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Umo Eno Reassures Full Actualization Of Arise Agenda With Time Limits

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Umo Eno

Umo Eno Reassures Full Actualization Of Arise Agenda With Time Limits

Umo Eno reassures full actualization of Arise Agenda with time limits. “I envision a vibrant, inclusive, and highly industrialized economy for this State, using highly developed human and material resources. In the past one month, we have engaged and played host to some investors across sectors who are desirous of investing in our State” – Governor Umo Eno during launch of Arise Agenda, July 22, 2023.

The title of this article was inspired by the recent courtesy visit of two corporate investors to Governor Umo Eno, events which were both held at the Government House, Uyo. First was the visit by the Board and Management of Seplat Group, following its successful acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (“MPNU”).

The second was that of Lekoil Ltd on January 21, 2025, also at the Government House. Lump their aggregate interests together, optimists and those with foresight would agree that they point to the sectoral and progressive transformation of Akwa Ibom State in line with the Arise Agenda of His Excellency’s compass for the transformation of Akwa Ibom State.

I recall with relish that at the official launch of the Arise Agenda and unveiling of its logo at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, on July 22, 2023, His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, had pointed to what is happening today with the visit to the State by the aforementioned corporate bodies, besides others.

The superscription to this piece was crafted from the governor’s speech at the launch of Arise Agenda, wherein he saw the Arise Agenda as a visionary blueprint targeted at propelling multifaceted socioeconomic growth and development of the State. Dr. Uduak Inam, Economic Adviser to the Governor, whom the governor described as the architect of the Arise apparatus, had said the Arise Agenda is a flagship document and compass that “will drive development efforts of the present administration”.

So the said visits by the two companies were heralds of the fulfilment of the Arise dreams.

SEPLAT Energy Plc, Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil and gas producer, was led on the visit by its Board Chairman , Senator Udo Udoma. He had represented Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the Senate from 1999 to 2007. On behalf of SEPLAT, Sen. Udoma expressed its continued commitment to partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government for sustainable development.

The Seplat delegation used the occasion to formally brief the Governor on the recent completion of the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited by Seplat Energy Offshore Limited, explaining that the entity will henceforth be known and addressed as Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), retaining all assets and liabilities of the previous company.

As it mattered to Akwa Ibom State and the Arise Agenda specifically, the Chairman further outlined the company’s objective of significantly contributing to meeting Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas aspirations while leveraging the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State.

According to Udoma, key areas to actualizing this shall include its commitment to sustainable operations and unbroken collaboration with the state government and communities to ensure long-term mutual benefits to all parties.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to engage with the Akwa Ibom State Government and present our vision for a collaborative future. Our commitment is not only to the growth of our operations but also to the well-being and prosperity of the communities where we operate.

We are confident that through strong partnerships and shared goals, we can bring significant economic and social benefits to the country, state and our communities”, Udoma stated.

Governor Umo Eno welcomed the SEPNU team which also included the Group Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown and the Managing Director of Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Oladotun Isiaka.

He assured the team of the state government’s unwavering support and continued commitment to creating an enabling environment for the company’s operations.

He emphasized that the government under his leadership is people-centric, pragmatic, inclusive and foreward-looking and was ever ready to support initiatives that will benefit the people of the State.

Other members of the SEPNU delegation were Director, External affairs; Mrs Chioma Afe, GM, Corporate services, Mrs Emo Udobong-Ntia, GM, Public and Government Affairs, Mr. Oge Udeagha, and Government Relations Lead QIT, Mr. Esumo Effiong.

Whereas the host had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, and the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN and others.

It was indeed a week of consolidation of vision and preview of the developmental blueprints of the State government and its partners. Following SEPNU visit was that of Lekoil.

It was led by the Chief Executive Officer of Lekoil, Lekan Akinyanmi. With him were the GM Operations, Matthias Akhideno; GM Legal, Gloria Iroegbunam; GM Government Relationship and Communications, Hamilton Esi; Head of C & P, Unwana Etuk, and Godwin Okeke, GM SHES & SCD.

