Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Fix Date For Federal Constituency Town Hall Meeting In Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Fix Date For Federal Constituency Town Hall Meeting In Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno fix Date for federal constituency town hall meeting in Akwa Ibom. On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Abak Local Government will have the honour of hosting Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and his entourage as the Governor’s proposed Town Hall Meeting to be held on the basis of federal Constituency, kicks off with the maiden edition in Abak federal Constituency, comprising Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika LGA’s.
The purpose is to create a platform where the state government can present its scorecard to the people of the federal Constituency and seek their opinion based on their NEEDS Assessment on what they want the government to do for them through the instrumentality of the 2026 budget.
Modern democracy, it must be noted is a communicative pulpit between the leaders on one hand and the people on the other hand. This is why the concept of frequent interface is crucial to help build trust, confidence and acceptability. This explains why plans by the Umo Eno led administration to commence the hosting of Town Hall Meetings across the 10 Federal Constituencies in the state is commendable.
Starting from March 8, 2025, the government will be hosting these Town Hall series across the 10 Federal Constituencies in the state which are; Abak Federal Constituency, Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Uyo Federal Constituency, Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency and Etinan Federal Constituency
Others include Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency, Ikon/Ini Federal Constituency, Oron Federal Constituency, Eket federal Constituency and Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.
Historically, the first Town Halls were held by the Greeks thousands of years ago as a way to give citizens a voice and a role in government. Today, the core principle of a Town Hall remains the same- Participation.
Town hall meetings are a key component of democratic governance. They are an opportunity for leaders and the people to come together as a team, engage in open conversation, and share updates, successes, and any concerns that have cropped up along the way. It is a chance where policy announcements are made, updates shared, and for open dialogue and conversation to be had.
A town hall meeting is a public meeting where community members come together to discuss and address various topics of interest or concern. It is a forum for open dialogue and engagement between the community and their representatives or government.
Town Hall Meetings helps facilitate direct communication, promote transparency, foster civic participation, provides an opportunity for community members to express their opinions, ask questions, share ideas, and provide feedback on issues that affect their lives and the community as a whole.
Town hall meetings can cover a wide range of topics, such as local governance, public policies, community development, social issues, public safety, infrastructure, education, and more. They are often organized by governmental bodies, elected officials, or community organizations to gather input, gather consensus, or disseminate information to the public.
Town hall meetings are always moderated to ensure that the discussion stays focused, allows equal participation, and maintains respectful dialogue. Participants can typically ask questions, raise concerns, propose solutions, or share personal experiences related to the topics under discussion. Sometimes, experts or panelists may be invited to provide insights and expertise on specific subjects.
Overall, town hall meetings serve as a platform for democratic engagement, encouraging community involvement, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration in addressing local issues.
Back home, as far as Governor Umo Eno is concerned, gone are the days politicians sit in Uyo and influence what goes into the budget whether they are relevant to the needs of the people or not.
One of the major takeaways of the proposed Town Hall Meeting is that the Governor in his determined effort to chart a new course that clearly depart from the past, has returned power back to the people, by adopting the bottom-top approach where the NEEDS of the people as demanded for by the people themselves will form the basis, foundation and guiding principle in preparing the 2026 Akwa Ibom State budget.
That way, from the outcome of these Town Hall Meetings, next years budget will take into account the local peculiarities of the people because what affects the people of Essien Udim LGA, may not be a priority to the people of Ikot Ekpene Udo, in Nsit Ubium LGA, or those residing in the fishing communities in Oron or the rice farmlands of ni LGA or the marginal oil fields of Ibeno in LGA.
The philosophy behind Governor Umo Eno’s proposed Town hall meetings are embedded in its ability to situate everyone within the wider picture, thus ultimately building a sense of community and camaraderie within the political ecosystem because the Governor believes that these Town Hall convergence is a form of participatory democracy model where the citizens can have the power to influence policy decisions.
The convergence emphasizes the broad participation of Akwa Ibom people in the politics of the state with an anticipated outcome that will be used as a tool to address some of the issues that are impacting people’s lives because as far as the Governor is concerned, in order to acknowledge the relevance of public opinion, civic engagement or citizen engagement town hall meetings should be introduced at the federal constituency level to promote transparency and openness.
Umo Eno
The Advantages of the Proposed Town Hall Meetings include; Team spirit and community, boosted motivation,.open dialogue, citizens buy-in, innovation and collective decision making, among others.
Governor Umo Eno believes no one has the monopoly of knowledge and given their local knowledge and lived experiences, a community can have a more accurate perspective on an issue than the government, thus participatory democracy which a Town Hall setting represents gives government and policymakers the opportunity to listen more broadly to the community, gather more information and come up with more robust and resilient solutions.
In order for participatory democracy to work, the ability to shape the future needs to become baked into the community’s psyche.
Governments need to create space for citizens and organizations to voice their opinions while demonstrating effective outcomes to the community so that they trust that their input makes a positive difference.
Governments need to engage people in decisions consistently, considering who needs to be involved, for what purpose, and at what level. Representative groups also need to be given the tools to understand the content of the debate and given equal access through a variety of engagement methods to express their views. These are what the Town hall meetings seeks to achieve.
In the end, these Town Hall meetings will help the Akwa Ibom State Government in information dissemination, alignment of citizens needs with government’s projections, serve as morale building mechanism, foster better relations between the government and the people at the grassroot, serve as a platform for empowerment, enhance inclusion, help build trust, Increase transparency and accountability, foster unity and peace and above all, help gauge and monitor the mood of the people on policy impact and guide government to evaluate its programmes and policies.
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.
Akwa Ibom
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
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.
-
Akwa Ibom2 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom2 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News2 months agoList Of 42 Executive Orders Of Trump
-
Politics2 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares
-
News1 month agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Economy1 month agoTinubu Allocated N940 Billion To TETfund In 2025 Budget
-
Health care3 days agoNiMet Warns FCT, Other 18 States Of Impending Heat Stress, Advises Safety Measures
-
Economy2 months agoEnugu-Onitsha Expressway: Many Feared Dead, 8 Vehicles Burnt In Tanker Explosion