News

Eket symposium pushes resource economy development

Eket symposium pushes resource economy development

May 25, 2026 Markup 0

Despite possessing vast deposits of clay, kaolin, limestone, silica sand and granite, alongside a 129-kilometre coastline with enormous maritime opportunities, the district has for decades struggled to translate its natural wealth into sustainable economic development.

That challenge formed the focus of a high-level symposium organised by the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals in collaboration with the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Family alleges UNIUYO student still held after ransom

Family alleges UNIUYO student still held after ransom

May 19, 2026 Markup 0

The family of Utibe Asian, a 300-level Theatre Arts student of the University of Uyo, has raised the alarm over his continued captivity months after allegedly paying N500,000 ransom to his abductors.

Utibe, from Obio Etoi in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was reportedly declared missing on 2 December 2025 after leaving home to meet a friend who contacted him through phone number 09066935255.

Nnimmo Bassey urges NUJ to lead Niger Delta cleanup campaign

Nnimmo Bassey urges NUJ to lead Niger Delta cleanup campaign

May 19, 2026 Markup 0

A renowned environmental activist and Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, has called for urgent environmental and health audits across the Niger Delta, warning that abandoned oil facilities and unchecked pollution have turned the region into an ecological disaster zone.

Bassey, who holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, made the call on Monday while delivering an address at the 2026 Correspondents’ Week of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Port Harcourt.

EFCC probes two over $461,600 undeclared cash

EFCC probes two over $461,600 undeclared cash

May 18, 2026 Markup 0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, has commenced an investigation into two male suspects, Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, over a total of $461,600 (Four Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Six Hundred United States Dollars) allegedly undeclared to officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, May 8, 2026, after arriving from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airlines ET941. Although they initially declared $130,000 and $180,000, respectively, at the currency declaration desk, a subsequent physical examination by Customs officers uncovered an additional undeclared $120,000 on the first suspect, bringing his total to $250,000, and an additional $31,600 on the second suspect, bringing his total to $211,600.

Stakeholders across the Niger Delta have demanded an immediate audit and cleanup of abandoned oil wells, warning that leaking and undecommissioned infrastructure continues to threaten lives, ecosystems and public health decades after operations ceased. The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the 5th Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence in Uyo.

Niger Delta demands abandoned oil wells cleanup

May 17, 2026 Markup 0

Stakeholders across the Niger Delta have demanded an immediate audit and cleanup of abandoned oil wells, warning that leaking and undecommissioned infrastructure continues to threaten lives, ecosystems and public health decades after operations ceased.

The call was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the 5th Niger Delta Alternatives Convergence in Uyo.

CSOs seek NUPRC split for host communities

CSOs seek NUPRC split for host communities

May 17, 2026 Markup 0

Civil society organisations in Akwa Ibom State have called for the unbundling of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission to improve efficiency and accelerate development in oil-producing host communities.

The groups, operating under the Fair Finance Nigeria Coalition, made the demand in a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day advocacy workshop for traditional rulers on impact assessments in oil-producing regions.

Boro Day: MOSIEND demands justice for Niger Delta

Boro Day: MOSIEND demands justice for Niger Delta

May 17, 2026 Markup 0

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called for renewed national reflection on the unresolved issues of justice, equity and development in the Niger Delta as the region marks the 58th anniversary of Boro Day.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Yenagoa to commemorate the occasion, the group said the late Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro should be remembered not only as an Ijaw hero but also as a symbol of the collective struggle of minority ethnic nationalities across the Niger Delta.

ICAN honours A’Ibom Accountant-General with iconic award

ICAN honours A’Ibom Accountant-General with iconic award

May 16, 2026 Markup 0

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria will on Saturday honour Akwa Ibom State Accountant General, Mr Uwem Andrew-Essien, as one of its 2026 icons for his outstanding contributions to public financial management, professional accountancy and public service delivery.

The prestigious recognition will be conferred at the ICAN Annual Dinner and Awards Night scheduled for 16 May 2026 at The Monarch Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos.

Police warn against violence at A’Ibom APC primaries

Police warn against violence at A’Ibom APC primaries

May 16, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has warned political thugs, troublemakers and anyone plotting to disrupt today’s All Progressives Congress primaries in the state to abandon such plans or face arrest and prosecution.

