Connect with us

Akwa Ibom

Labour, Industrial Committee Engages Sterling Petrochemicals Over Operations In Akwa Ibom Community

Published

on

Industrial Committee Engages Sterling Petrochemicals

Labour, Industrial Committee Engages Sterling Petrochemicals Over Operations In Akwa Ibom Community

Labour, Industrial committee engages Sterling petrochemicals over operations in Akwa Ibom community…๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ด ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ถ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ข๐˜จ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ด & ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ช๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ค ๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜Œ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฏ ๐˜–๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ.

The Akwa Ibom State Labour and Industrial Committee has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of Eastern Obolo communities to address concerns regarding the operations of a multinational firm, Sterling Global Company.

The committee reiterated that the company must strictly adhere to the terms of reference established between the state government and the firm.

This statement was made during a visit by the Akwa Ibom State Labour and Industrial Committee to the communities of Otu Ita, Obianga and Iko Nta, as well as the premises of Sterling Company.

The delegation, led by the committee chairman, Rt. Hon. Essien Nse PhD, expressed disappointment over certain actions by the company, particularly the obstruction of the creek which is critical to the survival of the people of Iko Nta and Obianga communities.

๐€๐ญ ๐Ž๐ญ๐ฎ ๐ˆ๐ญ๐š ๐‚๐ซ๐ž๐ž๐ค:
Rt. Hon. Essien condemned the companyโ€™s decision to block the creek, despite prior directives from the state Governor. “During his last visit, Governor Umo Eno had explicitly instructed that the creek should not be blocked in order to allow access to the communities and also sustain their livelihood.

Regrettably, you have disregarded that directive. I urge you to immediately restore access to these waterways and also provide drinkable water for the benefit of these communities,” Rt. Hon. Essien stated.

The Committee also raised concerns over the companyโ€™s encroachment into areas of the lands not designated for its use, calling for strict compliance with the agreed terms with the State government.

At the palace of the village head of Iko/Nta, Chief Emmanuel Okoro, Prof. Gamaliel Harry, a respected academic speaking on behalf of the community, highlighted local grievances following a guided tour. “We welcomed Sterling Company with open arms when they arrived to invest in our communities. We have lived here for generations and willingly provided land for their operations.

However, they have encroached on areas beyond what was allocated and blocked our only access to the headquarters of Eastern Obolo Local Government and other regions, today, if you want to visit Okorete, you will have to spend as much as eleven thousand naira as against five hundred naira before Sterling blocked access to the sea.

Our ability to fish has been severely hampered by these unlawful actions too,” Prof. Harry explained.

๐ˆ๐ง ๐Ž๐›๐ข๐š๐ง๐ ๐š ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐š๐ ๐ž: The committee inspected an abandoned jetty, which, according to the village head, Chief Humphrey Oyet, has become unusable due to the companyโ€™s blockage of multiple waterways.

Chief Oyet accused Sterling Company of disregarding the rules of engagement, noting that the Governor had previously instructed the firm to keep access routes open during his visit.

“The companyโ€™s closure of these waterways violates the agreement between our communities and Sterling Company,” the traditional ruler added.

In his response, Rt. Hon. Essien assured the community that the Governor remains committed to the welfare of Eastern Obolo people, which is evidenced by his two visits to the local government area to mediate the dispute. Supporting this stance, the State Commissioner for Labour and Manpower, Elder Ikoedem Ekong, reassured the village head and residents that the administration of Governor Umo Eno would not tolerate exploitation by multinational companies.

“The government will resist any attempts to undermine the rights of Eastern Obolo people and the broader Akwa Ibom population,” he affirmed.

The delegation subsequently visited Sterling Companyโ€™s office to meet with its management, where a committee member Hon. Udo Keiran Akpan delivered a stern rebuke over the firmโ€™s encroachment onto unallocated lands.

Industrial Committee Engages Sterling Petrochemicals

Industrial Committee Engages Sterling Petrochemicals

He described their actions as insulting to the Governor of the State. “You have exceeded the boundaries of the land assigned to you. We urge you to fully respect and comply with the terms of reference. Our discussions with community members indicate their dissatisfaction with your conduct.

As part of your corporate social responsibility, we have agreed that you must provide essential amenities such as water, access roads, and other necessities. It is vital that these communities feel content with your presence, and you must align with their conditions,” Hon. Akpan asserted.

The State Committee delegation included the ๐˜š๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜Ž๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฆ, ๐˜š๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ท. ๐˜Œ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ ๐˜๐˜ด๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜จ; ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜Š๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Œ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฏ ๐˜–๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ ๐˜“๐˜ฐ๐˜ค๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜Ž๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜ˆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข, ๐˜™๐˜ต. ๐˜๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ. ๐˜š๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ถ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ ๐˜š๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ถ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ ๐˜•๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฐ๐˜จ๐˜ธ๐˜ถ๐˜ช๐˜ซ๐˜ข๐˜ฉ; ๐˜ข ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜Š๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜Œ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฏ ๐˜–๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ, ๐˜๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ. ๐˜ˆ๐˜ฃ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ฎ ๐˜–๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ; ๐˜ข ๐˜Š๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ, ๐˜”๐˜ณ. ๐˜œ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜œ๐˜ฒ๐˜ถ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜จ; ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜‹๐˜ฆ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ต๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜š๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ท๐˜ช๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ด (๐˜‹๐˜š๐˜š); ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜Š๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜•๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜ข ๐˜œ๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜‘๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ณ๐˜ฏ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ด ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฆ, ๐˜Š๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ˆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด ๐˜Œ๐˜ต๐˜ถ๐˜ฌ. ๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜Ž๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฃ๐˜ข๐˜ญ ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ฎ ๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜ด ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฃ๐˜บ ๐˜”๐˜ข๐˜ซ. ๐˜ˆ๐˜ฌ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ฉ ๐˜š๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข.