It was no coincidence that Lekoil’s vision was in line with that of the Arise Agenda. Arise Agenda is all-embracing.

Akinyanmi noted that the visit was to formally introduce the company to the Governor, and to make him aware of its investment interest in the State.

Lekoil, according to him, is an African focused oil and gas exploration and production company, a portfolio company of Cambridge Growth Partners which also has OakGold, Cambridge LNG, Cambridge Energy, Cambridge Harvest, CGP-1 Fund, and Blink Studios. He hinted that the company has a good development master plan that also captures its Corporate Social Responsibility, namely, the development of the host community along side its investment.

On his part, Governor Eno appreciated Lekoil for its choice of investment in Akwa Ibom State, assuring them of his government’s open arms to investors.

He assured them that the State is prepared to support the Company in all conceivable ways, with the hope that its investment will help in the development of the State through generation of employment opportunities.

Most importantly, the governor said the State will be interested in one of the subsidiaries of Cambridge Growth partners, the Cambridge Harvest, whose interest is in sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Agriculture is a critical part of the ARISE Agenda. The attention of both Companies was drawn to the State’s employment portal which contains details of unemployed youths, where they can source the needed manpower whenever the need arises.

Arise Agenda

Arise Agenda

With the Governor were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, Permanent Secretary Government House, Mr. Godwin Udoh and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.

SEPNU and Lekoil are two among many who either had indicated interest to invest in the State or had already found their haven in the State, considering the State’s natural and human endowments.

These, put together, point to the harvest of opportunities for growth and development that awaits the State, a vindication of the Arise Agenda. Indeed, it’s a matter of time Akwa Ibom shall actualize its potential with the ARISE Agenda!

Hilary Sunday Owowo writes from Uboro-Isong-Inyang, in Udunguko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom

Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas

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Umo Eno

Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas

Umo Eno is committed to blue economy, maritime development: Oil , Gas . Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals have been assured of the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials of the blue economy and the extensive maritime development.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reiterated the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials when he hosted members of the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals to a courtesy call in his office on Thursday, March 13.

He said the recent commissioning of the Surge Protections project and development of Surge lines in Oron, was a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to maritime development, emphasising that the action would bring greater focus on maritime transport and recreation in the area.

Highlighting the significance of the Ibom Deep Seaport, which he described as a foundation for future development, Comrade Ememobong acknowledged the importance of a collaboration between the Ministry and the maritime oil and gas professionals and assured them of his readiness to work together with them, in order to drive growth and development in the maritime sector so as to achieve the long-term objectives of the state in the maritime sector.

The Commissioner stated that the industrial city envisioned by the Governor aims to build indigenous capacity and ensure local participation in its development, saying, “This is where the local content law comes into play, requiring that a certain percentage of the project’s workforce, services, and materials be sourced locally.”

“To activate this law, however, there needs to be available capacity among local individuals and businesses.

This is why His Excellency has prioritised capacity procurement, which ensures that the necessary skills and resources are in place before project execution begins. By doing so, the government can guarantee that local communities are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the industrial city’s development,” he emphasised.

Comrade Ememobong seized the occasion to commend the technical committee, led by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, in driving the Ibom Deep Seaport project forward, saying the committee is ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to turn the vision of the Ibom Deep Seaport into a reality.

Earlier, while addressing the Commissioner, the leader of the delegation and Secretary General Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, Captain Sunday Umoren, expressed his team’s enthusiasm in supporting the development of Akwa Ibom State’s maritime sector.

As indigenes of the state, with expertise in various sectors of the maritime cluster, they seek to give back by investing in human capacity building, in view of the upcoming Ibom Deep Seaport.

Umo Eno

Umo Eno

“We are here to render our services to you; we will respect your support in planning because the deep seaport is coming: the port is just a notch, but there are other aspects to port development, which if we don’t position ourselves very well, we may end up having a deep seaport in Akwa Ibom but not making the best out of it.” He said.

