Ibomvibes Tv

15/12/2023

Mercy Chinwo and Moses Bliss arrived Victor Atta international airport for the Akwa Ibom State Christmas carol.

14/12/2023

PRESS RELEASE

13/12/2023

Historical tourist in Akwa Ibom

13/12/2023

12/12/2023

Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, today host the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokum, PhD, NPM who paid a courtesy call on him at Government House, Uyo.

12/12/2023

FROM THE COURTROOM TONIGHT

Akwa Ibom State High Court sentences middle aged man, Enobong Daniel Hezekiel to death by hanging for killing his brother, Enefiok Robert Charles over two bunches of palm fruits in Ikot Essen Akpan Ntuen, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the State.

c Harrison Essien

11/12/2023

Ika Christmas carol.

10/12/2023

Governor Umo Eno and others celebrate with senator Godswill Obot Akpabio on his 61st birthday yesterday.

08/12/2023

BEING THE SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE, AT THE FORMAL DELIVERY OF THE FIRST OF THE TEN BRAND NEW AIRBUS- A-220-300 SERIES, AT VICTOR ATTAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, UYO, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

PROTOCOL

1. We are gathered here today, to celebrate vision and a passion for professionalism and effective service delivery.

2. It was a little over four years ago, that we had gathered at this same location, to witness the commencement of commercial operations for Ibom Air.

3. At that time, the airline, had two CRJ 900 Bombardier aircrafts in its fleet. Less than a year after it started operations, three additional CRJ 900 Bombardier aircrafts were added to its fleet, bringing it to five.

4. A year later, the airline further expanded its fleet with the addition of two brand new A220-300 Airbus series, the first of its kind in Nigerian aviation industry, bringing the total fleet to seven.

5. In the course of this period, Ibom Air became the toast of air travelers across Nigeria and a most preferred airline in the country, illuminating and defining the Nigerian airspace with the bright colors of our dear State.

6. At the Dubai Airshow in November 2021, the State Government, led by the visioner of this project and my worthy predecessor, the immediate past Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, signed a contract for the purchase of ten brand new Airbus - A200-300 series. Today, ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here to welcome to the fleet of Ibom Air, the first of those ten Airbuses we had ordered.

7. Let me use this opportunity to thank our past leaders for the various works they did, to move our dear state from its humble beginnings 36 years ago, at its creation to today, where we are easily ranked as a subnational with easily the best road network and other infrastructural amenities in the nation.

8. Let me particularly celebrate and thank my worthy predecessor for his vision in conceptualizing and breathing life into this pride of Akwa Ibom and pride of Nigeria in the aviation industry, Ibom Air. When this idea was first announced, the usual naysayers had dismissed it as a flash of wishful thinking. But as he always would say: The answer to doubters is success that shocks and confounds. Today, Ibom Air is the leading brand in the Nigerian aviation industry, a mere four years plus after it started commercial operations.

9. Let me at this time, salute the management and staff of this airline for the professionalism and great service delivery it has brought to bear in its operations.

10. Even though this airline is owned 100 percent by the State Government, we have allowed the management to run its operations as a purely private concern and the result, has been the spectacular and phenomenal growth it has recorded so far.

11. In under five years, Ibom Air has expanded its routes to major cities in Nigeria and recently started its commercial operations to Accra, Ghana. Plans are afoot to expand the routes into the East, Central and South African regions.

12. My administration is dedicated to supporting the giant strides the airline has made. We have kept faith with all previous financial obligations entered into, with Airbus, by the immediate past administration and the result of that, is the event we are witnessing today. Government is a continuum. 1st Corinthians chapter 3: 6, captures this critical element of continuity succinctly and I quote from King James Version “ I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”. We, will in our way, provide the increase. Since we came on board, we have provided the funds for the training of pilots and the deepening of the already first- class Cabin services of the airline.

13. We have done extensive work on the Airside perimeter fencing of the airport, and the continuous funding of the 8.5 km Airside patrol road, which is now ready for commissioning. We have equally continued the funding of the parallel Taxiway Rapid Exit, the Apron Construction, International Terminal Building, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul ( MRO) facility, the VIP Car Park, Access Road into the Terminal Building and the underground drain alongside the CCTV Control and Command Center.

