Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Covers Medical Bills For Patients At Palmer Memorial Hospital

Akwa Ibom Lawmaker covers medical bills for patients at palmer memorial Hospital. For patients at Palmer Memorial Hospital in Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, financial hardship often stood between them and life-saving treatment. That changed when Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Basy Okon, the Member Representing Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, stepped in to settle outstanding medical bills, offering patients a renewed chance at life.

The compassionate gesture came during Day 2 of the ongoing free medical and surgical outreach sponsored by the lawmaker across Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas. While inspecting the outreach on Day 1, Okon learned of emergency cases where patients remained stranded due to unpaid hospital bills.

Moved by their plight, he personally cleared their debts a decision he emphasized was outside the outreach’s budget, but a private intervention to support his constituents in urgent need.

Among the beneficiaries was Abasima Offiong, who had suffered a spinal cord injury and required emergency surgery. With no means to cover the cost, his condition was critical, until Hon.Okon’s intervention ensured his procedure was fully funded.

Another case was Idongesit Ndifreke, who had undergone a Caesarean section but remained in the hospital for over two weeks due to unpaid bills. The lawmaker’s generosity not only secured her discharge but also allowed her to return home with her newborn.

Akwa Ibom

One of the most harrowing stories involved a woman whose unborn child had died in the womb. Lacking funds for an emergency procedure, her life hung in the balance. Overcome with emotion, Okon immediately took over the cost of surgery, ensuring swift medical intervention to save her life.

Speaking during the event, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian efforts. “When God blesses us, we should also be a blessing to others,” he said, underscoring the importance of compassion and community support. Grateful beneficiaries and their families hailed Okon’s intervention as both timely and life-saving.

As the free medical and surgical outreach continues, it remains a beacon of hope for residents of Itu and Ibiono Ibom, reinforcing Okon’s dedication to accessible healthcare and the well-being of his constituents.

Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas

Umo Eno is committed to blue economy, maritime development: Oil , Gas . Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals have been assured of the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials of the blue economy and the extensive maritime development.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reiterated the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials when he hosted members of the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals to a courtesy call in his office on Thursday, March 13.

He said the recent commissioning of the Surge Protections project and development of Surge lines in Oron, was a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to maritime development, emphasising that the action would bring greater focus on maritime transport and recreation in the area.

Highlighting the significance of the Ibom Deep Seaport, which he described as a foundation for future development, Comrade Ememobong acknowledged the importance of a collaboration between the Ministry and the maritime oil and gas professionals and assured them of his readiness to work together with them, in order to drive growth and development in the maritime sector so as to achieve the long-term objectives of the state in the maritime sector.

The Commissioner stated that the industrial city envisioned by the Governor aims to build indigenous capacity and ensure local participation in its development, saying, “This is where the local content law comes into play, requiring that a certain percentage of the project’s workforce, services, and materials be sourced locally.”

“To activate this law, however, there needs to be available capacity among local individuals and businesses.

This is why His Excellency has prioritised capacity procurement, which ensures that the necessary skills and resources are in place before project execution begins. By doing so, the government can guarantee that local communities are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the industrial city’s development,” he emphasised.

Comrade Ememobong seized the occasion to commend the technical committee, led by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, in driving the Ibom Deep Seaport project forward, saying the committee is ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to turn the vision of the Ibom Deep Seaport into a reality.

Earlier, while addressing the Commissioner, the leader of the delegation and Secretary General Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, Captain Sunday Umoren, expressed his team’s enthusiasm in supporting the development of Akwa Ibom State’s maritime sector.

As indigenes of the state, with expertise in various sectors of the maritime cluster, they seek to give back by investing in human capacity building, in view of the upcoming Ibom Deep Seaport.

Umo Eno

“We are here to render our services to you; we will respect your support in planning because the deep seaport is coming: the port is just a notch, but there are other aspects to port development, which if we don’t position ourselves very well, we may end up having a deep seaport in Akwa Ibom but not making the best out of it.” He said.

Other members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project and Director of Project, Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Akaninyene Ekong; Former District Surveyor NIMASA, Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; and Project Lead, Shell UK, Adjunct Professor John Moores University, UK, Prof Maurice Asuquo.

Also on the team were the Chief Engineer, Jad Construction limited, Warri, Engr. Iniobong Ebong; Marine Pilot, Nigerian Ports Authority, Bonny/Port Harcourt Pilotage District, Rivers Port Complex, Nkopuyo Abraham.

Uniuyo Theatre Arts Presents ‘Dance Of The Ghosts’, Haunting Commentary On Nigeria’s Social Ills

Uniuyo Theatre Arts presents ‘dance of the ghosts’, haunting commentary on Nigeria’s social ills. The University of Uyo’s (UNIUYO) Theatre Arts Department, recently, presented a thrilling performance of Ben Binebai’s “Dance of the Ghosts,” directed by Sunday Umanah-Tusi.

This impressive performance was a practical component of the Year One course, THA 113 – Practical Orientation Production.

In the thought-provoking play “Dance of the Ghosts,” Ben Binebai crafts a powerful political allegory that reflects the Nigerian state’s struggles with leadership, mistrust, and the pursuit of power. Set in the fictional Ebiogbo Kingdom, the play exposes the harsh realities of a society where many live in fear, poverty, and frustration.

Through the lens of Ebiogbo Kingdom, Binebai shines a light on the disconnect between the people and their leaders, as well as the mistrust and backstabbing that often characterize the pursuit of power.

The play advocates for collective action and protest against irresponsible and autocratic leadership, promoting a message of social change and conflict resolution.

Overall, “Dance of the Ghosts” was a captivating production that left the audience spellbound. With its talented cast, creative team, and eerie atmosphere, this play is a must-see for anyone interested in the supernatural and the unknown.

The production was a masterclass in collaborative storytelling, with a talented team of creatives bringing the world of ghosts to life.

The set design, crafted by Umanah-Tusi, Edikan Samuel, Emmanuel Alexander, and others, transported the audience to a realm beyond the living. Dora Nnanake and Emmah Edet’s costumes added a touch of eeriness to the proceedings, while Katty Otioro and Sylvia’s makeup designs made the ghosts look eerily real.

Uniuyo Theatre Arts

The lighting, designed by Uwem Nesfield, cast an otherworldly glow over the stage, immersing the audience in the world of the ghosts.

The choreography, crafted by Jackyafricana Abasiodiongo Ekomabasi, Precious Ammang, and Queendalyne Effiong, added a dynamic energy to the performance.

The stage management team, led by Blossom, Jeffrey, and Sarah, ensured a seamless transition between scenes, keeping the pace of the play steady.

The playwright, Ben Binebai is a renowned Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory, and Criticism at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amasoma. A prolific writer, Binebai has penned numerous works that showcase his expertise in drama and theatre arts. His play “Dance of the Ghosts” is a testament to his ability to craft thought-provoking stories that reflect the complexities of Nigerian society.