*EXCERPTS OF THE AKWA IBOM STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 26TH MARCH, 2025*

The meeting presided over by His Excellency, the Governor-in-Council, Pastor Umo Eno, and attended by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Head of the Civil Service, the Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, All Commissioners, and Special Advisers, commenced at about 12pm.

After extensive deliberations, some key resolutions reached were as follows:

1. The Executive Council ratified and approved the implementation of a modern City Bus transportation system for Uyo metropolis. The project will provide safe, reliable and eco-friendly bus service that will enhance public transportation and accessibility, while driving socioeconomic development to improve the quality of life for citizens.

2. Council also approved the refurbishment and renovation of the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, to restore its lost glory. This will involve a total overhaul of furniture, electrical, mechanical components of its appurtenances to give a completely new experience.

3. A request was also brought before Council for the extension of the Julius Berger contract for the maintenance of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to ensure the facility maintains its standard as Nigeria’s best and home for the Super Eagles.

4. The Executive Council reviewed the report brought before it on the status of the Eket International market and directed the Inter-ministerial Committee to thoroughly analyze the project, its status and all of the issues surrounding it and submit its report within one month to ensure that the project is brought alive in the interest of the people.

5. EXCO also considered and deliberated on ministerial reports from several ministries, to ensure their short term programmes and plans align with the ARISE Agenda and follow through implementation timelines.

6. Council also approved commencement of pensioners verification exercise from the 1st of April, 2025 so that the State can have a clean pensions record and continue the process of seamless payment of pensions to beneficiaries.

7. In line with the provisions of the Road Traffic Law, cap 115 of Akwa Ibom State 2001 and Akwa Ibom State Transport Regulation of 2022, the Executive Council considered the current menace and issues associated with motorcycles and tricycles operations in the State Capital and directed a strict implementation of the prohibition order on motorcycles in every part of Uyo metropolis.

On this, Council also reaffirmed the prohibition of tricycles in some sections of the metropolis, such as Wellington Bassey Way and four other roads including Abak road by Nsentip street up to Ibom Plaza, Aka road by Etuk Street before the plaza, Ikot Ekpene road by Udi street up to the plaza and Oron road by Okokon Etuk Street to the plaza area.

His Excellency, the Governor in Council has therefore directed the Ministries of Transportation; Internal Security and security agencies to ensure strict compliance to enable government curb criminality and the menace experienced lately.

8. Council also acknowledged the hosting of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo and commended the Niger Delta Development Commission for bringing the event to Akwa Ibom State, while calling on the people to come out en-masse and support the event to ensure success.

The meeting ended at about 6:30pm.

Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information, AKS
26/03/2025

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Former Nigeria Coach Bonfrère Jo After Super Eagles draw against Zimbabwe: “How do you expect to qualify for the World Cup if you don’t win games?” he questioned.

He continued, “In the past, if we didn’t beat Zimbabwe 3-0 or 4-0, the fans would throw stones at us.

“With the huge number of Super Eagles players in top European leagues, a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe is unacceptable. I don’t see how they can qualify for the World Cup, except maybe through the play-offs.

“If that happens, good. But it’s embarrassing that the Super Eagles are struggling against teams they should be beating convincingly.”

When asked what could be have gone wrong in game:

He said, “I didn’t watch the match, but did the coach not have enough information on Zimbabwe? Did he use the wrong tactics? Or did the players fail to execute the game plan?

“Was it a loss of concentration? Why couldn’t the attackers score more goals? If they had put away two or three chances, Zimbabwe’s late goal wouldn’t have mattered as much.

“It’s sad, painful, and unfortunate. Small teams are now looking the Super Eagles in the eye and asking, ‘What can you do?’ No team fears them anymore, and that is worrying,” Bonfrère Jo lamented.
(Via CompleteSports)

PHOTO NEWS

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, alongside Governors of Lagos and Bayelsa States, watched the Nigeria vs Zimbabwe 2026 FIFA Worldcup Qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Photo credit: Idara Adiakpan

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Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, after years of nationalist struggles. Leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Tafawa Balewa played key roles in securing self-rule through negotiations.

On independence day, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the first Prime Minister, and the green-white-green flag was hoisted. Nigeria remained under the British monarchy until October 1, 1963, when it became a republic, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.

The independence struggle teaches unity, diplomacy, and the importance of good leadership in nation-building. Today, it remains a symbol of freedom and hope for Nigerians

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GOV UMO ENO PRAISES ARCHBISHOP EKUWEM FOR INSPIRING GOOD GOVERNANCE

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has extolled the virtues of Catholic Archbishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Joseph Ekuwem for his ability to speak truth to power and inspire in leaders a desire towards a more Christ- like and people- centric governance style.

The Governor made the remark while speaking at the Archbishop's 75th birthday celebration and thanksgiving mass held at Sacred Heart Parish, Aka Offot, Uyo.

The Governor noted that Archbishop Ekuwem has inspired people to serve God better, embrace the kingdom of God and has impacted positively on society.

"We have been blessed by the force of your moral suasion and the uncanny ability to speak truth to power and, inspire in leaders a more Christ and people - centric governance.

"Today, because of the inspirational work you have done in Christian ecumenism, many have come to embrace the Kingdom of God, strongholds have been broken and gates of salvation flung open to all who seek redemption through Christ.

"We, at the State level, have been honoured by your kind acceptance to head our State Christian Leadership Advisory Council- an inter-denominational group of our fathers and mothers in faith, who have gladly agreed to join us in putting our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ at the centre of our administration," he said.

The Governor who also joined Archbishop Ekuwem at the reception for the event which incorporated a book presentation,
prayed for him to have robust health, continuous sound and fecund mind as well as strength, "so we may continue to benefit and drink from the fountain of your spiritual knowledge."

In his message of goodwill, Former Governor of the State, Obong Victor Attah, appreciated Archbishop Ekuwem for his Christ - centric disposition which he said qualifies him as a leading light of the Church.

Bishop John Ayah of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo applauded the exemplary christian life of Archbishop Ekuwem, and appreciated Governor Eno, whom he described as a good friend of the Catholic Church, for honouring the Archbishop with his presence, and for pursuing the ministry of reconciliation with vigour and maintaining peace across the State.

Earlier in his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ekong admonished Christians to do things that enhance life and good health, exercise mental restraint and desist from saying or doing things that could be injurious to others.

He said the Archbishop Ekuwem is a great teacher who has positively impacted the State, Nigeria and humanity at large.

At the reception, Chairman on the occasion and former Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, said Archbishop Ekuwem is a man of integrity and honour worthy of celebration.

Media Unit
Government House, Uyo
25/3/25