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.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

ATIKU ABUBAKAR'S LATEST CLAIMS ARE BASELESS AND DISTRACTING

The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to the unfounded allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who claims to be the subject of an EFCC investigation regarding unsubstantiated financial dealings involving Lagos State.



These claims, circulated through his media office, are false and reflect a troubling pattern of relying on social media gossip over substance. It is disheartening that a politician of Atiku's stature would lend credibility to baseless social media speculation to remain politically relevant.



President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on addressing critical national challenges and advancing his administration's agenda for Nigeria's growth and stability. The President has neither the time nor the inclination to engage in petty political distractions.



Atiku's allegations are infantile and a transparent ploy to deflect from his political setbacks. His repeated attempts to drag the Presidency and now the Lagos State Government into fabricated controversies reveal a desperate bid for attention amid his fading attempt to cobble a coalition.



Since his defeat in the 2023 presidential election, the former Vice President has failed to rise to the dignified role of an elder statesman. Rather than contributing constructively to the national discourse, he has chosen the path of divisive rhetoric and unfounded accusations.



We urge Atiku Abubakar to redirect his energy toward initiatives that foster unity, economic progress, and democratic stability—qualities Nigeria urgently needs.



Lastly, the former Vice President should know that the EFCC, as an independent institution, operates within its statutory mandate without external influence. Any insinuation otherwise is a disservice to the agency's professionalism and the rule of law.



The Presidency remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of national development—priorities that demand our undivided attention.



Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.
#Emex

Patience is a virtue, a gift so rare,
A quality that's cultivated, with love and care.
It's the calm in the storm, the peace in the night

President Tinubu has instructed a Manhunt for the individuals responsible for the murder of hunters in Edo. Expressing his shock at the heinous act on Thursday, he has called on the police and other security agencies to carry out prompt and comprehensive investigations and to bring the suspects to justice.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He promised them that those responsible for these crimes would not be permitted to spill the blood of innocent Nigerians without consequences.

The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has condemned the murder of travelling hunters intercepted by local vigilantes in the Uromi community of Esan North Local Government of Edo State.

“The President, who expressed shock at the dastardly act on Thursday, directed Police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits.

“President Tinubu commiserated with the families of the affected victims and assured them that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians in vain.

“The President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.

“President Tinubu commended the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and community leaders in Uromi for their swift response to avert the escalation of tension.”

I prefer day schools to boarding schools because for example, I've had cases of bully, cultism and killing in boarding.

God doing is miraculous and wonderful

Here’s an inspiring life story:

From Struggles to Success: The Story of James Anderson

James Anderson grew up in a small town where opportunities were scarce. His family struggled financially, and he often had to work odd jobs just to help make ends meet. Despite the hardships, James had a dream—to build his own business and create a better future.

At 18, he started a small online store with just $200 he had saved from working late nights. He faced failures, rejection, and even moments where he almost gave up. But James refused to let his circumstances define him. He kept learning, adapting, and pushing forward.

Years later, his business took off. Today, he’s the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company that not only provides for his family but also creates jobs for hundreds of people. James often says, "Success isn’t about where you start; it’s about how determined you are to keep moving forward."

His journey reminds us that persistence, hard work, and belief in yourself can change your life, no matter how difficult things seem.

GOV ENO PAYS LAST RESPECT TO LATE BARR. BEN UDOWA

...describes him as a friend and man of many parts

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commiserated with Mrs Lydia Udowa and family on the demise of her husband, Late Barr Ben Udowa.

In a condolence message delivered to the deceased family during the funeral held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region Region 49 Headquarters, Eket, Governor Eno said the loss of a spouse, especially at such a relatively young age, evokes a deep sense of grief, assuring them that the whole state share in their painful moment.

He described the late Barr Udonwa as a man of many parts, a financial services expert, lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and a beloved community leader, adding that he had inspired many to chart a course of personal development and growth.

The Governor observed that the deceased successfully led his multidisciplinary group of companies, Madelyn Group, and served the State meritoriously until his sad passing as the Executive Director, Other Investments in the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation (AKICORP), and distinguished himself as a dependable and far-sighted member of the critical agency.

He noted that as a good friend, late Barr Udowa believed and supported him wholeheartedly, a gesture which culminated to his successful campaign and subsequent emergence as Governor of the State in the 2023 general elections.

The State Chief Executive therefore urged the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that despite his short sojourn on earth, he was able to record a lot of impactful achievements, touched many lives and lived a life defined by Christian virtues, and prayed God to rest the soul of the departed.

The wife of the deceased, Mrs Lydia Udowa, thanked the Governor for leading State government functionaries to give her late husband the last respect, saying that the family is grateful for the gesture.

Mrs Udowa spoke of her late husband as a good and humble man, saying, "from the huge pouring of condolences from groups and individuals, my husband has been described as an exceptional man of great virtue."

Media Unit
Government House, Uyo
28/3/25

Barely a week after a major explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana LGA, another blast has occurred at the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA, Rivers State.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) confirmed the incident on Sunday, citing reports from its network of youth volunteers in the Niger Delta.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, the group described the severity of the explosion: “An explosion accompanied by fireballs was seen in the sky near the facility, which is difficult to access.

The fire is still burning as of the time of this report.” The Soku oil facility, operated by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, has yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, though possible reasons include equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.

This marks the third oil facility explosion in Rivers State within a week. The first occurred in Ogoni, while the second took place in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.