14. Ibom Air was one of the first places I visited shortly after I was sworn in, and I had assured the management of the commitment of my administration to see to the expansion and growth of the airline. I have also, flown Ibom Air, as its Chief Marketing Officer, and what an exciting and pleasurable moment it was! To the Chief Executive Officer, our dear Captain Mfon Udom, please be kind enough to extend me an invitation to be a part of the inaugural flight on this beautiful aircraft. I will pay for myself and those to accompany me.

16. I want to commend and salute the Honorable Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, who had assured me, during my recent courtesy call on him, of his willingness to partner with us. I thank you, Sir for your kind assurances .

17. Let me again thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for being a great father of the nation, and for engendering a spirit of bipartisan in our political engagements.

18. Let me also thank the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio , CON, for his support in moving our State forward. Let me also commend and salute the father of modern Akwa Ibom State, Arc (Obong)Victor Attah, whom this airport is appropriately named after, for being the one who started the construction of this airport and mooted the idea for the construction of the MRO. We certainly have been very blessed with great and visionary leaders! I am dedicated to expanding and enlarging, the great works these leaders had started, by the grace of God.

19. To the management and staff of Ibom Air, a great job done, means more work to be done. We have no doubt you will keep rising to the occasion and exceed expectations. Congratulations Ibom Air, congratulations Akwa Ibom State and congratulations Nigeria.!
God bless us all

08/12/2023

Etinan Local government area of Akwa Ibom State cultural display at Christmas village yesterday.

07/12/2023

BEING THE SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE, AT THE INAUGURATION OF NEWLY APPOINTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL TRANSITION CHAIRMEN, VICE CHAIRMEN AND COUNCIL SECRETARIES, BANQUET HALL, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UYO, DECEMBER 7TH, 2023.

PROTOCOL

1. Let me first and foremost congratulate the newly sworn in Transition Chairmen of the Local Government Areas, the Vice Chairmen and Council Secretaries respectively. You have been selected and given this great responsibility because of grace, not because you are the most qualified. I therefore, expect you to work harmoniously with your stakeholders and everyone else to advance our agenda of growth and prosperity of our people.

2. To the returning Council Chairmen, this is an affirmation and testament of the good work you did, in the last three years and we expect nothing less from you, during this Transition period.

3. Let me specifically thank the Speaker and indeed the entire Members of the House of Assembly for the expeditious manner they approved our request to constitute Interim Administration in the Local Government Areas.

4. As you all know, by virtue of Section 5 (1) of the Local Government (Administration) Law, 2017, the term of the Local Council Chairmen expired at twelve midnight yesterday and therefore, stands dissolved. There can’t be vacuum in governance at any level, and the House, relying on Section 5 (2) of the same Local Government (Administrative ) Law, 2017, passed a resolution authorizing the setting up of the Transition Council we have just sworn in for six months. We thank the Speaker and the House for this great collaboration and for selflessly doing the work for which we were roundly and overwhelmingly voted into office to execute.

5. Let me state here that we have made provisions in the 2024 Budget for the conduct of Local Government Election, after the expiration of the current Transition period.

6. The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), has already commenced the process that would lead to the announcement of the date for election of new Chairmen of Local Government Councils.

7. Now back to the newly sworn -in Council Chairmen, I expect you to partner with us. You must, in the course of your stay in office, execute at least one laudable project that will touch and impact the lives of the people of your respective council areas.

8. My Monitoring and Evaluation Team will be on ground to ensure that, this is done. We are determined and dedicated to ensuring that we bring development to our people, especially in the rural areas, in line with the Arise Agenda. You are the Chief Security Officer in your respective Councils, you must ensure that you maintain peace and create harmonious relationship with your people.

9. Let me state very clearly that you must reside in your respective Local Government Areas. You cannot administer your councils from another location. According to Section 78 of Akwa Local Government (Administration) Law 2017; “The principal Officers of the Local Government shall reside in their respective Local Government Councils. A contravention of this section shall be deemed to be a misconduct and as such an indictable offense.” The definition of the Principal Officers is further explained in Section 83 of the same law. I encourage you all to get familiar with these sections.

10. In addition, I want to emphasize emphatically that zoning must and will be maintained. I encourage and expect this, to be followed to the letter. If zoning does not favour you, please do not waste your time or resources to pursue an office; you will not get it.

