The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned drone operations and fireworks in Uyo and announced temporary traffic restrictions ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the State today.

The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the measures yesterday while briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.

He said the restrictions were part of security arrangements to maintain public order, protect strategic locations and ensure the smooth movement of the President’s convoy during his engagements.

“There will be total restriction on the operation and flying of drones within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the visit. Members of the public, drone operators and service providers are advised to strictly comply with the directive,” he said.

The police commissioner also announced a ban on fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital during the visit.

He said the measure would prevent panic and allow security personnel to respond effectively to genuine security threats.

The command also announced temporary restrictions on public access to designated routes and locations in Uyo to facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.

The affected areas are Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

“Motorists are urged to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the corridors.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the routes during the restriction and use alternative routes,” Azare said.

He also urged residents to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the affected corridors.

The commissioner said the command, working with other security agencies, had put in place security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free visit.

He appealed to residents to understand that the temporary restrictions were necessary security measures and not intended to cause hardship.

Azare urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid restricted areas and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through police emergency channels.

Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom is a working visit during which he is expected to inaugurate major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration under its ARISE Agenda. The projects cut across aviation, road infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, land administration and security.

Among the projects scheduled for inauguration are the international terminal building and airport hospital at Victor Attah International Airport, Aviation Village, ARISE Palm Resort, the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, Ring Road 3, the Command and Control Centre and the AkwaGIS building.

The state government had earlier announced plans for the President to inaugurate projects as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary in September.

The airport projects are particularly significant to the state’s ambition to expand aviation, tourism and investment.

The international terminal is expected to strengthen the airport’s capacity to handle international operations, while the Aviation Village is intended to provide accommodation for aviation workers. The airport hospital is also among the facilities lined up for inauguration.

The road projects are also expected to improve connectivity. The 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road links communities in the two local government areas, while Ring Road 3 is designed to improve movement within Uyo and ease pressure on existing roads. The Command and Control Centre, meanwhile, is intended to strengthen security surveillance and coordination in the State.

The Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism  has floated a culture content platform in collaboration with digital television group, Multichoice.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, disclosed this after a meeting with MultiChoice Head of Content Acquisition, Don Dotun Ojon, in Port Harcourt.

He assured that content entrepreneurs and film makers would enjoy the platform by promoting culture and other contents to sell the states tourism potentials.

He said MultiChoice M-net was now open to increase its patronage for content shots on locations in Rivers State, describing the State as one that has numerous potentials for film tourism.

“We were privileged to have Don Ojon with us at the Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF) at the weekend in Bonny and he saw, first hand, the numerous sites and opportunities that are open to creatives in the State. After that, we felt it was important to deepen the conversation and he obliged. This is a cheering news for the sector in the State,” he said.

Ndigbara stated that “Rivers State has many more untold stories to tell, many more contents to reel out and the assurances from the M-net Acquisition Manager is an indication that the industry in the state will soon enjoy a new lease of life”.

The Permanent Secretary thanked Ojon for the visit and assured that creatives in the State would grap this opportunity and show the world that Rivers State is a major hub for film tourism in Nigeria.

On his part, Ojon said the visit was to discuss on ways of promoting tourism in the State using creatives and film.

Ojon said although the company has recently been acquired by canal+ France and is undergoing restructuring, he would promote the chances of Rivers State to host the MultiChoice talent factory in the State.

With Asaba, capital of Delta State, being saturated, Ojon said the next port is Rivers  State, which he said is capable of building fresh crop of creatives, new locations, new story lines and concepts.

He, therefore, called for collaboration from stakeholders in the State.

Kevin Nengia

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has described the late traditional ruler of Egbema Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Ginikanwa Everestus Amuda,  Ezeobi of Egbema, as a great leader whose reign was characterised by peace, unity, inclusiveness and commitment to the welfare of his people.

Prof. Odu stated this during the funeral ceremony of the late monarch at Aggah, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday.

The Deputy Governor, who expressed pride in identifying with the Egbema people, said she considered it a priority to attend the funeral and personally commiserate with the bereaved family, the people of Egbema and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

She described the late monarch as a respected traditional ruler who distinguished himself through exemplary leadership and earned recognition beyond his immediate community.

According to her, Eze Amuda was a father figure to all, who carried everyone along during his reign and consistently promoted peace, unity and empowerment among his people.

Prof. Odu said Rivers State had lost one of its illustrious sons, adding that his contributions to the development of Egbema Kingdom and commitment to the welfare of his subjects would remain worthy of remembrance.

She extended her condolences to the immediate and extended families of the deceased, the Egbema people and the entire Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, praying that God would grant them the strength and comfort to bear the loss.

The Deputy Governor expressed the hope that the late monarch’s legacy of peace and empowerment would be sustained, noting that his transition should inspire renewed efforts towards the progress and development of Egbema Kingdom.

She also appealed to prominent sons and daughters of Egbema in Government and other positions of influence to establish a lasting memorial in honour of the late traditional ruler, in recognition of his place in the history of the kingdom as one of its foremost first-class traditional rulers.

Prof. Odu thanked the church, women, men, youths and other sympathisers who came from far and near to honour the departed monarch and identify with the bereaved family.

She prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire community, as well as journey mercies for all who attended the funeral.

In his tribute, Engr. Iboh Justice, a mentee of the deceased, described the late monarch as a father figure, mentor and exceptional personality whose life was defined by hard work, determination and commitment to excellence.

He said he was deeply saddened by the loss, noting that Eze Ginikanwa Amuda was not only a father to many but also a personal mentor who played a significant role in shaping his life.

He disclosed that the late monarch’s mentorship had inspired him to extend the same gesture to the deceased’s son, Dr. Ogorchukwu Amuda, whom he is currently mentoring.

Describing the late traditional ruler as a man who never settled for less, Engr. Iboh Justice said his life exemplified the principle that success could only be achieved through hard work and perseverance.