Author: Kufre Etuk

The Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS, has ended a-one day strategy session to fashion plans to meet the N60 billion IGR budget in 2024. Akwa Ibom State collected about N35 billion IGR in 2022, ranked 10th on the States’ IGR ranking table released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in October 2023. AKIRS’ target, as disclosed at the strategy session held on Tuesday 19th December, is to exceed N60 billion in 2024 fiscal year, to ensure the government has sufficient funds to implement the ARISE Agenda. Some of the plans for achieving her target as discussed at…

Christmas began early for many at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo (UUTH) on Tuesday, as Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo in his benevolence helped to offset the medical bills of patients who were fully recovered and ready to go home but hamstrung by unpaid bills. The Honourable Minister Of State for Petroleum, in charge of Gas Resources, made the intervention during the commissioning ceremony of the UUTH Accident and Emergency Unit in Uyo on December 12, 2023. https://crestnews.ng/31-aibom-youths-receive-training-on-tracking-government-projects-in-communities/ In his official remarks, he commended the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), for a job well done in funding the project and for…

A group of Journalists in Akwa Ibom State were part of advocates joining the global campaign against Sexual and Gender based Violence. The group known as The Pen Girls visited Methodist Girls Secondary School, Utu/Ikpe (jointly owned by Essien Udim and Ikot Ekpene Local Government Areas) on Thursday, December 7, 2023, being the 13th day of the global advocacy. Speaking at the visit, leader of the Pen Girls, Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot explained that the advocacy was necessary to raise awareness on the spate of violence perpetrated against women and girls by those who should protect them. She reminded the school…

Akpabio at 61

By Victor Essang Akwa Ibom Government has been called upon to lend its voice to the request of stakeholders of Sexual Gender-based Violence (SGBV) to President Bola Tinubu to give assent to the Anti-Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational lnstitution Bill (2023) The call was made In Uyo when the Anti-Sexual Harrasment Advocacy Cluster of Connected Development (CODE) organized a stakeholders dialogue forum on Curbing Gender-Based Violence. The Akwa Ibom state Lead of CODE, Mr Ubong Ekpe said the call became necessary “as it will promote a healthy educational environment needed for learning” Ekpe also called on the management of all…

By Owolabi Ajibade As the global focus on sustainable and clean energy intensifies, and in the wake of changing economic tides, the landmark decimation of Nigeria’s Petroleum Ministry and subsequent creation of a standalone Ministry of Gas Resources was indicative of Nigeria’s readiness to harness a sustainable alternative to the extant fossil-fuel-driven economy which is prospected have a huge impact on the country’s economic trajectory and a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Throwing Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo into the deep end with his appointment as the Minister of State for Gas Resources when he is better known for delivering gargantuan…

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana has extolled the leadership qualities of the former Governor, Obong Victor Attah as he marks his 85th birthday service today, Sunday. Umana who described Obong Attah as iconic leader, said he leadership strides are evident in the crew of new generation leaders as well as numerous projects dotting the state. In a letter addressed to Obong Attah, Umana extended his felicitations to the distinguished celebrant and renowned statesman Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah on the grand finale of his 85th birthday celebration. https://crestnews.ng/31-aibom-youths-receive-training-on-tracking-government-projects-in-communities/ “Dear Sir, I wish to join your…

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands, Capt. Inionong Ekong,(Rtd.) has given the President of the Ekid People Union ( EPU) 14 days to unequivocally retract with apology a defamatory statement made against him with unreserved apology published in five Local Newspapers circulating in Uyo . In a press release circulated to media houses in Uyo by his solicitors, Nwoko&Co, signed by Utibe Nwoko, Esq recalled a press statement by the President of the EPU over recent allegations of illegal mining activities in Eket where the Honourable Commissioner was maliciously maligned intentionally to disparage the Commissioner in the eyes of…

Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State oil producing communities have identified nepotism as key factor hindering successful functioning of Host Communities’ Development Trust. This was made known during one-day sensitisation engagement on strengthening civic actors’ awareness and capacity for local engagement on oil host community development in Uyo on September 14, 2023. Speaking during the event, one of the stakeholders from Esit Eket local government area, Hon. Emem Edoho revealed that the trust in his area has been reduced to a political affair where those appointed and selected to benefit are mainly affiliates of the political party in power. He also…

It was another moment of celebration for Deeper Life Campus Fellowship, University of Uyo (UNIUYO), as six members of the fellowship emerged with first class during the just concluded 26th, 27th and 28th combined convocation of the institution. It can be recalled that University of Uyo had held its convocation on the 9th ,10th and 11th November 2023 with 136 first class graduates presented during the combined convocation. Among the 136 first class graduates were six from Deeper Life Campus Fellowship. Speaking during the Freshers’ Reception and Convocation Service tagged, “Germinatio 2023”,  the state Campus Coordinator, Pastor Richard Ajah identified…