono LGA”.
“You’ll understand better Sir when you finally come to commission that road upon completion.
“Nkwot has been maligned and neglected for ages forcing us to conclude that we’re probably not part of Ikono”.
“Traversing that stretch has been a nightmare for ages due to the deplorable state of that road. For thinking it wise to come to our rescue, bringing to end years of tears and deceit by previous administrations, Nkwot people assure you of our unalloyed loyalty and support to the very end”.
“We are grateful your Excellency, God bless you and grant you grace to finish the project”.
“With more still coming, the State Government is determined to fulfill all of its promises to her people. We should therefore hold fast to the course of the completion agenda without losing faith. God bless Governor Udom Emmanuel”, he added.
Governor Emmanuel had earlier reconstructed and remodeled the General Hospital at Ikono and commissioned a College of Health Technology road that preludes the newly awarded road.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.