The command said it had deployed tactical teams, intelligence operatives, patrol units and other security personnel across designated venues to ensure a peaceful, credible and hitch-free exercise.

Eradiri tasks new INC leadership on unity

Eradiri tasks new INC leadership on unity

May 14, 2026 Markup 0

Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Udengs Eradiri, has urged the newly inaugurated leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), led by High Chief Macdonald Igbadiowei, to rebuild unity and restore the organisation’s lost credibility.

Eradiri, a former Bayelsa State governorship candidate, said the new INC President faces the enormous task of repositioning the socio-cultural body and restoring its status as a respected institution.

Uyo hosts tourism summit on post-oil growth

Uyo hosts tourism summit on post-oil growth

May 13, 2026 Markup 0

Government officials, corporate leaders and academics will converge in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on May 14 for the Policy Evaluation and Advocacy Forum (PEAF) 2026, a major summit aimed at positioning tourism as Nigeria’s next economic growth engine beyond oil.

Organised by the Institute of Corporate Leadership and Mentorship (ICLM) in partnership with Appleton Private University and the International Federation of Private Universities, the forum will focus on the theme, “Beyond Oil: Redefining the Future of Nigeria’s Tourism Industry.”

Two legal practitioners in Akwa Ibom State have reportedly received death threats after filing a suit to compel all 31 local government councils to disclose how public funds are spent under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. Akaninyene Archibong and Edidiong Ebong approached the Federal High Court in Uyo in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/80/2026, seeking judicial review to enforce transparency and accountability in local government finances across the state.

Death threats rock Akwa Ibom transparency case

May 13, 2026 Markup 0

Two legal practitioners in Akwa Ibom State have reportedly received death threats after filing a suit to compel all 31 local government councils to disclose how public funds are spent under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

Akaninyene Archibong and Edidiong Ebong approached the Federal High Court in Uyo in Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/80/2026, seeking judicial review to enforce transparency and accountability in local government finances across the state.

A’Ibom community leaders demand EMOIMEE fund probe

A’Ibom community leaders demand EMOIMEE fund probe

May 11, 2026 Markup 0

Tension is mounting in Esit Eket Local Government Area as leaders of thought, traditional rulers, political leaders, women, youths, and community stakeholders convened at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Esit Eket, His Royal Majesty Edidem Ubong Peter Assam II, in Akpautong Village.

They issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to representatives of Esit Eket in the Seplat/NNPC JV EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) to account for the management of community funds, scholarships and empowerment programmes over the past four years.

Red Cross seeks stronger Akwa Ibom support

May 10, 2026 Markup 0

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Akwa Ibom State Branch, has called for stronger government backing, sustainable funding and improved operational support to expand humanitarian services in the state.
Speaking at the 163rd World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebration on Saturday, 8 May 2026 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Hon. Sam Ikon, said the organisation remained committed to delivering life saving support to vulnerable communities under the global theme, “United in Humanity”.

Court halts INC inauguration amid leadership crisis

Court halts INC inauguration amid leadership crisis

May 7, 2026 Markup 0

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction restraining the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), the Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, and the Chairman of the Electoral Committee from inaugurating, swearing in, or presenting any individuals as officers of the INC.

The ruling follows the deepening leadership crisis within the INC after the controversial National Executive Council election held on 13 April, which CITRE, regarded as the apex judicial authority of the congress, declared null and void over alleged constitutional breaches.

Power outage halts Shell divestment hearing

Power outage halts Shell divestment hearing

May 6, 2026 Markup 0

A power outage at the Yenagoa Division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday stalled proceedings in a suit challenging Shell’s divestment from its onshore assets and seeking redress over decades of environmental pollution in Bayelsa State.

When the matter came up for hearing, the presiding judge, Justice Ayo Emmanuel, informed parties present that proceedings could not continue because the courtroom was too hot.

Senate pressures FG over South Africa, Ghana

Senate pressures FG over South Africa, Ghana

May 6, 2026 Markup 0

The Senate has raised serious concerns over what it described as the “intensifying and intolerable persecution” of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana, warning that continued attacks could strain diplomatic relations and threaten African unity.

This followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, who presented a disturbing account of widespread violence, harassment and systematic targeting of Nigerians residing in both countries.

