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Author: Isaiah Eka

  • Police rescue kidnapped Ex-Shell worker in A’Ibom

    Rescue
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The police in Akwa Ibom says it has rescued a 63-year man and retiree of Shell Petroleum Company who was recently kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
    The command’s Spokesperson, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Uyo.
    John said that he victim, who was abducted on June 17 and held hostage by his abductors, was rescued unhurt in a compound at Ikot Udobong Village in Etim Ekpo.
    She said that the rescue followed reliable intelligence information which prompted the command to swing into action.
    John said that the kidnappers engaged the police rescue team in a gun duel in the process of rescuing the victim.
    “Upon sighting the police, the kidnappers opened fire at them, one of the kidnappers was fatally wounded in the process while the others fled,” she said.
    The police spokesperson said that the  Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Mr Waheed Ayilara, had ordered the command’s SWAT operatives to immediately swing into action.
    ”Efforts are seriously ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang for possible prosecution,” she said.
    John said that preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had initially demanded N50 million as ransom for the release of their captive
    “They later agreed to take N20 million, but I tell you on good authority that no ransom was paid as at the time of the rescue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AOM/AZU
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    Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed and Azubuike Okeh

  • A’Ibom Govt. urges farmers to adopt good agronomic practices

    Farmers

    By Isaiah Eka

    Odoro Ikpe (Akwa Ibom), June 24, 2024 (NAN) Dr Offiong Offor, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Akwa Ibom, has urged cocoa farmers in the state to adopt good agronomic practices in order to ensure improved yields.

    Offor gave the advice on Monday at Odoro Ikpe, Ini Local Government Area, during the distribution of cocoa seedlings to farmers to mark the beginning of the 2024 cocoa planting season.

    She disclosed that the Akwa Ibom Government had made available over 150,000 cocoa seedlings to be distributed to cocoa farmers across the state.

    The commissioner said that the distribution of the cocoa seedlings to farmers signaled a significant step to increased cocoa production and improvement of livelihoods.

    “We know the current price of 1kg of cocoa in the market, it is very expensive. So, it is a wake-up call by Gov. Umo Eno for all to return to the farm.

    “When you receive the cocoa seedlings, make the best use of them. Do well to maintain good agronomic practices, to reap bountiful harvests.

    “This year, we have provided over 150,000 cocoa seedlings to be distributed to cocoa farmers in the state. I implore you to make good use of the seedlings,” Offor said.

    The commissioner called on cocoa farmers to notify extension agents in the ministry early if they were confronted with of any challenge

    In his remarks, the State Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Ekikere Bassey, said it was expedient for agriculture stakeholders to support the cultivation of cocoa to improve the economy of the state.

    He said that cocoa farming was a lucrative agribusiness, and urged farmers to show interest in the cultivation of the cash crop.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IE/NNO/AZU

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    Edited by Nick Nicholas and Azubuike Okeh

  • Army reiterates commitment to regular training, enhanced operational skills

    Training
    By Isaiah Eka
    Ibagwa (Akwa Ibom), June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Commander, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Jaa’far Ibrahim, says the army is committed to regular training of its personnel to enhance operational skills.
    Ibrahim stated this at the closing of the 6 Division inter brigade competition for warrant and senior non-commissioned officers held at the Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak, Akwa Ibom.
    He said that regular training would  enable the soldiers to acquire more skills and muster the capabilities to address security challenges in the society.
    The commander said that the competition was organised to sharpen the skills of Nigerian army personnel on basic abilities to function optimally in the field.
    Ibrahim, also the commander, Sector 4 Joint Taskforce Operation, said that the competition aimed to enhance the combat-readiness level of the officers.
    “The essence of the competition is also to renew the general fitness of our warrant and the non-commissioned officers, it is to make them operationally ready.
    “It will also enable us to understand their high and low points, such that in subsequent trainings, we will concentrate on the need areas.
    “From the competition, I can say that the men are combatant ready. We are poised to upgrade in order to improve and enhance security in the country,” he said.
    He commended the participants for their teamwork, determination, and professionalism during the competition.
    In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Umoh (rtd) said that the competition had provided an avenue for personnel to test their capabilities.
    Umoh said that the inter brigade warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers competition would foster friendship among formations.
    He commended the Chief of Army Staff for providing the resources to sustain the competition.
    NAN reports that at the end of the competition, 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Uyo, emerged winner, while 63 Brigade and 16 Brigade finished second and third positions respectively.
    NAN reports that the event witnessed presentation of awards and souvenirs to participants.
    IE/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • A’Ibom: NDLEA apprehends 300 suspects, seizes 190.419 kg of drugs

    Suspects

    By Isaiah Eka 08039185152

    Uyo, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 300 suspects and seized 190.419 kg of hard drugs between July 2023 and May 2024 in Akwa Ibom.

