Senator Bassey Distributes Drugs, Medical Consumable To PHCs

Senator Bassey distributes drugs, medical consumable to PHCs. To complement Governor Umo Eno’s A.R.I.S.E Agenda in healthcare delivery, Senator Aniekan Bassey has distributed essential drugs and medical consumables to Primary Healthcare Centres across the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

The distribution, which took place on Tuesday at the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District Secretariat in Uyo, was witnessed by representatives of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (AKSPHCDA).

Senator Aniekan Bassey, who was represented at the event by the Director General of Team Aniekan Bassey, Barrister Godwin Awah, Ph.D, emphasized his commitment to improving healthcare services in rural communities and ensuring that residents have access to essential medications.

The benefiting healthcare centres included: Primary Health Centre, Nwut Usung West Itam (Itu); Health Centre, Ikot Ayan Ikono (Uyo); Health Centre, Utit Obio Ikot Uba (Ibiono Ibom); Primary Health Centre, Nung Obong (Nsit Ubium); Health Centre, Efa (Etinan); Primary Health Centre, Ndiya (Nsit Ubium); Primary Health Centre, Idu-Uruan (Uruan); Primary Health, Ikot Adaidem (Ibiono Ibom); Health Centre, Ikot Eyo (Nsit Ubium), and Model Primary Health Centre, Mbiokporo I (Nsit Ibom).

Additional health centres that benefited from the distribution were: Primary Health Centre, Odot (Nsit Atai); Primary Health Centre, Ikpa Ikot Uneke (Ibiono Ibom); Comprehensive Health Centre, West Itam (Itu); Primary Health Centre, Uyo Itam (Itu); Health Centre, Ayadehe (Itu); Health Centre, Oku Iboku (Itu); Primary Health Centre, Ikot Esen (Ibiono Ibom); Primary Health Centre, Use Ikot Amama (Ibiono Ibom); Primary Health Centre, Ewet Offot (Uyo); Health Centre, Ekim Enen (Uruan); Health Centre, Use Ekim (Uruan); Primary Health Centre, Ibiaku-Uruan (Uruan), and Health Centre, Afia Nsit Urua Nko (Nsit Ibom).

Senator Bassey Distributes Drugs

Speaking, Senator Bassey reiterated that healthcare remains his top priority, adding that the distribution of medical consumables to the rural community was aimed at strengthening the primary healthcare system in the senatorial district.

Stakeholders and healthcare professionals, who represented the benefiting health centres, lauded Senator Bassey, noting that the timely provision of medical supplies will enhance healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes in the benefiting communities.

They maintained that the event marked yet another milestone in Senator Aniekan Bassey’s ongoing efforts to support grassroots healthcare initiatives inline with Governor Umo Eno’s vision for accessible and quality healthcare for all residents of Akwa Ibom State.

Ati Annang Community Foundation’s 6th Executive Council Receives Royal Blessings In Akwa Ibom

Ati annang community foundation’s 6th executive council receives royal blessings in Akwa Ibom. The newly inaugurated 6th Executive Council of Ati Annang Foundation, one of Annang Land’s foremost socio-cultural organizations, has embarked on a series of high-profile visits to traditional leaders and key stakeholders, seeking wisdom and royal blessings for a successful tenure.

As part of this strategic outreach, the new leadership, led by the International President of Ati Annang, Adede Aniekpeno Mkpanang, paid a courtesy visit to Afe Annang, the apex socio-cultural body in Annang Land. The delegation was warmly received by Itai Afe Annang in Council, Obong Blaise Awakama, and other esteemed members of Afe Annang at his residence.

Speaking during the visit, President Mkpanang reaffirmed Ati Annang’s commitment to fostering unity and progress across Annang Land.