Other members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project and Director of Project, Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Akaninyene Ekong; Former District Surveyor NIMASA, Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; and Project Lead, Shell UK, Adjunct Professor John Moores University, UK, Prof Maurice Asuquo.

Also on the team were the Chief Engineer, Jad Construction limited, Warri, Engr. Iniobong Ebong; Marine Pilot, Nigerian Ports Authority, Bonny/Port Harcourt Pilotage District, Rivers Port Complex, Nkopuyo Abraham.

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Akwa Ibom

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

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Uniuyo Theatre Arts

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

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.

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Akwa Ibom

Umo Eno Commissions Model school In Oron, Charges Shool Heads On Maintwnance Culture

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Umo Eno Commissions

Umo Eno Commissions Model school In Oron, Charges Shool Heads On Maintwnance Culture

Umo Eno commissions model school in Oron, charges shool heads on maintwnance culture and directs head teachers to live in school

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged heads of schools and other institutions to ensure preservation of government infrastructures within their custody and to ensure that the intended benefits of government investments in the sector are delivered to the targeted beneficiaries.

He also tasked headmasters and headmistresses of model primary schools built across the State to utilize the live-in facilities to enhance their care for the pupils, and protection of the facilities in line with the aspirations of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Model Primary School, Uko-Oyukim in Oron Local Government Area, Governor Eno said a special education monitoring team was about to be activated to monitor the model schools, warning that any headteacher found not living on campus or whose school facilities are not well managed would be replaced.

He, therefore, tasked the Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure & Assets Management and Maintenance Agency to step up their vigilance over the educational facilities, adding that he was willing to bring to bear his private business experience as a hotelier, where he would work round the clock to ensure every guest enjoys utmost comfort, to make Akwa Ibom children receive the best from government investment in the education sector.

“Very soon, we are setting up education monitoring teams, and the team will help us ensure that all of these facilities are intact. They will monitor all these schools we are opening, from the washroom to the classrooms, all the facilities, the curriculum and of the work they are doing.

“The Headmasters or Headmistresses will also ensure that non of these facilities are destroyed. We must continue to maintain the standard. I am setting up a Governor’s Monitoring team, but they will work with the Honourable Commissioners to ensure that they give us the right information.

“If we come to your school, particularly our schools that are remodelled, and we find out that the standards are dropping, we will change the head Master or Mistress immediately.

If we come to the school and discover that you are not living on the school compound, we will send you back somewhere else.

“We can not use your money to put this edifice in place, only for it to go down in few months,” the Governor stated.

Speaking on behalf of Oron stakeholders, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described the emergence of Governor Umo Eno as God’s blessing to Akwa Ibom State and particularly thanked the Governor for accepting to be used to extend God’s love to Oron people.

According to Senator Eyakenyi, Governor Umo Eno’s value for education which fueled his drive to pursue and obtain a PhD has been demonstrated in his identification of primary education as being fundamentally imperative and therefore investing in giving Akwa Ibom children a good start up.

Umo Eno Commissions

Umo Eno Commissions

 

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, presenting an overview of the project, commended Governor Umo Eno’s model primary school initiative, maintaining that such underscores his administration’s dedication to transforming the educational landscape thereby fostering academic excellence and social development.

He said the Uko-Oyukim Model Primary School, designed to accommodate 495 pupils in 19 fully furnished classrooms on a 25:1 pupils to teacher ratio, was fully equipped with library, early childcare development facilities, solar-powered ICT laboratory, modern sick bay, spacious auditorium, dedicated staff quarters, seperate gender-specific sanitary facilities, with comprehensive human kinetic facilities that enhances education and sports development.

Pupils of the school, little Miss Happiness Antai and Master Godwin Asuquo, conveyed the feelings of the school community through a special address and a ballad which expressed the gratitude of the pupils, teachers and their parents to the Governor for the kind gesture he has extended to them through the state-of-the-art facilities.

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