Akwa Ibom

Workersโ€™ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

Published

on

By

Akwa Ibom

Workersโ€™ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has announced a support fund of N160 million for Akwa Ibom State Workers.

The Governor also gifted the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kingsley Akpan and the State Chairperson of the Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Kingsley Ekong brand new Cars in commemoration of the day.

The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi who represented the Governor at the event, said it was a commitment by Gov Eno to supporting Akwa Ibom State Workers as their dedication, resilience and productivity have significantly boosted productivity in the stateโ€™s overall development.

She described Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the steady influx of organisations and groups holding meetings in the state to its safety and stability, noting that recent commendations came in yesterday as the Inspector General of Police, Tinju Disu and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sunday Kelvin further underscored the Governmentโ€™s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.

โ€œJust yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.

โ€œ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.โ€

Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administrationโ€™s efforts in maintaining security and empowering youths, stressing that such initiatives had significantly contributed to the calm atmosphere in the state.

She disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to present key issues affecting workers, noting that the Governor promptly constituted a committee to address the concerns within one month.

She also paid tribute to the outgoing NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praising his patriotism and commitment to the growth of the state as she expressed optimism that he would continue to contribute to development even after his tenure.

Eyakenyi announced further that the state government was rewarding Comrade Akpan and Mr. Ekong, with official vehicles to support their work. She reiterated the governmentโ€™s commitment to workerโ€™s welfare, including the payment of gratuities, revealing that about N82 billion had been paid out of over N100 billion.

She added that the government had also provided housing for civil servants through a transparent raffle system and sustained training programmes to enhance manpower development, pledging that workerโ€™s welfare would remain a top priority of the administration.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian, in his tone setting, said May Day remained a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate hardworking employees across both public and private sectors, noting that the state workforce had every reason to celebrate in view of the governmentโ€™s favourable policies.

He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administrationโ€™s vision and mission had been effectively interpreted through various ministries and government offices.

Also, the NLC State Chairperson, Comrade Sunny James, commended the administration of Governor Eno for efforts in promoting workers, and sued for a more speedy process in implementation.

He also appreciated the Governor for paying gratuities till date.

โ€œWe have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,โ€ he said.

James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as โ€œnot an easy oneโ€ noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workersโ€™ interest.

He urged workers to remain committed and united as he bows out honourably in few months.

He further noted that even in moments of disagreement, Governor Eno had consistently demonstrated a willingness to find common ground, resolving issues amicably.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor

In their various solidarity messages, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elise Peter, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge represented by Justice Effiong Effiong, TUC Chairman Mr. Akpan, State Chairperson Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Akpan, commended the Governor for his commitment to workerโ€™s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.

They also acknowledged his administrationโ€™s efforts in promoting workers, mobilising contractors back to sites, and gradually clearing outstanding gratuities, while expressing optimism that the existing cooperation between labour and government would further enhance development and industrial harmony in the state.

Continue Reading

Akwa Ibom

NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

Published

on

By

NAF

NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

A routine flight turned into an unforgettable moment in Nsit Ibom as Nigeria marked Workersโ€™ Day. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) demonstrated its people-focused service during a routine liaison mission within the Niger Delta area.

While en route on the mission, the crew executed a precautionary landing at a primary school football field in Nsit Ibom LGA, in line with standard safety procedures.

The unexpected arrival of the helicopter transformed the quiet community space into a scene of excitement, drawing children and youths from Afaha Abia and Ikot Obio Asanga villages, many witnessing a military helicopter up close for the first time. What began as a routine mission quickly evolved into a meaningful moment of connection and inspiration.

Eereporter.com
Seizing the opportunity, NAF personnel engaged warmly with the young audience, sharing insights into career pathways and emphasizing the values of discipline, service, and patriotism. The interaction ignited hope and aspiration among the youths, with several expressing a desire to join the Service.

NAF

NAF

Seamless coordination between Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army personnel, alongside the warm reception by community leaders, further reinforced the strong bond between the military and the people.

Following necessary aviation procedures, the helicopter safely departed and has since returned to base, leaving behind more than just a story, it sparked hope, pride, and stands as a powerful testament to the Nigerian Air Forceโ€™s enduring commitment to national defence, community engagement, and inspiring the next generation.

Continue Reading

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

Published

on

By

Ibom Air

Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

Today, the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums, once again, in celebration of a milestone achievement with the completion of the international terminal and the commencement of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.

Eereporter.com
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was on ground, and officially declared the airport ready for international operations.

Ibom Air

Ibom Air

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying, “I am indeed proud to be an Akwa Ibomite.”

Details Loading >>>

Continue Reading

Trending