He emphasized that the visit was not only to introduce the new executive but also to solidify collaborative efforts that will promote cultural preservation and socio-economic development. He commended Obong Blaise Awakama for his steadfast leadership in upholding Annang heritage and pledged continued engagement with Afe Annang in advancing the region’s collective aspirations.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of past Ati Annang leaders, including pioneer president Sir Emem Akpabio and immediate past president Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, whose dedication helped shape the organization’s vision. He assured the elders of sustained consultations as the new administration works towards greater unity and advancement for the Annang people.

In a further demonstration of commitment to cultural continuity, the Ati Annang delegation visited Afe Nkuku Annang, the grand Council of Paramount Rulers of Annang land. At this gathering, Royal blessings were bestowed upon the new leadership by the notable traditional rulers, including His Royal Majesty, Akuku Professor Amanam Akpanudo Udo, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, and His Royal Majesty, Akuku Cosmas Akpan, the Akwa Akuku Annang and Paramount Ruler of Essien Udim. Others present were HRM, Akuku Udo Ukut of Ikot Ekpene, HRM Akuku Joseph Okosi Ekot 111 of Ika, HRM, Akuku Saviour Udofia of Abak, HRM, Akuku J. J. Obosi of Oruk Anam and HRM, Akuku (Engr.) Amos Akpan poured royal blessings on the new leadership of Ati Annang for greater impact on the people.

The meeting reinforced the deep-rooted ties between Ati Annang and Annang’s traditional institutions. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sir Emem Akpabio, used the occasion to advocate for the preservation of the Annang language, urging parents to teach their children their mother tongue.

He highlighted Ati Annang’s partnership with the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), which has successfully secured federal government approval for the Annang Language Curriculum.

Ati Annang

Commending the proactive leadership of the new Ati Annang executive, Obong Blaise Awakama praised their engagement with key stakeholders, stressing that such collaborations will strengthen Annang’s unity and cultural identity. He urged the leadership to remain steadfast in promoting the ideals of togetherness and progress.

The high-profile delegation included Deputy President, Sir Victor Udofia, International Treasurer, Dr. Mandu Ekpeyong, International PRO 1, Mr. Idorenyin Essien, and Chapter Chairmen from Abak, Essien Udim, Uyo, and Ikot Ekpene.

These visits mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ati Annang Foundation, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation between the organization and Annang’s revered traditional institutions.

With Royal blessings and strategic collaborations in place, the 6th Executive Council is poised to drive impactful initiatives for the collective growth of Annang land.

Idorenyin Godwin Essien , is the Public Relations Officer 1 of Ati Annang Foundation and writes from Ika Local Government Area.

President Trump Moves To Reject Visa Applications Of Nigerians, Others Critical Of U.S. On Social Media

President Trump moves to reject visa applications of Nigerians, others critical of U.S. on social media. Since January, Mr Rubio has revoked more than 300 visas, many of them belonging to students.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed U.S. embassies around the world to scrutinise social media posts of visa applicants for content critical of the United States and Israel before approving their applications.

This move followed the executive order signed by President Donald Trump after he returned to the White House, granting the Department of State the go-ahead to revoke visas of international students and other temporary visa holders suspected to have engaged in anti-American activities.

In the instructions cable sent to U.S. diplomatic missions around the world on March 25, Mr Rubio directed that starting immediately, consular officers must refer certain student and exchange visitor visa applicants to the “fraud prevention unit” for a “mandatory social media check,” the New York Times reported, citing two government officials.

The fraud prevention unit of an embassy or consulate’s section for consular affairs, which issues the visas, helps screen applicants.

The Times reported that the cable also described broad parameters visa officers must use in determining whether to grant or deny visa applications, including scrutinising posts of student and exchange applicants who were granted visas between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024, for potential cancellations.

Donald Trump

Mr Rubio stated in the cable that applicants can be denied a visa if their behaviour or actions show they bear “a hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or U.S. culture (including government, institutions, or founding principles).”

Since January, Mr Rubio has revoked more than 300 visas, many of them belonging to students, for participating in activities deemed critical of Israel over the ongoing war in Gaza, with critics accusing the Trump administration of having no regard for the Constitution.