11. Let me use this opportunity, to again thank the 354, 348 people of Akwa Ibom State who voted overwhelmingly to elect me as the Governor of this great State. Your vote was not just for me alone, it was for good governance, for continuity, growth and progress of our people. On this, I pledge my passionate dedication to ensuring that the confidence and faith you reposed in me will be maintained, in line with our ARISE Economic Blueprint.

12. Let me again enjoin our people to be less individualistic and be more community-minded in their engagements. Any leader who does not carry their people along, or is seen to be selfish will be by-passed for the interest of the common good. We must let our people feel the effect of governance.

13. Since I came in, I have led a government where people are carried along, where we feel the pulse of the people. Today, a mere seven months down the road, we have appointed Personal Assistants in all the wards, we have equally appointed several Aides, Honorary Special Advisers. More will come.

14. Mathew 20: 1-16, The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard captures my approach in this matter. Some were appointed in the morning, afternoon and some in the evening, even one hour to the close of work, and they still got the same rewards. So I enjoin those who may not yet have been appointed to exercise patience and stay committed.

15. Once again, I congratulate you all. Let’s go to work and galvanize our people to Arise and collectively usher in the Golden Era of our progress, growth and development.

16. God bless us all!

30/11/2023

JUST IN :

Governor Umo Eno placed suspension on Uyo High School teacher for extortion of money from SS1 student, amidst free and compulsory.

30/11/2023

Christmas unplugged Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

27/11/2023

LIVE FROM THE SUPREME COURT

Any moment from now, the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs is expected to swell, when the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola swear in 58 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

The country will then have a total of 681 Senior Advocates since the rank was first introduced in 1975.

Of the 58 candidates, only one is an academic and the lone successful applicant is Prof. Babatunde Oni of the University of Lagos.

The only one from Akwa Ibom State is Barrister Emmanuel Moses Enoidem, whose entry will now increase the number of Senior Advocates of Nigeria from Akwa Ibom State to 14.

Barrister Enoidem has 34 years of experience in the legal profession, 10 of which, he spent as a lecturer at the University of Uyo, where he taught Labour Law, Law of Contract, Law of Evidence, Commercial Law, Administrative Law and Criminal Law.

He has produced several lawyers, magistrates and judges, including the former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe and immediate past House of Representatives member for Etinan Federal Constituency, Barrister Onofiok Luke.

In politics, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem had served as Chairman, Etim Ekpo Local Government; State Treasurer of the ruling PDP and National Legal Adviser of the party.

He became the first Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal in Akwa Ibom State, with the remodelling of Uyo and other key infrastructure, such as the Governor’s Lodge, Governor’s Office and the Banquet Hall of the Government House, as some testimonies of the accomplishments of that Ministry, under his watch.

Barrister Enoidem also supervised other legacy projects including the Victor Attah International Airport and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, when he was redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties.

“Chemical” is he is fondly called, possesses the magic wand to turn things around. As a loyal party man, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem has been an asset to PDP led administration in Akwa Ibom State since its inception in 1999, contributing to the party’s fortunes and electoral victories.

Enoidem is kind and humble, but tough due to his love and passion for excellence service delivery. He cannot watch anyone suffer when he is in a position to help. In his community, he is a rallying point, a good friend, a problem solver and an embodiment of loyalty in thick and thin.

Barrister Enoidem is a silent achiever who has been consistent in the economic empowerment of his people; providing scholarships to indigent students, building houses for the downtrodden and buying cars for the youths.

The 59 year-old native of Utu Ikot Eboro in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, will after his swearing in join his learned brothers in enjoying the privilege of sitting in the “Inner Bar” the front row of seats in Court and have their cases called first, or whenever they step into the Court.

c Harrison Essien

26/11/2023

Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and his brother, Prince Ukpong Akpabio at the traditional marriage of Ekemini, daughter of Mr. Isong Akpabio.In Ukana, Essien Udim Local government of Akwa Ibom State.

26/11/2023

Wasn't Easy But God Did! Beautiful nollywood actress Nuella Njubigbo shows off her newly born baby boy

23/11/2023

I led some Female Stakeholders in Uyo Senatorial District to the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council Secretariat for an empowerment programme for mothers of multiple birth children in the nine Local Government Areas that make up the senatorial District.

