Author: Kufre Etuk

When it comes to moving high-value assets and VVIPs across Nigeria, the margin for error is zero. Few understand this better than Samuel Isong, the dynamic Akwa Ibom entrepreneur and CEO of Ride With Me Logistics. Having successfully managed two vastly different, high-stakes assignments—the multi-city Davido ‘5ive’ Album Tour and the first-ever African visit by the President of Burger King—Isong offers a unique perspective on the complexities of world-class logistics in the Nigerian context. The Contrast: Corporate Protocol vs. Homegrown Star Isong identifies the single biggest logistics challenge as managing the profound difference in protocol between an international corporate executive…

Uyo, Nigeria – Across the globe, science, and technology drive solutions to pressing social challenges. However, many students in Nigeria’s underserved communities where curiosity struggles to take root remain on the side-lines of this progress. Their ideas, full of potential, rarely find the space to grow and make positive change. In response, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB) commenced the Igniting Minds through Science (IMS) programme in Akwa Ibom State in 2024. The programme leverages support from Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company…

On a joyful day in Akwa Ibom State, mothers cradled their infants, children whose births coincided with the historic moment an oil well was spudded in their communities. These “Spud Babies,” as they are fondly called, became the centre of celebration as the NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NEPL) and Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL), gathered families, traditional rulers and health experts for a day of free medical care, gifts, and cash support for each child. This year, which marks the fourth edition of the initiative, NEPL and Sumedha Energy Limited (SEL) celebrated 66 “Spud Babies” across four local government…

When superstar Davido announced his highly anticipated ‘5ive’ Album Tour, featuring just five select states in Nigeria, the inclusion of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, generated massive excitement. Now, the definitive story behind this strategic coup can be revealed: it was the singular vision and persistence of Akwa Ibomite entrepreneur, Samuel Isong. Isong, the brain behind Rave Media and Ride With Me logistics, successfully orchestrated Uyo’s inclusion, convincing Davido’s influential management team that Akwa Ibom was not just ready, but a must-have destination for the national tour. Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Isong maintains deep ties to his ancestral home…

This year’s edition of the annual Trace In The City campus tour will go down as one of the most exhilarating, thanks to Nigeria’s premium malt drink, Malta Guinness. In partnership with the tour’s organisers, TRACE Naija, the brand, renowned for fuelling the greatness and positive energy of Nigerians was on ground to give students a tour to remember for a long time. The tour, designed to celebrate youth culture, creativity, and optimism, delivered unforgettable experiences filled with music, dance, and real connections. From the University of Ibadan to the University of Abuja, University of Calabar, University of Uyo, and…

Federal Polytechnic Ukana has forged a strategic collaboration with the authorities of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council to deepen and expand skill acquisition opportunities, as the institution intensifies its commitment to community empowerment and vocational transformation. The deal was struck during a familiarization visit by the Rector, Mrs. Eduma Enobong Essien, to the Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The visit was aimed at acquainting the Chairman with the Polytechnic’s expanded mandate and informing him that the institution has advanced beyond traditional academics to embrace a broader skills-driven developmental mission. Accompanied by…

The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Eduma Essien , has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to entrepreneurial skills development as a key driver of economic revival and national growth. Mrs. Essien stated this today during the inspection and test-running of the institution’s tissue paper production line, located at the Entrepreneurial Training Centre on the main campus of the Polytechnic. https://crestnews.ng/bcs-honours-her-intl-womens-fellowship-president-sis-victoria-clarke/ The Rector expressed satisfaction with the quality of the tissue paper produced under the brand name Polysoft, describing it as unique and of high standard. She disclosed that Polysoft and other products from the Polytechnic would soon be introduced to the market.…

As part of its efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in fiscal governance , Policy Alert, a non-governmental organization that works to ensure that policy, legislative, and business processes yield meaningful and sustainable outcomes for people and planet is to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board to prioritize youths’ active participation in the budget processes of their local government areas. Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Board on Tuesday at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo as part of the Priortizing Communities: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Local Government Administration project implemented by Policy Alert with support Nigeria…

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural and industrial development, the Chief Executive Officer of Fens Group, Mr. Michael Udofia, has been conferred with the 2025 Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award (ADEA) by the Nigeria Agribusiness & Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI) under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The award was presented during the 4th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference (Uyo2025), holding at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with the theme “Resilient Agribusiness: A Sustainable Solution for a Changing World.” Explaining the rationale behind the choice of Udofia, the Zonal Coordinator of NAADI, Mr.…

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Eno Obareki, has expressed her deep appreciation to the people of Akwa Ibom for their continuous initiatives and projects honouring the legacy of Pastor Patience Umo Eno. Lady Obareki conveyed her gratitude on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the first anniversary celebration of the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Mrs Grace Ekah Effiong at Ulok Ulok Hall, Upenekang and the inauguration of the Patience Umo Eno Health Centre at Iwuokpom in Ibeno Local Government Area. “I want to thank you so much on behalf of my family and I…