Government Heightens COVID-19 Surveillance In Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance following confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state.

The Akwa Ibom government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance following confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state.

Health commissioner Ekem Emmanuel made this known in a statement in Uyo on Monday.

Mr Emmanuel said Governor Umo Eno directed the ministry to activate heightened surveillance across all entry points, health facilities, and communities to forestall any outbreak.

”Disease surveillance officers and rapid response teams have been placed on red alert to promptly detect and manage any suspected cases. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to public health guidelines.

“Citizens are also advised to observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based sanitisers, and wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed spaces.

“Citizens are also advised to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, refrain from handshakes and physical greetings and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing occur,” he said.

The commissioner urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols. He said the ministry would strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other relevant partners to ensure effective monitoring and coordinated response.

COVID-19

Mr Emmanuel reassured residents that the government was committed to safeguarding public health. The commissioner urged the public to rely solely on verified information from the Ministry of Health and to avoid spreading unverified reports that could cause unnecessary panic.

Mr Emmanuel said an enquiries desk had been set up at the ministry with designated helplines available to assist members of the public.

Stop Name-Dropping, Sell Your Credibility — Eyiboh to Politicians

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, former federal lawmaker, Eseme Eyiboh, has cautioned aspirants against adopting divisive tactics and name-dropping, urging them to embrace issue-based campaigns anchored on credibility and direct voter engagement.
Eyiboh, who represented the Eket/Onna/Esit Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, gave the advice during a media interaction on Monday in Uyo.
Speaking on the evolving political landscape, he warned that invoking the names or influence of powerful political figures—particularly the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio—as a campaign strategy undermines democratic principles and weakens accountability.
“People should stop dropping names. If you claim to be sent by anyone, show the credentials that earned you that endorsement. Democracy demands that you come out, contest, present your profile, and persuade the electorate,” he said.
With early alignments and consultations already underway across party lines, Eyiboh stressed that the 2027 elections must be driven by ideas, competence, and service delivery rather than identity politics or political shortcuts.
He urged aspirants to focus on policies that address the needs of citizens, noting that democracy thrives when voters critically assess candidates and hold leaders accountable.
“Democracy is a project that must be nurtured by the people. Citizens must interrogate leadership and demand accountability,” he added.
Eyiboh, however, threw his support behind the incumbent lawmaker representing his constituency, Okpolupm Etteh, urging constituents to back his re-election based on performance.
According to him, continuity in governance is vital, especially where an office holder has demonstrated competence and delivered tangible results.
“If someone has demonstrated capacity, it is only fair and just to allow them continue. We should always send our best products for legislative duties,” he said.
The former Chairman of the Cross River Basin Development Authority also highlighted the impact of recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, describing them as transformative in strengthening internal party democracy and reducing opportunistic defections.
He noted that the reforms have made it more difficult for politicians to manipulate party structures to secure tickets, stressing that aspirants must now test their popularity through direct primaries and grassroots engagement.
“The Electoral Act amendment is still a game changer. It is no longer business as usual where politicians jump from one party to another to secure tickets,” he explained.
While defending the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, Eyiboh argued that the policy has freed up resources for development, despite short-term economic challenges.
“Fuel subsidy was essentially subsidising the rich. Removing it has freed resources for government at all levels,” he said, urging Nigerians to remain patient as long-term benefits emerge.
Responding to criticism of the current legislature, Eyiboh dismissed claims that the 10th Senate lacks independence. He cited instances where lawmakers exercised oversight, including the rejection of some ministerial nominees and their preference for diplomatic engagement over military action in regional matters.
“That is not a rubber stamp,” he maintained, adding that the Senate under Akpabio has demonstrated stability and institutional maturity, as reflected in repeated votes of confidence passed on the Senate President by his colleagues.
Looking ahead, Eyiboh advocated political continuity at both national and state levels, calling on Akwa Ibom people to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

Ibom Air Gets New Flight Operations Director

Ibom Air has announced the appointment of Capt. Banjana Bailor as its new Director of Flight Operations.

A statement by the group manager, Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette in Uyo on Tuesday, said Bailor brings over 40 years of aviation experience and more than 20,000 flying hours to his new role.

According to the statement, he joins Ibom Air with “a distinguished career spanning line flying, flight crew training, and operational management.

“His expertise includes airline operations, safety management systems, and pilot leadership, positioning him as a key asset in the airline’s continued pursuit of operational excellence.”

Prior to his appointment, Bailor served in senior operational roles where he played a pivotal role in developing flight crew standards, enhancing safety culture, and implementing procedures aligned with global best practices.

“His wealth of experience, technical competence and unwavering commitment to safety makes him the ideal fit to lead our flight operations as we continue to expand our network and uphold our reputation for scheduled reliability. We look forward to the impact he will bring to the team.”

The statement added that Bailor holds an Airline Transport Pilot License and has extensive operational experience on a wide range of aircraft, including the BAC 1-11 turbojet, DC-9, Saab SF-340 turboprop, CL-65 (CRJ-200 to CRJ-900), and the Boeing 737 NG. He is also an FAA-licensed Airplane and Powerplant-rated Mechanic.

Ibom Air

He is an alumnus of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Technical College (NCAT), Zaria, and the Texas State Technical College, Waco, Texas, USA, where he earned an Associate degree in Applied Sciences with a major in Aircraft Maintenance Technology.

“With this appointment, Ibom Air continues to strengthen its leadership team, reaffirming its commitment to be a world-class African Regional Airline”, the statement added.