During the programme which coincided with the birthday of the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Ime Udousoro Inyang, the mothers of 15 set of triplets and 32 set of twins, received cash and packs of accessories for the mothers and their children to cushion the effects of the harsh economy.

We sang a birthday song for His Royal majesty who informed us of his efforts to build an orphanage in the ar

23/11/2023

Popular Port harcourt man, Fregene Akpan shot dead by unknown men at Rumukalagbor, Port Harcourt.

According to a source, Fregene was coming back from watching a football game and unknown to him, he was being followed. He was reportedly sh0t twice on the neck at a close range.

Mr Fregene Akpan hails from Akwa Ibom state but schooled and resides in Port Harcourt.

22/11/2023

Akwa ibom state Governor Pastor Umo Eno begins distribution of 100 million Education trust funds to people with disability in Akwa Ibom State.

22/11/2023

Pastor Umo Eno at the presentation of 2024 budget, yesterday at Akwa ibom state House of Assembly, Uyo.

17/11/2023

Akwa ibom Christmas carol.

17/11/2023

His Excellency Governor Umo Eno.

05/10/2023

PRESS RELEASE

GOVERNOR UMO ENO SALUTES TEACHERS ON 2023 WORLD TEACHERS DAY

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has sent his goodwill message to teachers in Akwa Ibom State on the occasion of the 2023 World Teachers’ Day.

In his message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Umo Eno celebrated teachers for “the foundation, both in learning and morality that you, our treasured teachers have laid and are still laying for our children.

“We salute you for your sacrifice, passion and patience in molding our future leaders. That’s the reason we have taken your welfare and wellbeing very seriously. To date, we have released over 3 billion Naira to pay gratuities especially to retired primary school teachers.

“We are constructing model public primary schools with adequate provisions for teachers to reside within the premises as was the case in the past.

“Education is a critical pillar in the ARISE Agenda and we remain committed to ensuring that we raise great and knowledgeable leaders of tomorrow, who would compete with their peers anywhere in the world.

“As teachers, you are the catalysts in ensuring the realization of this laudable vision. We salute you as you mark World Teachers’ Day today.

29/09/2023

BEING THE REMARKS OF H.E. PASTOR UMO ENO, GOVERNOR, AKWA IBOM STATE AFTER THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL DECLARED HIM DULY ELECTED- SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2023.

My Fellow Akwaibomites,

Today, the Elections Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following the earlier dismissal of the petitions brought by the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Governorship Candidate, John James Akpanudoedeghe, Architect Ezekiel Nya Etok, of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Akpan Jeremiah of the Action Alliance, Emem Coffie of the Accord Party, Obong Akan Udofia of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) and today, Distinguished Senator, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan, of the Young Progressive Party, (YPP) again unanimously affirmed my victory as the duly elected Governor of our great State.

I dedicate this victory to you, the people of Akwa Ibom State, who on March 18th, 2023, came out and massively voted for me to usher in the Golden Era in continuation of the giant strides we have experienced in this State, 36 years after creation.

Let me use this opportunity to thank and celebrate the Nigerian judiciary for the patriotic job they are doing to safeguard and consolidate our democracy. My faith in this critical institution remains rock-solid.

As I have always said, politics is over, its time for governance. I call on my brothers, Distinguished Senator John Akpanudoedeghe, Architect Ezekiel Nya-Etok, Obong Akanimo Udofia, Emem Coffie, Akpan Jeremiah and Distinguished Senator Obong Bassey Albert to join me in building a State, founded on shared aspirations for growth, development, unity and brotherhood.

I may have been elected on the platform of the PDP, but I am a Governor for all Akwaibomites, irrespective of political labels. That’s what I promised to do, when I put my hands on the Bible on May 29th, 2023 and took my Oath of Office.

I urge all Akwaibomites, to keep faith in God who is leading us aright as our State will soon witness a litany of projects across the thirty one Local Government Areas, thus providing jobs for our youths

Let us therefore, ARISE, and together, usher in the Golden Era for us all!

God bless Akwa Ibom State, God bless our Judiciary and God bless our dear Nation, Nigeria.

