Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Commends Quality Job Delivery By Contractors At Project Sites

Governor Umo Eno has expressed satisfaction with the quality and timely delivery of jobs by contractors at different project sites in the State.

Fielding questions from Government House Correspondents shortly after his inspection of the projects, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards ensuring that projects are properly monitored and appropriately funded in line with the contract agreement.

He explained that the routine on-the spot inspection avails him the opportunity to carry out critical assessment of key projects, monitor project timeliness, staff welfare, pace and quality of job execution and funding approvals.

“Mine is to make sure that the work is going on, we get our money’s worth, ensure contractors are on site and that they are doing what they are supposed to do.

“This inspection, for me, is to give me an on-the spot assessment, monitor our time lines. Everywhere I went to, I can tell you that I am satisfied at the pace of work, and the quality of work done,” he stated.

The Governor thanked the contractors for their commitment to their jobs, and urged them to keep to timelines and specifications while prioritizing the safety and welfare of staff.

“I belief that the contractors know that we will demand that they do the work according to our specification.

“I am not just checking the work, I also check the staff, to ensure that everything is going on well. So when I get an IPC on my desk, I know exactly what that payment voucher is addressing. All of these works you see me inspect today, I have payment vouchers waiting for me to sign off.

“So, I have to come to see and be sure that they have reached certain levels before we can make the next set of payments.”

Akwa Ibom Governor Eno

Among projects inspected by the Governor were the Aviation Village, Legislators and Executive quarters at Dakkada Luxury Estate, Equipment Leasing Company, and the CNG Bus Terminal.

In the Governors team were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council, and other government functionaries.

Why CSOs Call On World Bank To Stop Financing Factory Farming

The worldwide planned actions aim to spotlight the continued use of public funds to support large-scale industrial livestock production.

More than 30 civil society organisations have called on the World Bank Group to stop financing industrial livestock production and redirect funds to sustainable, small-scale food systems that protect people, animals, and the planet.

This call comes as part of a coordinated global mobilisation across 25 countries during the World Bank and International Finance Corporation Spring Meeting, according to a statement by World Animal Protection on Wednesday.

The worldwide planned actions aim to spotlight the continued use of public funds to support large-scale industrial livestock production, an approach widely linked to climate change, biodiversity loss, public health risks, and growing food insecurity.

Globally, the World Bank Group invested approximately $1.4 billion in industrial livestock production between 2023 and 2024 alone. Its private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation, approved 38 industrial livestock investments worth nearly $2 billion between 2020 and 2025.

“Sub-Saharan Africa is a significant recipient. A 2023 white paper by the Stop Financing Factory Farming Campaign (S3F) revealed that the region received 22 animal agriculture projects of 62 projects across developing regions, valued at approximately $1.395 billion, accounting for 41.9% of the $3.3 billion in total direct support from development finance institutions, including the World Bank Group.

“These figures highlight the region’s share of global financing flows into industrial animal agriculture and raise concerns about the long-term impacts on rural livelihoods, ecosystems, and climate resilience across Africa.

“Despite growing concerns over the environmental and social costs of factory farming, the World Bank Group announced plans to expand its agribusiness portfolio to $9 billion annually by 2030. At the same time, the IFC is undertaking a once-in-a-decade review of its environmental and social Performance Standards, creating a pivotal opportunity to align public finance with climate commitments, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development goals,” the organisation stated.

WAP warned that continued investment in factory farming could undermine traditional African food systems, which are largely based on smallholder farmers who produce the majority of the continent’s food. Instead of strengthening food security, large-scale industrial livestock systems often concentrate wealth in a few individuals, increase environmental degradation, and expose communities to pollution and disease risks.

World Bank

Sally Kahiu, external affairs lead at WAP, said, “Africa’s food future depends on investments that strengthen smallholder farmers, protect ecosystems, and ensure long-term food security. Public funds should not be used to expand factory farming systems that threaten communities, animals, and the environment. We call on the World Bank Group to champion sustainable, locally driven food systems that truly support Africa’s development and resilience.”

Meanwhile, the Stop Financing Factory Farming Campaign continues to urge international financial institutions to adopt transparent policies that phase out funding for industrial livestock operations.

“Public finance should be a force for equitable development, not a driver of environmental harm and social exclusion,” said Opeyemi Elujulo, the executive director of Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network and S3F Youth, Policy, and campaign lead.

Tinubu Government Amends Charge Against Malami, Removes Terrorism Financing Allegation

Terrorism financing allegation. The federal government has amended charges filed against Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and his son Abdulaziz, removing the allegation bordering on terrorism financing.

At the court session on Wednesday, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court about the amendment and applied to substitute the former charge.

The amended charge borders on illegal possession of firearms.

Shaibu Aruwa, counsel to the defendants, confirmed that his clients were served with the amended charge and agreed that the fresh charge be read to the defendants.

Consequently, the amended charge was read to the defendants, to which they pleaded not guilty.

Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding judge, allowed the defendants to continue on the bail terms and conditions granted to them on February 27.

The case has been adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for trial.

In the amended charge, the prosecution alleges that arms and live cartridges were found in Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.

BACKGROUND

Abubakar Malami

Malami and ​​Abdulaziz were first arraigned by the DSS on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The DSS accused Malami of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.

On February 27, the ex-AGF and his son were each granted bail of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.