We receive light we receive help this week

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.

"Time is like a burning candle , once it's lighted,it starts melting.
Make use of your time admirably

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.

This is a reminder to give ourselves a break.
I know that sometimes we feel like we don’t deserve it, as if we need to keep moving and hustling, or else our dreams will slip away.
But hey, give yourself some credit, a light tap on the back—you’re trying, and you’re giving your best. That is enough. Breathe for a while; don’t let everything suffocate you.
We will try again tomorrow.
words by Recc

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! @

You have enough light to make yourself visible.

A hundred hearts would be too few

To carry all my love for you.

They who meet on an April night are forever lost in love,

if there’s moonlight all about and there’s no moon above.

Will you love me in December as you do in May,

Will you love me in the good old fashioned way?

When my hair has all turned gray,

Will you kiss me then and say,

That you love me in December as you do in May?

– James J. Walker.

A hundred hearts would be too few

To carry all my love for you.

They who meet on an April night are forever lost in love,

if there’s moonlight all about and there’s no moon above.

Will you love me in December as you do in May,

Will you love me in the good old fashioned way?

When my hair has all turned gray,

Will you kiss me then and say,

That you love me in December as you do in May?

– James J. Walker.

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?