Umo Eno Advocates Promotion Of Akwa Ibom Dialects, Assures On Inclusive Governance

Umo Eno advocates promotion of Akwa Ibom dialects, Assures On Inclusive governance as Ati Annang inaugurates 6th Executive Council.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has emphasised the need to promote and preserve local dialects, especially, in the face of globalisation and cultural homogenisation.

The Governor stated this on Saturday, at the Annual General Meeting, Official Presentation of the Harmonized Orthography of Anaañ Language Curriculum and Swearing-in of the 6th Executive Council of Ati Annang Foundation, held at the Foundation’s Secretariat in Ikot Ekpene LGA.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno while commending the Ati Annang Foundation for developing a National Educational Research and Development Council-approved Harmonised Orthography of Anaañ Language, Curriculum, and Teachers’ Guide, noted that language plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and values.

He acknowledged Anaañ as one of the most intense languages, blessed with passionate and wise words.

The State Chief Executive encouraged parents to speak their local languages with their children, stressing that it would enhance their mastery of the English language, as well as promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

“Let’s speak our local languages more and let’s proudly speak them with our children to help them relate with the contents of the orthographies. Speaking vernacular doesn’t detract from the mastery of the English Language. Rather, it enhances it.

I believe learning our local languages can promote critical thinking, enhance creativity and imbue people with problems-solving skills”, he noted.

While tasking the new Executive Council of Ati Annang Foundation on unity, Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, through even spread of projects, appointments, and infrastructures to all parts of the state.

“As an administration, we will uphold the principle of inclusive governance by spreading projects, appointments and infrastructures to all parts of the State.

Our One Project Per Local Government Area, road projects and empowerment schemes are carefully conceived and consciously executed in furtherance of this philosophy of reaching all Akwa Ibomites in all parts of the State”, Eno added.

Earlier the Chairman on the Occasion, Paul Usoro, SAN, described the event as an avenue to re-echo the rich cultural heritage of Annang Nation and appreciated guests for finding time to grace the ceremony.

Ati Annang inaugurates 6th Executive Council

On his part, the immediate past President of Ati Annang, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, expressed gratitude to past leaders of the group for their sacrifices towards the growth of the organisation and successful launch of the Harmonised Annañ Language Orthography.

He requested for the state government’s approval for Annañ language to be taught as a subject in primary and secondary schools, beginning from the next academic session.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated International President of the Foundation, Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang, while appreciating members for the confidence reposed in him, promised to work tirelessly with them and explore news ways to reposition the organisation for greatness.

Goodwill messages were received from the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, represented by Hon. Jerry Otu of Ikot Ekpene State Constituency, Chairman of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, Elder Aniekan Akpan, Itai Afe Annang V, HRM Akuku Blaise Awaka Ama, Obong Michael Afangideh, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, DIG Ekpo Udom, amongst others.

Olympics Committees Of Africa (ANOCA) Re-Elects Habu Gumel Rreasurer-General

Olympics committees of Africa (ANOCA) re-elects Habu Gumel treasurer-general. The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has re-elected Habu Gumel as its treasurer-general.

Mr Gumel, who is also President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), emerged unopposed on Saturday at ANOCA’s General Assembly in Algiers, Algeria.
He is currently Nigeria’s only member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

NOC’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Nezianya, said on Sunday that Gumel would serve another four-year term as ANOCA’s treasurer-general.

“This reflects the trust and confidence in his leadership by ANOCA members, mainly presidents of Olympic bodies across Africa,” Mr Nezianya stated.

Also re-elected unopposed was ANOCA President Moustapha Berraf of Algeria, highlighting the organisation’s continued unity and stability.

Olympics Committees Of Africa

The assembly concluded with a special awards ceremony, where Nigeria’s D’Tigress coach, Rena Wakama, was honoured.
Ms Wakama was named ANOCA’s Best African Coach for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Her trophy was received on her behalf by Mr Gumel and presented by National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko.

Uniuyo Theatre Arts Presents ‘Dance Of The Ghosts’, Haunting Commentary On Nigeria’s Social Ills

Uniuyo Theatre Arts presents ‘dance of the ghosts’, haunting commentary on Nigeria’s social ills. The University of Uyo’s (UNIUYO) Theatre Arts Department, recently, presented a thrilling performance of Ben Binebai’s “Dance of the Ghosts,” directed by Sunday Umanah-Tusi.

This impressive performance was a practical component of the Year One course, THA 113 – Practical Orientation Production.

In the thought-provoking play “Dance of the Ghosts,” Ben Binebai crafts a powerful political allegory that reflects the Nigerian state’s struggles with leadership, mistrust, and the pursuit of power. Set in the fictional Ebiogbo Kingdom, the play exposes the harsh realities of a society where many live in fear, poverty, and frustration.

Through the lens of Ebiogbo Kingdom, Binebai shines a light on the disconnect between the people and their leaders, as well as the mistrust and backstabbing that often characterize the pursuit of power.

The play advocates for collective action and protest against irresponsible and autocratic leadership, promoting a message of social change and conflict resolution.

Overall, “Dance of the Ghosts” was a captivating production that left the audience spellbound. With its talented cast, creative team, and eerie atmosphere, this play is a must-see for anyone interested in the supernatural and the unknown.

The production was a masterclass in collaborative storytelling, with a talented team of creatives bringing the world of ghosts to life.

The set design, crafted by Umanah-Tusi, Edikan Samuel, Emmanuel Alexander, and others, transported the audience to a realm beyond the living. Dora Nnanake and Emmah Edet’s costumes added a touch of eeriness to the proceedings, while Katty Otioro and Sylvia’s makeup designs made the ghosts look eerily real.

Uniuyo Theatre Arts

The lighting, designed by Uwem Nesfield, cast an otherworldly glow over the stage, immersing the audience in the world of the ghosts.

The choreography, crafted by Jackyafricana Abasiodiongo Ekomabasi, Precious Ammang, and Queendalyne Effiong, added a dynamic energy to the performance.

The stage management team, led by Blossom, Jeffrey, and Sarah, ensured a seamless transition between scenes, keeping the pace of the play steady.

The playwright, Ben Binebai is a renowned Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory, and Criticism at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amasoma. A prolific writer, Binebai has penned numerous works that showcase his expertise in drama and theatre arts. His play “Dance of the Ghosts” is a testament to his ability to craft thought-provoking stories that reflect the complexities of Nigerian society.