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Governor Umo Eno Unveils Economic Empowerment Package For Windows Of Deceased Soldiers, Others

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Governor Umo Eno Unveils Economic Empowerment Package

Governor Umo Eno Unveils Economic Empowerment Package For Windows Of Deceased Soldiers, Others

Governor Umo Eno unveils economic empowerment package for windows of deceased soldiers, others. The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled a comprehensive economic empowerment package aimed at improving the livelihoods of widows of fallen military, police, and paramilitary personnel through sustainable income-generating initiatives.

Governor Umo Eno announced the programme on Wednesday, during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Cenotaph on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.

As part of the initiative, the state government will construct 150 lock-up stores, comprising 100 for widows of fallen military personnel and 50 for widows of deceased police officers and other paramilitary operatives.

The Governor disclosed that beneficiaries would also receive take-off grants to enable them establish and sustain small-scale businesses.

Pastor Eno explained that the intervention reflects a deliberate shift from short-term financial assistance to long-term economic empowerment for families of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation.

“In line with our commitment to the welfare of families of our fallen heroes, we are deliberately moving beyond one-off financial support to programmes that provide lasting economic stability,” the governor stated.

Beyond the empowerment package, Governor Eno also announced immediate financial support totalling N120 million in appreciation to the serving personnel, a N10 million donation to officers on parade, an additional N20 million to widows present at the ceremony, as well as another N20 million to the Nigerian Legionaries, reaffirming his administration’s tradition of recognising sacrifice and excellence.

He recalled that in the previous year, the state government disbursed N250 million as welfare support, including N150 million to widows of fallen military personnel and N100 million to widows of fallen police officers.

According to Governor Eno, construction of the lock-up stores will commence immediately after the relevant service formations make land available for the project.

He added that the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Bureau of Cooperatives will jointly coordinate and supervise the project to ensure prompt and timely delivery.

Speaking on national unity and politics, Governor Eno urged leaders to continue to see politics as a platform for service rather than bloodshed, commending chairmen of political parties for personally attending the remembrance event.

He expressed optimism that leaders across party lines would continue to embrace politics of ideas, development, and peaceful engagement.

On national security, the Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as decisive leadership in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, noting observable improvements across various parts of the country.

Governor Umo Eno Unveils Economic Empowerment Package

Governor Umo Eno Unveils Economic Empowerment Package

He also glowing tribute to the courage and sacrifices of officers and men of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in active service and those that are currently engaged in various theatres of operations across the nation.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security agencies, Governor Eno recalled previous interventions including the completion and commissioning of internal roads at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia last year.

He disclosed that the Command and Control Centre would be completed soon, alongside continued provision of amenities across service formations to enhance operational effectiveness.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually to honour Nigerian military personnel who died in the line of duty, while also recognising the sacrifices of veterans and their families.

Governor Eno while calling on corporate organizations to support the security agencies, also called for continued peace in Akwa Ibom State and across Nigeria, stressing that the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes must never be forgotten.

Akwa Ibom

Government Inspects Akwa Ibom Airport, As April Deadline For International Flight Draws Nearer

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Akwa Ibom Airport

Government Inspects Akwa Ibom Airport, As April Deadline For International Flight Draws Nearer

Government inspects Akwa Ibom Airport, as April deadline for international flight draws nearer. ‎The Akwa Ibom State Supervisory Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Emem Almond Bob, has again assured of the State’s readiness to begin international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport at the beginning of the second quarter of the year.

‎The Commissioner spoke Thursday, after leading a delegation from the Ministry on an inspection tour of the entire airport facility.

‎The inspection covered critical infrastructure and operational areas, including the access road within the terminal building, parking lot, apron, taxiway, security / operational perimeter fencing, Smart Internet installation, as well as the power transmission and transformer area and medium voltage power panels, among others.

‎Bob, who earlier had a strategic technical meeting with all contractors and engineers on site to appraise the level of work done, said with the smooth pace of work, he was very optimistic that the April timeline would be met.

‎He noted that the Governor was very committed to delivering the world class facility for international use within the stipulated timeframe, noting that the current level of progress gives confidence that the April timeline for international operations will be achieved.

‎Commisioner Bob explained that as the supervising ministry in charge of the actualization of the new international airport terminal, it was within their oversight to regularly have a technical meeting with all the contracting firms to assess their quality of work and identify existing gaps.

