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Akwa Ibom

Umo Eno Honours Wife, Lays Foundation For Ultramodern Secretariat For Pet Project

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Ultramodern Secretariat
Ultramodern Secretariat

Ultramodern Secretariat

Umo Eno honours wife, lays foundation for Ultramodern Secretariat for pet project. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has lauded the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, his daughter, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for furthering the vision and aspirations of his departed wife, Pastor Patience Eno, through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

Governor Eno made the commendation while speaking at the first anniversary celebration of GIFA, at Ibom Hall, Uyo, where he expressed delight with the ingenuity of Lady Obareki, in driving her mother’s dream of enhancing family life, and bringing succour to the less-privileged to reality, despite the demise of its founder and progenitor.

According to the Governor, the event also created opportunity to honour her memory, and celebrate the first posthumous birthday, of the departed First Lady whose 57th birthday marked the launch of GIFA.

“Let me congratulate my dear daughter, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Obareki for stepping up and taking charge of this great Initiative.

“As you have so eloquently reeled out the achievements recorded in the last one year, it is evident that you have ticked the boxes in all the thematic areas and the impact has been deeply felt. Noble Lady, you have done well, and your mother and indeed all of us here are manifestly proud of you,” he said.

Recalling his wife’s humane disposition as a mother hen, who takes care of the needs of others even at the expense of her comfort, the Governor assured that his administration will continue to further her beliefs through inclusion of women in all facets of his administration’s goals, and also, through programmes like the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, ARISE Compassionate Homes, as well as intervention on issues of maternal care and gender-based violence.

He also recalled her persistent appeals for 40 percent of women inclusion in the affairs of government, adding that most of the women who have been appointed to public offices are credits to the intervention of the late First Lady.

Governor Eno thanked the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, for naming their latest antenatal building after the departed First Lady, in recognition of the great affection she had for maternal care.

He also appreciated the immediate past Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Arc. Iniobong Orok, who had earlier named an ICT Centre after her, adding that his administration is also building a Mother and Child Hospital along the medical corridor, to cater for healthcare needs of pregnant mothers and children.

The event which featured the cutting of the anniversary cake, climaxed with the foundation laying ceremony of the building of an ultra- nodern GIFA Secretariat in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.

In her address at the event, Chairman of GIFA’s Board of Trustees and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno Oberaki, appreciated the Governor’s support for the initiative and accorded him the honour of “Pillar of GIFA” which, she said, embodied her departed mother’s vision and passion for uplifting the lives of women, children, elderly and the vulnerable people in society.

She enumerated the strides of GIFA in the past one year to include: school supplies for over 15,000 pupils, free healthcare for women in rural communities, economic empowerment of over 5000 women, and affirmed that the impact of the initiative has been felt tremendously across the various fabrics of the State.

She,therefore, pledged her commitment as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady to building on the legacies of the departed First Lady by continually enhancing the quality of life of vulnerable individuals and families, supporting multiple birth children, engaging zero earners with skills, empowering more women through the Eka Iberedem Hub, amongst others, and solicited the support of individuals, organizations and governments to further the cause of the initiative.

“In retrospect, GIFA has recorded significant strides in just one year. One of the many GIFA projects is in Mbiabong Ikot Udo, a rural community in Ini Local Government Area where we built and handed over a cassava and oil processing factory to a middle-aged father of six, Mr. Benjamin Asuquo Umoren.

Months later, we also identified a cluster of women who patronise that mill and women from other Senatorial Districts involved in palm oil production and related businesses and had since connected them to the Eka Iberedem Hub – a full cycle programme that helps women identify what their hands can produce and market them.

“Going forward, at GIFA, our aim is to ensure that the global development framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), make more meaning to the most vulnerable families in our State. It is on this note that I solicit your partnership and support in ensuring that we meet the target that we have before us.

The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, in her keynote address, paid tribute to the visioner and founder of GIFA, the late Pastor Patience Eno, and commended the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki, for holding forth the vision to sustain the legacy of her late mother.

Establishing a correlation between GIFA and her organization, Mrs. Eyong said GIFA in its eight thematic aspirations which leaves no one behind, aligns with the vision of the UN Women Office which was created to support member states in mitigating gender-based discrimination and its attendant consequences, as well as expanding opportunities for women.

She assured of UN’s support for GIFA as a step towards making the market more accessible for women.

Commended Governor Eno for his remarkable inclusion of women in his administration, Mrs. Eyong decorated the Governor with one of UN Women’s highest honour, the United Nations “He-for-She Ambassador,” in recognition of his strong role in promoting women inclusion in governance and championing pro-women policies.

In their various goodwill messages, the Director- General, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, Dr. Andy Eyo; immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot; Member representing Ukanafun-Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem, and the President- General of Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, all expressed their delight for the strides of GIFA and pledged various levels of support towards its sustenance.

Akwa Ibom

Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

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Akwa Ibom

Workers’ 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 state’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 Government’s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.

“Just yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.

“ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.”

Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administration’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 government’s commitment to worker’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 worker’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 government’s favourable policies.

He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administration’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.

“We have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,” he said.

James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as “not an easy one” noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workers’ 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 worker’s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.

They also acknowledged his administration’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.

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Akwa Ibom

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

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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 Workers’ 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.

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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 Force’s enduring commitment to national defence, community engagement, and inspiring the next generation.

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

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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.

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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.”

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