28/09/2023

Photos: Senate screens Emem Usoro for position of Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).She hails from Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Ibomvibes Tv

28/09/2023

Breaking News:

The Akwa Ibom Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Uyo, has dismissed a petition by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Akanimo Udofia, against Governor Umo Eno. In a unanimous judgment, the Tribunal described the petition as frivolous and lacking in merit.

28/09/2023

Governor Umo Eno celebrate with the Muslim people on their Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

On

25/09/2023

Press release.

25/09/2023

BREAKING

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio today joined in the celebration of Akwa Ibom @ 36. He graced the occasion together with other dignitaries.

23/09/2023

Being text of a broadcast speech by His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State, during the 36th anniversary of the State’s creation on September 23, 2023.

My Fellow Akwa Ibomites

1. My wife, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno and I send our hearty congratulations to you all on the occasion of the 36th Anniversary of the creation of our dear State, the Land of Promise, Akwa Ibom State.

2. It was exactly 36 years ago, today, that God hearkened to the prayers of our forebears with the creation of this great Land of Promise that was fittingly named after Him.

3. 36 years later, it has been a story of God’s awesome grace, of stupendous lifting up even when there was a casting down. Today, the State that, upon her creation, thirty six years ago, was a dusty rural backwater, where the roads were narrow and at most looked like bush tracks, now enjoys the enviable position of being the sub national with possibly the best road network in the nation.

4. Today, a mere 36 years after her creation, the capital City of Uyo which was a dusty provincial headquarters with homes that composed of some smattering of thatched houses, boasts of some of the most elegant estates with beautiful homes you will find anywhere in the world.

5. Today, 36 years later, our children are smashing records, our reading culture has been ignited, with the recent Guinness World Record attempt by one of our great sons, John Obot for the longest hours spent reading aloud. Life expectancy has improved considerably, because of the improvements in Primary and Secondary, even quaternary healthcare facilities.

6. Today, our State, has become the destination of choice for conferences, seminars and other national events, with thriving social and creative life. Thanks to our hospitable nature, peace and tranquility we enjoy, our rich cuisines which earlier this year, gained further national and international acclaim with the exploits of our daughter, Hilda Baci, who won the Guinness World Record for the longest hours of cooking by an individual, our State is attracting visitors in thousands with most deciding to live and work here.

7. Our State, 36 years later, is the only sub national with a thriving commercial airline, Ibom Air, that has become the nation’s most preferred airline, thus cementing our position as both a tourism magnet and a destination for investors.

8. Fellow Akwa Ibomites, you will agree with me, that in 36 years, we have made giant leaps in every sector of the human experience. We give God the glory for the leadership He has blessed us with, leaders who came with such ferocious appetite to develop, lift and ensure sustainable development for our people.

9. Permit me at this point to pay our glowing tributes to the man whom God used to give us this priceless Land of Promise, our revered former President, Ibrahim Badamasi Bagangida. Thank you Sir, for this gift and on behalf of the ever grateful people of Akwa Ibom State, we wish you continuous good health and God’s immeasurable blessings.
10. Let me also thank all the past Governors of this State, from the Military era, led by our first military Governor, Brigadier General Tunde Ogbeha (rtd), Major General Godwin Abbe (rtd), Late Air Commodore (Otuekong) Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), Late Obong Akpan Isemin, Colonel Yakubu Bako (rtd), Late Navy Captain Joseph Adeusi, (rtd), Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd). to the father of modern Akwa Ibom State, (Arc.) Obong Victor Attah, who laid the foundation for the growth and development we are currently experiencing. To the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, for the fervor and hunger for physical development of our state he exhibited in the course of his eight year tenure,

11. Particular mention must be made of my political father, the immediate past Governor of this State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, who saw in me what others may not have seen, and through the will of God and his faith in my capacity, competence, character, Christian values and your overwhelming and unassailable support at the polls, I am today, addressing you as the Governor of this State.

12. Today, because of his passionate dedication to the advancement of our infrastructure, Akwa Ibom State, has about the best road network in the nation, and the best commercial airline in the nation, Ibom Air.