     

    Mrs Obot Bassey, NDLEA Commander in Akwa Ibom, disclosed this at a news conference  to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Uyo on Friday.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s International Drug Day is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”

     

    Bassey said that out of the 300 suspects arrested, 249 were male and 51 female, and that no fewer than 61 drug offenders were convicted in the state within the period.

     

    She said that the command had treated and rehabilitated 24 male drug-dependent persons, and carried out anti drug abuse campaigns at 82 locations across the state.

     

    “Drug abuse negatively impact people’s health and their well-being. Many deadly drugs are permeating the illicit drug market and causing havocs on people’s health,” she said.

     

    She called on corporate bodies and philanthropists to participate actively in the campaign against drug abuse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IE/GOM/AZU

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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Illegal Mining: Geoscience society urges adequate funding of mines offices.

    Mining

    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Mining Geosciences Society (NMGS) has called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding of mines offices across the federation to tackle illegal mining activities.
    NMGS President, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, made the call at a press conference to mark the 255th council meeting of the society in Uyo on Friday.
    Olatunji said that there was need for the engagement qualified staff at mines offices to ensure proficiency in service delivery.
    He said that illegal mining had led to environmental degradation and deaths  in different parts of the country.
    The NMGS President further called for the provision of logistic vehicles for federal mines offices to ensure effective operations.
    “The issues of inadequate funding and lack of facilities are having adverse effects on the operations of mines offices.
    “Illegal mining does not take place in the city centres, they are done in remote areas with bad roads.
    “Federal mines offices are supposed to be equipped with vehicles and personnel. They are supposed to have sufficient running costs to do the job,” he said.
    Olatunji, said that mines offices must be made functional if the government was serious about curbing illegal mining activities.
    “Government should stop paying lip service to the issue illegal mining activities. As society, we frown at illegal mining, it is unproductive,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AYO/AZU
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    Edited by Ayodeji and Azubuike Okeh

  • Cholera outbreak: A’Ibom Govt. sets precautionary measures  

    Cholera outbreak: A’Ibom Govt. sets precautionary measures
    Cholera
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government says it has initiated precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of cholera in the state.
    The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Friday.
    Umoh said that the state government has commenced sensitisation of residents in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state on the need to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
    He said that besides that the state government has stocked primary health centres in the state with adequate drugs in case of an outbreak of cholera.
    “For now, there is no reported case of cholera outbreak in the state.
    “We have commenced sensitisation of residents to maintain hygiene both personal and environmental.
    “Residents during this period are advised to boil water before drinking, wash their hands with soap and clean water regularly, especially after use of toilet and before eating, wash fruits and other food items before eating,” Umoh advised.
    The commissioner added that the state government has reactivated all emergency operations centres across the state to handle any outbreak.
    He said that the government would continue to monitor and ensure surveillance, especially in the border communities.
    Umoh advised residents to take salt sugar solution in case of diarrhoea and report to the nearest health centre for prompt action.
    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent report, said between Jan. 1 and June 11, it recorded over 1,141 suspected cases with over 65 confirmed and 30 deaths in 96 local government areas in 30 states. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IE/BEKl/AOS
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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Bayo Sekoni

