Author: Kufre Etuk

Professor Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is the Professor of Peace Leadership and Conflict Resolution, a UN Peacekeeping Veteran,  Retired Senior Police Officer, Peace Systems Designer, Peace, Security and Governance Consultant, a Development and Public Policy Advisor, and a Public Theologian. In this interview with our reporter, he speaks on the State Police Bill recently passed by the National Assembly, expectations from states, and proposed gains for Nigeria, when assented to, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. EXCERPTS:  Professor Bassey, Nigeria has reached a historic point with the constitutional and legislative progress toward State Police. Do you believe this is a defining moment…

The Public Transport Owners of Nigeria, PTONA, has set up a new legal unit to protect members against harassment, illegal road levies and intimidation by both state and non-state actors. This was disclosed by the Acting President, Comrade Uwemedimo Udo Essen during the PTONA AGM 2026. The president said the association will reposition itself to serve not just transport owners, but the millions of commuters who depend on road transport daily. Comrade Essen promised to reposition PTONA through sustainable funding model that is fair, transparent, and member-owned, adding that the era of dependence, compromise was over. https://crestnews.ng/ibom-developers-fze-supports-education-in-eastern-obolo-through-ibom-developers-and-the-future-generation-initiative/ “We are gathered…

Stakeholders in the OML 13 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) have taken a significant step towards sustainable community development with the formal presentation of a comprehensive Needs Assessment Report for host communities within the OML 13 area. The presentation ceremony, held on Monday in Uyo, brought together representatives of government regulatory agencies, oil and gas operators, community leaders, and members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the OML 13 HCDT. OML 13 is operated through a joint venture between NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL), with both companies working collaboratively to drive hydrocarbon development…

As part of activities preceding its Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, De-Mbarukas Limited has outlined strategic initiatives that could address insecurity through urban planning and improve agricultural productivity through targeted interventions. The Chairman of the company, Mr. Joseph Akpan, disclosed this during an on-the-spot visit to the company’s headquarters by our reporter, where he provided insights into its activities and policy direction. Mr. Akpan stated that the company was performing strongly and had begun aligning its operational framework with evolving societal challenges, particularly in the area of security. According to him, De-Mbarukas is collaborating with Akwa Ibom…

Bishops of Methodist Church Nigeria have commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his commitment to peace, good governance, infrastructural development, and the welfare of the people. The Clerics also declared their support to the establishment of state Police which they described as a critical reform for addressing escalating security challenges and strengthening security governance at the subnational level. These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 43rd council of Bishops of Methodist Church Nigeria held at Immanuel Methodist Cathedral, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The conference which too place from Sunday, 7th to…

As part of its commitment to community development and investment in education, Ibom Developers Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) has distributed educational materials to pupils of Government Primary School, Isiotoyo Autonomous Community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State under its educational support programme, “Ibom Developers and the Future Generation.” The initiative, which forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Development Programmes (CDP), witnessed the presentation of a wide range of educational materials including school bags, exercise books, writing materials, water bottles, tables and chairs, pencils, pens, and other learning aids designed to improve…

Barely six months after Senator Ekong Sampson disbursed 100million naira to over 500 students and some teachers in Akwa Ibom South, yesterday, the lawmaker gave out 10million naira, as another of his personal support to Nigerian Law School students of Akwa Ibom South extraction. The colourful presentation ceremony, held at the William Shakespeare Hall, Watbridge Hotels, Uyo, was graced by top judges, practicing lawyers, members of the academia and students. In attendance were the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, who was represented by Chief Magistrate Chinonye Akpanika, Justice Bassey Nkanang and Justice Bennett Ilaumo.…

Vanolive Property Limited, a fast-growing real estate development company, has unveiled a new smart residential project within the Royal Palm Villa Estate in Uyo, positioning the development as a premium investment destination for homeowners, diaspora investors, golf tourists and short-let accommodation operators seeking opportunities in Akwa Ibom State’s expanding real estate market. The project, strategically located near the renowned Ibom Golf Course, was showcased during the recently concluded Ibom Open Golf Championship, where golfers, business executives, tourists and prospective investors were introduced to the technology-driven apartments and investment opportunities being developed by the company. Speaking during the tournament, the Managing…

In a remarkable demonstration of its commitment to community development and child welfare, Ibom Developers FZE on Tuesday celebrated the 2026 Children’s Day with pupils of Methodist Primary School, Ikot Ikwot, in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The event, which formed part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community development programmes, brought excitement and joy to pupils, teachers, parents, and members of the host community, as the school premises came alive with colourful activities marking the annual celebration dedicated to children. The occasion featured an impressive march past by pupils, cultural dance performances, drama…

The call was made by Professor Edna Akpan, of the University of Uyo, during the training organized at EMMJM Hotels, Uyo,  by a non governmental organization -Women United for Economic Empowerment, WUEE, on the project titled, “persistent and systemic marginalization of women farmers in Akwa Ibom State from agricultural services, productive resources, financing systems, and decision-making structures that directly influence their productivity and livelihoods”, sponsored by  Urgent Action Fund(UAF) Africa. Speaking at the training which had 45 women farmers’ group leaders and other stakeholders drawn from three communities each from Ini, Etinan, and Okobo local government areas of Akwa Ibom…