13. It is because of the performance of our past leaders that I am daily being motivated to continue from where they had stopped.
It has been a little over 100 days since I was sworn in as your Governor. Today, my fellow Akwa Ibomites, I can say that we have hit the ground running and God has been an ever- present Guide as we work to translate our vision into practical, measurable and impactful forms.

14. While you elected me for the first four years, with the hopes of gaining your trust for a continuous journey of our shared prosperity, as I stated in my message to mark the 100 Days, the ship of our State is anchored and moored on a solid shoreline, the energy is over- charged, the vision is clear and distinct, the hands on the Ship of State is firm and the gaze for what lies ahead is focused and unwavering. �I remain deeply committed to ushering in a vibrant, inclusive, diversified and highly industrialized economy through the use of highly developed human and material resources. As such, the achievement of the 8 goals of my Blueprint for Economic Consolidation and Expansion remains a daily priority. Besides, my 8 goals are in sync with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nation's 2023 Agenda for development. Therefore, achieving these goals will translate into achieving the SGDs in Akwa Ibom State.

15. The ARISE Agenda, which is the flagship programme of my administration is still being used to deploy sector-wide strategies and actions within the purview of our 5-group aspiration. I am unapologetically committed to prioritizing Agricultural Revolution, Tourism Development, Environmental Management, Rural Development, Women and Youth Empowerment, Infrastructural Maintenance, Security, Education,Health Management, Economic, Industrial and Social Advancement.

16. Our key focus is on rural development which aligns with the United Nation's SDG 5 on improved standard of living. This is so, because our past leaders, followed the approach that mature democracies have adopted, which is to provide enduring and solid infrastructure especially road network and other hard infrastructure so the succeeding administrations can deploy resources to develop and improve the standard of living of the people in the hinterlands.

17. This is exactly what we are determined to do. The key elements of the ARISE Agenda is to open up our rural areas, provide access roads, ignite agricultural revolution and reduce the push and desire for people to migrate form rural to urban areas.

18. Once we improve the quality of life of our rural dwellers, embark upon the One Local Government One Project (OLOP,) create neighborhood watchers to provide both employment to our youths in Local Government Areas and to maintain the peace and security we have been enjoying, improve primary healthcare service delivery, establish model primary schools, and link the over 2, 272 gazetted villages with electricity, we would be right on track with our rural development agenda.

19. To activate this vision, we have established the State Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) an off-shoot of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Projects (RAAMP) - a World Bank Development Project led by competent professionals. We are optimistic that sooner, the entire nook and crannies of Akwa Ibom State, will be one gigantic land of very hardworking, self -sufficient and happy people, rising in one accord to fulfill the dreams of our founding fathers and God’s plans for us all.

20. So far, we have flagged-off critical roads in all the three senatorial districts and the first we had flagged off, a little over two months ago, the internal road complete with solar powered street light (Ndiya Street) in Urua Akpan Andem, has been completed ahead of schedule by our very own HENSEK Integrated Services.
21. Work is ongoing on the 1.1 km Spring Road in Ikot Ekpene, same with the 2.1km Ukpong Street and 2.1 km Effiong Essang Street with 800m length of discharge drain in Oron Local Government Area. Work is also ongoing in the 11km Owot Uta-Nung Oku Ekere-Afaha Udo Eyop-Edebom by Ekponwa Market roads connecting Ibesikpo Asutan with Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas respectively.
22. We are constructing a 2.2 Km Tabernacle Road with 0.97km underground drain that will empty into the Calabar-Itu Road drainage in Itu Local Government Area. Several erosion intervention works are currently ongoing in the state, especially on Atiku Abubakar Way, and the Udo Inwang, Ewet Offot, Eniang Offot in Uyo.
23. To ignite our agricultural revolution in line with our ARISE Agenda, we have acquired over 50 hectares of land in each of the 31 Local Government Areas, to ensure food security and to get our people to be involved in agro-allied enterprises.
24. As a practical demonstration of this resolve, we recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the world renowned Songhai Farms to start a model farm in our State, and have already sent dozens of our people for training so they could form the nucleus of the skilled workers to drive this exercise. A little over two weeks ago, I led a delegation of some members of the EXCO on a working tour of the farm in Cotonou and it was quite a revealing experience. We are on the cusp of truly igniting agricultural revolution and food security in line with our Arise Agenda.
25. We have steadily paid gratuities to Local Government, Primary School Teachers and State Workers. Over 3 Billion Naira has so far been released for this exercise. We have commenced an initial five-month payment of Leave Grants in the State Civil Service. This exercise started in my second month in office, and the first phase will end in December. You will agree with me, that, this has been bold steps taken to address this issue.
26. We are constructing model primary schools and primary healthcare facilities across the three senatorial districts and work is ongoing at a fast pace at the location of the first of these model primary schools, the Christ the King School, (CKS) on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.