  • A’Ibom govt. distributes farm inputs to cooperative societies

    Inputs
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Akwa Ibom Government has commenced distribution of farm inputs to farmers group and cooperative societies in the state, as part of measures to boost food production.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution of the items was flagged off by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Offiong Offor in Uyo on Thursday.
    Offor, while addressing farmers and other stakeholders during the exercise, reiterated government’s resolve to support different categories of farmers in the state.
    “We have already distributed inputs to some groups during the official flag-off of the first planting season.
    “Government will reach out to more groups in order to boost food production.
    “Farmers will be supported with agricultural machinery to aid land preparation for farming, farm inputs, agro-chemicals and access to finance, for the overall aim of expanding farming activities,” he said.
    Offor stated that the ministry had deployed extension agents to each of the benefiting cooperative societies, schools and farming groups to offer technical support, monitor and evaluate progress.
    She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to enhance food sufficiency in the state.
    The commissioner commended members of Women Agro-Link International Foundation (WALIF) for being passionate about agriculture.
    She said that that her visit to the farm owned by the group and other groups was an indication that they were taking agriculture seriously.
    According to her, the exercise is a fulfillment of government’s determination to equip farmers with improved farm inputs for better yields.
    Offor urged the farmers to be focused on proper cultivation of the inputs in order to reduce the current high cost of food in the country.
    The commissioner warned the beneficiaries against selling the inputs, stressing that anyone caught in such act would be penalised.
    In his goodwill message, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state, Mr Bassey Enwang, thanked the government for supporting farmers from time to time.
    Enwang pledged to ensure maximum utilisation of the farm inputs provided by the state government.
    Leader of Women Agro-Link International Foundation, (WALIF), Mrs Theresa Akpan, said that the group was massively cultivating its 60 hectares of farmland at Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state.
    Akpan commended the state government for supporting farmers with inputs, saying that they would help in boosting food production in the state.
    NAN reports that the farm inputs distributed to the cooperative groups included: improved cassava cuttings, coconut seedlings, raised pepper seedlings and agro-chemicals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IE/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • A’Ibom tasks public servants on commitment to duty

    Service

    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government has urged public servants in the state to show commitment to their duties in order to enhance productivity and service delivery.
    The Head of Civil Service in the state, Mr Effiong Essien, made the call at a media briefing to mark the 2024 Public Service Week in Uyo on Wednesday.
    Esssien said that public service remained the engine room of every government because of its role in policy formulation and implemention.
    “Even the UN recognises the role of the public service in delivering services and developing the society, that’s the reason it set aside June 23 as public service day annually,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2024 Public Service Week is: “Stay Forward Looking, Make a Difference”
    “Public Service encompasses all government’s ministries, departments, agencies and parastatals.
    “Workers in these outfits sometimes formulate policies, they ensure that  government programmes are implemented. Public service is the bastion upon which government rests,” he said.
    Essien stated that the Akwa Ibom Government was ready to pay the national minimum wage as soon as the process was concluded.
    He said that Gov. Umo Eno had released about N18 billion for the settlement of outstanding pensions, gratuities and leave grants.
    The head of service further said that government had procured 150 housing units to be allocated to workers from between Grade Levels 01 and 08.
    “Public servants in Akwa Ibom have reasons to thank God, the governor gives priority attention to workers welfare.
    “He is also interested in the welfare of retirees. Already, there is an increment in pension to cushion the effect of the current economic challenges,” he said.
    Essien said that the week-long programme would witness a novelty football match, public lecture, road walk and thanksgiving service.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Eid-el-kabir: FRSC deploys 670 personnel in A’Ibom

    Personnel

    By Isaiah Eka

    Uyo, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom, says it has deployed 670 personnel to enhance road safety across the state during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The Sector Commander, Mr Lasisi Ogundele, disclosed this in Uyo on Friday while speaking to newsmen on the agency’s preparation for the Islamic celebration.

    Ogundele said that out of the 670 personnel, 408 would be regular marshals while 226 would be special corp marshals.

    He said that the command had made adequate preparations for both personnel and equipment in order to cope with the increase in traffic during the period.

    The sector commander cautioned against overloading, speeding and other anti road safety activities during the celebration.

    “Road users should strictly obey traffic rules, mobile courts shall be stationed at strategic locations, and offenders shall face immediate trial.

    “It has become our practice to acquaint the public with our level of preparedness for festivities just like the Eid-el-kabir.

    “Reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, extricating machines and digital breathalyzers are part of the tools set aside for the special operations.

    “There are also a total of 23 help areas mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions and to rescue operations during the period,” he said.

    Ogundele urged drivers to exude courtesy, civility and consideration while dealing with other road users.

    He said that with the corps’ level of preparation in terms of personnel deployment and logistics, the command was confident of a successful celebration in the state.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IE/OIF/AZU

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Gov. Eno sacks commissioner for special duties

    Commissioner
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has relieved the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Bassey Okon, of his appointment with immediate effect.
    Mr Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Monday.
    Uwah, who did not give reasons for the commissioner’s sack, directed him to hand over all state government property in his possession to the permanent secretary.
    He thanked the former commissioner for the period he served the state, and wished the commissioner well in his future endeavours.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/CHOM/AZU
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Azubuike Okeh