As part of my commitment to encouraging a conducive learning environment and quality education of our people, I commissioned and handed over an academic block, which I built, to Maurid College of Nursing Science, Mbiaso, Nsit Ibom local government area, during its maiden matriculation ceremony of 300 students, where I served as chairman on the occasion, yesterday.

I also promised to install solar-powered lightings around the institution's premises to ensure security of the students and property at night.

I used the opportunity to charge the prospective healthcare professionals to focus on their studies, so that upon graduation, they will fill the manpower gap created in the health sector by migration of other professionals for greener pastures.

Part of my address to them reads; "Your journey to becoming healthcare professionals is a call to service and humanity. This is further buttressed in the popular maxim that "health is wealth." This is in line with Harvey S. Firestone's philosophy that "the growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership."

"This quote has consistently guided my life and activities both in private and public service. It is the propelling force behind my mega empowerment, scholarship, bursary, skill acquisition, facilitation of jobs in strategic Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and foreign trainings to Akwa Ibom people."

"Also, the newly completed edifice, which shall be commissioned and donated to the institution today, is my modest effort to encourage this massive investment and, most especially, to ensure you get a conducive learning environment."

"These efforts are aimed at raising Akwa Ibom men and women who are stable enough to compete favourably with their counterparts globally."

Worthy of commendation is the Chairman of Maurid Group of Schools, Dr. Godwin Umontuen, for his foresight and investment in education, and for being a true patriot who cares about the development of the state and country.

His massive investment is interwoven with love and patriotism for the country at the centre. It is selfless, with clear intention to train and equip health professionals needed to provide healthcare services for mankind.

In the book Attitude is everything,the writer states that fear stands for 'false evidences appearing real'. Fear is a normal human feeling which is important in our lives as humans but which can hinder our growth and success when we let it overwhelm us. Most times we are held back from achieving great feats in life because we are scared of one thing or the other,but when we get past that feeling we realise that there was nothing to be afraid of. We should instead focus on developing courage, confidence and braveness to believe in ourselves before we can expel the feeling of fear. It doesn't mean we won't get scared, but we will develop the abilities to overcome our fears.

I'm so discouraged to continue posting on this site

If you have a dream, don't just sit there. Gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality.

Don't be too lazy that they will be cheating on you
Be courageous
Be active

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Yesterday, I flagged off the construction of two major road projects: the 10.9km Use Ikot Amama Road with two bridges in Ibiono Ibom and the 21.5km Ikot Anyan Ediene Road with a 60m span bridge in Ikono. These roads will improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and enhance transportation in our state. I have tasked Setraco Limited with delivering a high-quality project that meets the best standards.

Road infrastructure is a key driver of development, and we remain committed to linking every part of Akwa Ibom with a solid road network. I appreciate the support of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and the people of Ibiono Ibom and Ikono for believing in our administration. Our investment in infrastructure and agribusiness is for the people, and we will continue to implement projects that improve lives.

I also commend the youths for their cooperation with contractors and encourage them to protect public infrastructure for the benefit of all. Development must reach every community, and I assure you that we will extend street lighting projects beyond Uyo to brighten and secure more areas. Together, let’s build a greater Akwa Ibom! @

Tinubu’s second term assured – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can rest assured that his second term in office is guaranteed, notwithstanding the ongoing plot by the opposition to unseat him in the 2027 poll.

Speaking during the special Iftar/Lent dinner organized by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) aimed at strengthening fellowship and deepening bonds of unity among governors, National Assembly members, ministers, top government functionaries, and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Wednesday night, he expressed optimism that the APC would also sweep more elective seats across the country in the 2027 poll.

Applauding the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led PGF for organizing the event, he called on party stalwarts across the country to work together to achieve the objective.

He said: “Can we say amen! We will offer prayers for our party, that yes, indeed, victory shall be ours in 2027. Can we say a loud amen! And we will also pray for Mr. President that his second term is assured. Can we shout a loud amen!

"So, for the party, our governors, you will grow in numbers, you will grow in numbers. On our part in the parliament, ours is to continue to add the numbers to you. We just recently sent one of our own in the Senate to go and take care of Edo State. Is that not a good thing?”

Uzodinma remarked that the occasion allows party stalwarts to pray, reason, and work together in the task of nation-building, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure the victory of the APC in the 2027 poll.

“Because we practice partisan democracy, and because we produce the government, we must take ownership of the government no matter where we are and where we sit. The success of the government is our collective success. The failure of the government is our collective failure. And the government is like a product,” he noted.

“And all of us are marketing officers that must market this product. So the whole idea behind this… is to once more have a platform to appreciate ourselves, to celebrate our own, because the government is our own.

“So, as we work towards a more prosperous Nigeria, as we confront the challenges of leadership and governance, it is like a sweet and sour soup. Sometimes it is sweet, sometimes it looks bitter and sour, but at the end of the day, it is a food we must all eat.”

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, maintained that remarkable progress has been achieved due to the bold and courageous decisions taken by the President Tinubu-led administration.

The Minister argued that the drop in the inflation rate and the reduction in the cost of living among Nigerians speak volumes of the progress recorded by the President Tinubu-led administration.

According to him, we are all living it. Inflation is down, food prices are coming down, energy prices are coming down, the exchange rate is stable.

He added, “Those are the things that affect the cost of living that people are feeling. There are other figures and metrics that are behind the scenes. But what matters is how people are feeling, how it is impacting them. And that is why Mr. President continues to make every effort to intervene, particularly on behalf of the poor and the most vulnerable.

“For coming together, Muslim brothers and sisters observing Ramadan, Christian brothers and sisters observing Lent. In brotherhood and in sisterhood, we stand. God will keep us strong, make our party strong, and help us to support, encourage, and work with President Tinubu to make Nigeria strong, make Nigeria great.”

Among the dignitaries at the event were the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Monday Okpebholo, Francis Nwifuru, former Governor Yahaya Bello, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, 36 states and FCT chairmen of the party, and members of the Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee (NWC).

This text highlights the challenges faced by farmers in Abia State, Nigeria, despite the area's agricultural potential.

Key challenges mentioned:

1. *Land degradation*: Soil quality is declining, affecting crop yields.
2. *Erosion*: Soil erosion, particularly gully erosion, is damaging farmlands and rural infrastructure.
3. *Limited access to credit facilities*: Farmers struggle to access loans or credit, hindering their ability to invest in their farms.

These challenges have significant impacts:

1. *Reduced productivity*: Farmers' ability to produce crops, including melons, is compromised.
2. *Limited participation in agricultural activities*: Farmers may be discouraged from participating in agricultural activities due to the challenges they face.

The Abia NEWMAP (2019-2021) project aimed to address some of these challenges, particularly soil erosion, through watershed management and conservation practices.

Do you have any questions about this text or the challenges faced by farmers in Abia State?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)