Author: Enwono-Abasi Elisha

Stakeholders in the oil and gas sector have expressed worry over the inefficient implementation of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDT) Funds as provided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 for host communities to leverage upon and benefit. This was the focal point of the 2-day dialogue on exploring host community beneficiation provisions within the PIA organised by Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) with support from Oxfam in Nigeria, recently. The meeting had participants which included; representatives of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) from Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan, Ikot Abasi LGAs, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment/Mineral Resources,…

Media actors in Akwa Ibom State have been charged to demand fiscal transparency and responsibility from stakeholders in the extractive sector for inclusiveness and enhance expected development in host communities. This was the focal point of the two-day capacity building on fiscal accountability organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Oxfam, recently, where select Investigative Journalists were onboarded in Extractive Host Communities. https://crestnews.ng/general-lagbaja-will-be-remembered-for-his-dedicated-service-etteh/ In his keynote address, Mr. Ayo Omuwu, the Senior Program Officer, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, welcomed participants and urged them to optimally engage in the sessions to be equipped with skills to…

Oil spill site at Esit Eket community as permitted to be used by Pst. Macaulay Nyoho, an Environmentalist Over a month of traversing the creeks, mangroves and shores of oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom State lies a picture of rich, green vegetation mashed in the sheen of oil flowing to the surface by the operations of oil companies. Few species of flora and fauna left recedes and become afraid of the environment they once survived in. Unyenge Community, Mbo LGA -Akwa Ibom State The 1hr 34 mins drive from Enwang to Unyenge Community of Mbo LGA, covered approximately 10km…

“Words may fade but silent deeds etch their marks on time.” This famous saying succinctly describes the engagements of Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, LL.B, BL, in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly within one year since he resumed duty to represent the people of Itu and Ibiono Ibom local government areas of Akwa Ibom State. His footprints in public service have always been that of a man who charts his path to fit the uniqueness of his being. The being that yearns to be closer to his people and make his door open for all. On the saddle of…

A typical residence of an Ibeno woman with a beach behind. Photo shot by Enwono-Abasi, The Crest Newspaper.   ————————— More than thirty (30) women from Okoro-utib, Iwuo-okpom, Okpolum communities of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State who are in search of a better way to dry their seafoods while protecting their environment are grappling with a lot of other challenges. “These women will be so helpless with their charred skin if they don’t stand up to help themselves,” an Environmentalist said. In a laid back fishing settlement of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria,…

In fulfillment of the Renewed Hope Elderly Support Initiative of Wife of the President of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, on Thursday hosted 250 elderly persons to a party at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo. The party which drew attendees from the 31 Local Government Areas of the state featured, free medical outreach, dancing competition, riddles, pageantry, and lots more. Pastor Patience Eno in her remarks said the event was held at the instance of the wife of the President who had graciously approved the names of all in attendance,…

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, has commended Optimera Energy LFZE for investing in a world class natural gas distribution infrastructure project at the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos. The minister who spoke while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the project designed to distribute natural gas to companies operating within the Lekki Free Zone called on private sector investors to partner with the government in growing the country’s gas sector. Ekpo described Optimera Energy’s investment as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future and lauded the firm for their visionary approach…

Everyday, the clock ticks, drawing near the next reality. Energy Transition! Just as the world gears in preparation towards sustainable energy (Green Energy) by 2060 timeline, it portends nothing will exempt Continents, Nations and Sub-nationals from the effect of this global change. Energy Transition (ET) according to Wikipedia is a significant structural change in an energy system regarding supply and consumption. Currently, a transition to sustainable energy (mostly renewable energy) is underway to limit climate change. It is also called renewable energy transition. The current transition is driven by a recognition that global greenhouse-gas emissions must be drastically reduced. This…

Recently, the Crest Newspaper joined an expert roundtable discourse in far away Senegal, a West African Country, to contribute to the ongoing discussion about preventing conflict which is prevalent in the oil, gas and solid mineral rich communities in the West African region. The event which took place between November 27th to November 28th 2023 at Goree Institute, Dakar – Senegal, had as its theme: “Responsible and Inclusive Management of Extractive Resources for Conflict Prevention.” https://crestnews.ng/ekperikpe-intervenes-in-health-sector/ According to the Executive Director of the Institute, Mr. Doudou Dia, the round table discussion is in continuation of their pursuit in the research…

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Brand Management and Marketing to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sir Raphael Edem has reiterated the need for all Akwa Ibom persons to join in the task of marketing the unique potentials and qualities of the State in positive ways. He made the note, Wednesday, during the ongoing Chats of the Conference of Online Publishers, Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) on the theme, ‘Nigeria in Post Subsidy Removal Era: Governance and Citizens Engagement.’ According to him, “The task for building Akwa Ibom brand is not just the State Government’s responsibility. Every positive thing that…