Economy
Government Donates Land For Air Force Base In Akwa Ibom
Government Donates Land For Air Force Base In Akwa Ibom
Government donates land for Air force base in Akwa Ibom… pledges continuous partnership with security agencies
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced the donation of a parcel of land for the establishment of barracks for the Forward Operational Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the State.
At a courtesy visit on him by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, at the Government House, Uyo, the Governor made a presentation of the land documents.
He said the State under his leadership was committed to sustaining the trajectory of peace and security in the State and expressed hope that the Air Force base will be of great value in protecting the State’s and national boundaries.
The Governor, who has paid high premium on security since assumption of office, said the State will continue to partner with all the security agencies including NAF, and urged the Force to continue with its good works in the State and county generally.
“We thank you for the Air Force base that is going to be strategically located in Akwa Ibom State. Before now, apart from the school and the presence at the airport, the Air Force was the only arm of security that was not really on ground in Akwa Ibom State.
“But with this establishment of forward base operations, we believe that the Air Force is now fully integrated into our security architecture as a State and we welcome you. We hope and trust that you will continue to work to protect our international boundaries knowing that Akwa Ibom is a litoral State, especially to help with our air operations to ensure that we continue to maintain security in the land.
“As a State we take security very seriously, and that is why the State has continued to remain one of the most peaceful states in this country. So we will continue to work with all security agencies including the Air Force,” he said.
The Governor who appreciated the Chief of Air Staff for the academic standard at the Air Force School, requested for some concessions to enable the school accommodate more Akwa Ibom children.
In his remark, Air Marshal Abubakar appreciated the Governor for the land donation, his continuous support to national security initiatives and for his proactive vision in promoting infrastructural development and investment in the State.
“Permit me to, on behalf of the entire NAF family, appreciate you for the gracious donation of land for the establishment of barracks accommodation for a Forward Operational Base (FOB) at an accessible distance from the Eket Airstrip.
“This would not only fast track the setting up of the necessary facilities for this strategic process but would add great value for both national defense and homeland security in support of other forms of civil commercial enterprise.
The FOB, when established would provide further assurance of safety and security of persons and property, thereby fostering the entrenchment of Akwa Ibom State as a very good investment and tourism destination.

NAF
“I am particularly grateful for the strategic collaboration between Akwa Ibom State and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), especially in providing the enabling support for the momentous transfer of the Eket Airstrip to the NAF. This significant step demonstrates your commitment towards the strengthening of security within the State for several reasons.”
He said the transfer of the Airstrip to NAF would help to extend air power for national security, protection of territorial integrity as well as support the drive to promote a thriving blue economy, adding that NAF would be better positioned to protect critical national assets around the Akwa Ibom State shoreline when they become fully operational.
“Some of these assets include the Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Plant, the Ibom Deep Sea Port and the BUA Refinery. These assets, which hold immense national and economic value, would greatly benefit from the enhanced security presence of the NAF at Eket. Your Excellency, Akwa Ibom State, would reap the dividends of this improved strategic posture,” he said.
He appreciated the Governor for the warm reception and hospitality for his team, and assured of continuous support for the security component of the ARISE Agenda.
On hand to receive the delegation were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; and members of the State Executive Council.
Economy
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition
Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.
The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.
Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.
He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.
“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly
“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”
Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.
Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.
He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.
Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.
Crime
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
Economy
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.
Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.
Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.
Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.
“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”
Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.
-
Crime9 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News10 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Crime12 months agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
News12 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom1 year agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News11 months agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy9 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?
