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.

Happy Birthday, Mr President!

On this special day, I celebrate not just your birth but your lifelong dedication to transformative leadership, service, and the progress of Nigeria.

May this new year of your life bring you divine wisdom, good health, and renewed strength as you steer Nigeria toward greater heights.

Wishing you a joyous birthday filled with, happiness, and the love of the nation you serve.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Long life, good health, and continued success!

Conquering Procrastination: Unlocking Your Full Productive Potential

Yesterday we talked about procrastination and we also established a fact that it's a dream killer.

let's look at how we can overcome procrastination as individuals.

Procrastination is a challenge that affects even the most disciplined individuals.

While delaying tasks may offer temporary relief, it often leads to stress, missed opportunities, and reduced efficiency.

Here’s how to conquer procrastination and build a more productive mindset:

1️⃣ Identify the Cause
Procrastination often stems from fear of failure, perfectionism, or feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing why you delay tasks is the first step in addressing the issue.

2️⃣ Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Large tasks can feel daunting, leading to avoidance. Break them into smaller, manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. Completing small milestones creates momentum and builds confidence.

3️⃣ Set Clear Deadlines
Without a deadline, tasks tend to get pushed indefinitely. Assign specific time frames to your work and hold yourself accountable to these deadlines.

4️⃣ Use the Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. For larger tasks, commit to working on them for just two minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part—once you begin, you’re likely to keep going.

5️⃣ Eliminate Distractions
Create a focused work environment by turning off notifications, setting boundaries, and using productivity tools. A clutter-free space helps maintain concentration.

6️⃣. Reward Progress
Celebrate small achievements to stay motivated. Whether it’s a short break, a favorite snack, or time for a hobby, rewards reinforce positive habits.

7️⃣. Develop a Routine
Consistency builds discipline. Establish a daily schedule that includes dedicated time for work, breaks, and relaxation to create a balanced, productive routine.

Overcoming procrastination is not about achieving perfection but making steady progress. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your productivity grow!

What strategies help you stay on track? Share your thoughts below!

#procastination

RIVERS STATE CONTROLLER OF CORRECTIONS LEADS PARAMILITARY SERVICE CHIEFS IN COURTESY VISIT TO SOLE ADMINISTRATOR

The Rivers State Controller of Corrections, Felix Madumere FCAI, recently led a delegation of paramilitary service chiefs on a courtesy visit to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd) ¹. During the visit, Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among paramilitary agencies to combat crime and criminality in the state.

He stressed the need for regular patrols and proactive measures to prevent agitation and ensure peaceful development in Rivers State. The Vice Admiral also highlighted dialogue as a crucial tool for gathering intelligence and addressing pressing security concerns, including kidnapping, bunkering, and protecting critical government infrastructure.

The Controller of Corrections, Rivers State Command, expressed gratitude to the Sole Administrator for the productive discussions, which will enhance the daily operations of various agencies and support the administrator's mandate to restore peace in Rivers State.

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.”

Victor Osimhen: I didn't walk out on my teammate Victor Boniface and some others out of disrespect; I was just frustrated after the final whistle.

“Victor Boniface tried to calm me down, but at that moment, I didn’t want to hear anything. I walked away not out of disrespect, but because I was hurting. I give it my all every time I step on that pitch, not just for myself, but for my team, for Nigeria, and for the fans who believe in us,” Osimhen revealed.

He continued, “We needed that win. We needed those points. Now, we have to fight even harder to qualify for the World Cup. It’s not over, but we can’t continue making the same mistakes. I just want us to be better, to do better, because Nigeria deserves nothing less.”

“I can’t lie; I was so frustrated. That match against Zimbabwe? We should have won it. We had the lead, we controlled the game, and then, just like that, we let it slip.

“When I scored, I felt relieved. I thought, ‘Yes, this is it. We’re taking the three points home.’ But football can be cruel. A last-minute equalizer, just seconds away from victory, shattered everything. The whistle blew, and I just couldn’t hold back my emotions at that moment,” He added.

(WhistlerNG)

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

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).

Let love lead

Akpabio: No, that didnt come from Atiku

1.0 The per-second way newsworthy incidents happen in Nigeria, I am not able to wait until Monday to react in my Sun Column to what former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is said to have said against the incumbent President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

2.0 And, I am not going to use my platform -any platform of mine- to repeat whatever he said; thereby indirectly dignifying or spreading the serial presidential attempter’s group agenda against Akwa Ibom and indeed the south south, if not the southern part and the country as a whole.

3.0 But, here’s the thing: what Mr Abubakar said is a lie because unlike himself who has been accused for the records (in a book and in several media footages) by his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, not one of the past political bosses of the senate president ever accused him of that.

4.0 Starting with the iconic former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah, under whom Barr. Akpabio began his political journey on I think 6th August 2002, first as Honourable Commissioner, Petroleum and Mineral Resources and later, of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs up until the end of the administration on 29th May 2007 when he took over, there’s no record of the former governor ever accusing his former Commissioner of this.

3.0 Ditto the 2015 to 2019 senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, under whom the current senate boss served as minority leader.

4.0 Even immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, whom Sen. Akpabio served as Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, did not ever accuse him nor has he now when dirty north-south politics is forcing big people to play in the sand.

5.0 So, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should try another trick in their desperation to stop President Bola Tinubu’s second term by leaving Sen. Akpabio.

6.0 By the way, there can be no concluding this sans mentioning the 7-star representation (human capacity building, positioning/empowerment and projects) Senate President Godswill Akpabio has in the last nearly two years offered not just Akwa Ibom northwest, not just Akwa Ibom state, not just the south south, not just southern Nigeria, not the federal republic but also humanity.

7.0 No political allegation whatsoever shall cause any shift whatsoever in the befitting humongous nationwide support Sen. Akpabio enjoys!

Michael BUSH is a Sun Columnist