‎ “As a ministry, we are here today to inspect and assess key operational areas, identify infrastructure gaps, and ensure timely interventions to guarantee a seamless take-off of international flights,” the Commissioner stated

‎Responding to questions from the media on whether the Committee on the Actualization of the Airport would visit the facility before the inaugural flight, the Commissioner explained that the Committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, was actively working.

‎He noted that his presence at the site was in his capacity as the Supervisory Commissioner of the Ministry and assured that meetings would be convened as necessary to address areas of concern, adding that inspections would continue up to the very last day before the commencement of international operations at the airport.

‎Taking the Commissioner around all components of the new terminal building, the Chairman of VKS Construction, Engr. Oliver Ebong highlighted that works were ongoing in all the areas requiring urgent attention to ensure full completion of the facility and assured that the terminal would be ready for use by the end of March.

Akwa Ibom Airport

Akwa Ibom Airport


‎Recall that Governor Umo Eno had inaugurated a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah to oversee the full implementation of the international status of the Victor Attah International Airport, following a technical assessment visit by a Federal Government team led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to commence the process of giving effect to the international operations at the airport.

‎On the inspection were, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties. Engr. Ephraim Udosen; Managing Director, Airport Development Authority, Uwem Ekanem, Director of Project Implementation and Coordination, Arc. Ekawan Alale; Director of Geo-Technical Services, Mrs. Helen Daniel; Clark works for the Terminal Building, Arc. Christopher Enyekung among others.

‎12 February, 2026.

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Akwa Ibom

EFCC-Linked Case: Facebook Commentator Arrested for Alleged False Claims

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EFCC-Linked Case: Facebook Commentator Arrested for Alleged False Claims

Michael Itok, a Facebook user known for his controversial online commentary, has been arrested by security authorities over alleged misinformation and defamatory publications.
According to sources, Itok is currently in custody at the Force Headquarters and is expected to be arraigned on multiple charges linked to recent posts made on his Facebook page.
His arrest follows a series of online publications concerning Victor Thompson, who was recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uyo Zonal Directorate, on allegations of defrauding American investors of over $525,000 in what the Commission described as a fraudulent mineral and seaport investment scheme. The EFCC had, in a statement published on its official Facebook page on February 2, 2026, disclosed that Thompson was arraigned on an eight-count charge.
In response to the EFCC’s action, Itok allegedly posted claims suggesting that Thompson’s arrest was motivated by personal issues unrelated to the fraud allegations. Authorities, however, consider those claims to be false and capable of misleading the public, particularly as investigations into the fraud case are ongoing.
Investigators maintain that the charges against Thompson relate strictly to alleged financial crimes involving foreign investors. Individuals mentioned in Itok’s posts have denied the claims attributed to them, describing the narrative as fabricated and damaging.
Security sources further indicated that Itok’s recent publications were not limited to the Thompson matter. He reportedly authored additional posts targeting other public figures in Akwa Ibom State, which authorities are reviewing as part of a broader investigation into alleged cyber defamation and blackmail.
Records show that Itok was previously arrested in October 2019 by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamatory publications against the then-Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel. Media reports at the time indicated that he was detained for over 60 days before being granted bail in December 2019 by an Akwa Ibom State High Court in the sum of N500,000.
With the current arrest, authorities say the case underscores renewed efforts by law enforcement agencies to address online misinformation, cyber harassment and related offences under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been advised to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed claims, especially in matters involving ongoing criminal investigations.

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Akwa Ibom

How Governor Eno’s Ambulance Service Saved Life In Akwa Ibom Community

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Umo Eno's Healthcare

How Governor Eno’s Ambulance Service Saved Life In Akwa Ibom Community

How Governor Eno’s ambulance service saved life in Akwa Ibom community. Just few minutes ago along Udo Udoma Avenue, by the Aka Junction in Uyo, a young lady reportedly slumped while attempting to cross the road. What could have ended in tragedy.

A single call was placed to the state’s emergency ambulance service, and within minutes, the response team was already on ground, providing immediate medical attention.

This swift intervention underscores the impacts of Governor Umo Eno’s visionary leadership. It shows the value placed on human life by the current administration.

Akwa Ibom Community

Ambulance

Such prompt response is not only commendable but also a demonstration of the current administration’s commitment to implementing impactful programmes through the ARISE Agenda.

May God continue to bless and strengthen our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno as he continue to lead with compassion, foresight, and genuine concern for the people.

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