27. Education remains free and compulsory at Primary and Secondary School levels and as part of the palliatives we are rolling out, we intend to support parents with school uniforms, shoes and the payment of bursary to students in tertiary institutions after proper verifications.

28. To cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy in line with the palliatives of 5 Billion Naira of which 2 Billion has already been received, in form of a loan, we have commenced the distribution of the palliatives of 40 bags of rice to each of the gazzetted 2,272 villages, cash transfers to 53 thousand civil servants, across the state, the additional bags of rice we have bought from our rice millers, all these have raised our contributions to the palliatives scheme to over 5 Billion Naira. Our commitment to the payment of WAEC fees, is irrevocable and we have already done so, since we came in. We have also instituted a 100 Million Naira Intervention Funds for students with disabilities

29. Our Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (LED) will soon be up and running aimed at equipping our people with the right entrepreneurial and leadership skills, thus preparing them to compete with their peers elsewhere, in line with SDG’s goal Number 7, which is aimed at producing highly educated and skilled populace

30. To ensure that we continue to enjoy the peace we are known for, we have created a full-fledged new ministry-the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways headed by a retired general of the Nigerian Army, General Koko Essien again, in line with the SDG’s goal no 8, which is on safety and security. Our security architecture is robust and remains committed to working collaboratively to ensure our safety. We thank the Security agencies immensely for this deep sense of collaborations.

31. In the course of my campaign, I had pledged to demystify governance and make myself available to the common people, since it is from that segment of the society that God raised me through the instrumentality of my political father to be the Governor of this blessed State today.

32. Against conventional wisdom, I have stopped by at various roadside shops as I traverse the length and breadth of this State, and have patronized road side vendors, empowered them with seed funds to expand their trade. I will continue to do so, because if I could overcome adversities to fulfill God’s plans in my life, others too, can!

33. We are determined to ensure that our comparative advantage in blue economy is utilized to improve the quality of lives of our fishermen as well as our tourism sector, which is a critical sector in our ARISE Agenda. We recently flagged off the construction of ARISE City Estate in Mbierebe Akpawat, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

34. Our first, made in Akwa Ibom Trade Fair will be opened later today and we want to unfurl the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of our people. This is a platform for our fashion designers, shoe makers and other creative people to come and showcase their products. We will support and encourage them with seed money, equipment and we will also buy from them, especially those who will make the uniforms and shoes that we are giving to our people as part of our palliatives packages.

35. In my inaugural address, concerned about the political polarization in our dear State, I had stated that “Elections are over, and our kindred spirit must be renewed and deepened. We are all Akwa Ibomites first before politics. Politics therefore must not separate or sever the ties of our brotherhood and common heritage and aspirations, I pledge to you that I will be Governor for all Akwa Ibomites, irrespective of political persuasions or affiliations. Instead of war-war on critical issues of our development, unity and brotherhood.”

36. So far, as demonstrated during our hugely successful Ibom Dialogue, and other important events, we have worked across party lines to advance the development of our State, since politics must give way to governance.

37. Let me at this point thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his kind invitation for me to be a part of his delegation at the recently concluded 78 United Nations General Assembly. In New York. This is the spirit of inclusivity and bipartisanship that we need in this state and in our nation.

38. I was elected as the Governor of this state, and we have citizens who did not vote for me, because they belong to other parties. I put my hands on the Bible and swore an oath to serve you all, and I will continue to do so, as long as I am on this seat. So naysayers please take note.

39. I call on our people to sheath their political swords and let us work together to advance the growth of our State and our Nation.

40. Let me end this broadcast by quoting from the Book of Jeremiah, Chapter 29: 11 “ for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” May these plans come to pass in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ Amen.

41. Happy 36th Anniversary to us all!