Niger Delta

Akpabio Condemns Criticisms Over Siting Of Federal Polytechnic

Published

11 years ago

July 14, 2014

The Akwa Ibom State Gov
ernor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has decried an attempt to politicise the establishment of the new federal polytechnic in his country home, Ukana in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of the State, expressing surprise at the criticism over the siting of the institution in the area.
At a ground-breaking ceremony last Friday, Akpabio said with the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic at Ukana in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, every Senatorial District in Akwa Ibom now has a Federal Government-owned tertiary institution of learning.
Such criticism, he said, does not hold ground as Uyo Senatorial District has the University of Uyo; Eket Senatorial District has Maritime Academy, Oron while Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District now has a Federal Polytechnic.
The Governor pointed out that the Federal Polytechnic would play a unique role in deepening the vision and aspiration of the state for a greater Akwa Ibom State as “it would be a bridge between the federal government and our State and inspire the next generation to make notable contributions as visionary leaders in our state.”
“With this groundbreaking ceremony, we as a people avow happily that we have once again tasted that cake of friendship. We pay joyous tribute to Mr. President for this great act of kindness and this touching seed of generosity.
The Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who stood in for President Jonathan admitted that the institution was to be sited at Akwa Ibom Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua but was changed to the present location due to the intervention of Governor Akpabio through an appeal to Mr. President that the state would lose its institution which churns out many graduates of Akwa Ibom origin yearly.
Wike explained that Governor Akpabio preferred to support federal government in providing facilities at a neutral place for speedy commencement of studies and lauded the Governor for being passionate about the state and education in general.
The President, the Minister said, commended the community for donating land for the siting of the polytechnic instead of demanding for compensation, which, according to him, has delayed take-off of Federal universities in some communities.
The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Prof. Balama Joseph Obomanu thanked the federal government for the establishment of the institution in Akwa Ibom and the community for donating land for the school, disclosing that the institution has five faculties and 15 departments comprising Schools of Engineering, Environmental Studies, Applied Sciences, Business and Management, Information and Technology Communication.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

17 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

17 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

4 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.