Oshiomhole demands MTN, DStv licence revocation over xenophobic attacks

Oshiomhole demands MTN, DStv licence revocation over xenophobic attacks

May 5, 2026 Markup 1

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licences of South African-owned companies in Nigeria, including MTN and DStv, following renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Oshiomhole made the call on Tuesday during plenary as lawmakers in the National Assembly debated the safety of Nigerians abroad and the country’s response to the recurring attacks.

Lagos introduces street parking charges

Lagos introduces street parking charges

May 5, 2026 Markup 0

The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has announced plans to introduce its On-Street Parking Scheme in selected local government areas, including Ikeja, before the end of 2026.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by LASPA’s General Manager, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, to the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, according to a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Dunkwu Divine.

May Day: FOSAD demands better pay, lower living costs

May Day: FOSAD demands better pay, lower living costs

May 1, 2026 Markup 0

The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has called for the urgent prioritisation of workers’ welfare in Nigeria, warning that rising living costs, poor wages and worsening economic conditions are pushing workers deeper into hardship.

In a statement marking this year’s International Workers’ Day, FOSAD joined millions of Nigerians and the global community in celebrating workers’ contributions to national development, while expressing grave concern over the deteriorating conditions facing workers across all sectors.

May Day: Eno hails workers, clears N82bn gratuity debt

May Day: Eno hails workers, clears N82bn gratuity debt

May 1, 2026 Markup 0

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised workers across the state for their dedication and contributions to the successful implementation of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

Speaking during the May Day celebration, Eno, who was represented by his deputy, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi said the achievements recorded by his government were made possible through the commitment, resilience and cooperation of the state’s workforce.

Timi urges performance-based vote in 2027

Timi urges performance-based vote in 2027

April 30, 2026 Markup 0

Dr Tonye Timi, Executive Director of Corporate Services at the South/South Development Commission, has urged stakeholders in the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to set aside personal loyalty and prioritise performance, accountability and inclusiveness when electing representatives in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Timi said representation in a democracy is not merely a political privilege but a serious responsibility that must be measured by legislative effectiveness, responsiveness and tangible development.

NCC deploys technology to fight digital piracy

NCC deploys technology to fight digital piracy

April 29, 2026 Markup 0

Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it is deploying digital technology to strengthen its campaign against piracy and protect intellectual property rights in Nigeria.

The Director-General of the commission, John Asien, disclosed this in Uyo on Tuesday during an event marking the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day.

Senate pressure pays off as Police, EFCC rescue 14 kidnap victims

Senate pressure pays off as Police, EFCC rescue 14 kidnap victims

April 28, 2026 Markup 1

Senator Ekong Sampson’s call on the floor of the Senate for the immediate and safe release of abducted passengers on the Calabar–Oron waterways has recorded a breakthrough, following the successful rescue of all 14 victims.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), secured the release of the 14 passengers kidnapped by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.

CCD founder, Anyaele impels inclusivity amidst escalating disability figures

CCD founder, Anyaele impels inclusivity amidst escalating disability figures

April 27, 2026 Markup 0

The Executive Director and Founder of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, Mr David Anyaele, has cautioned Nigerians against prejudice toward individuals with disabilities, underscoring that anyone can acquire a disability at any moment.

Anyaele observed that disabilities can stem from mishaps, violent assaults, structural collapses, conflagrations, and other unforeseen occurrences. He exhorted the public to embrace integration and treat individuals with disabilities with respect and dignity, accentuating that no one is immune to life-altering events.

Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu

Panel proposes four-phase transition to state police

April 24, 2026 Markup 0

The Steering Committee on the Establishment of State Police has recommended a four-phase transition framework for the creation and rollout of state policing across Nigeria.

The proposal is contained in the committee’s report, sighted on Friday, which outlines a structured 60-month roadmap for implementation.

Bayelsa auto technicians embrace digital diagnostics drive

Bayelsa auto technicians embrace digital diagnostics drive

April 24, 2026 Markup 0

The newly elected Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) in Bayelsa State, Mr Peter Omavie, has pledged to deploy digital diagnostic tools to enhance efficiency and modernise the sector.

Speaking to journalists in Yenagoa after the association’s election, Omavie unveiled a three-point agenda centred on technology, collaboration and welfare, aimed at repositioning automobile technicians for the evolving digital economy.

NGO demands end to criminalising street children

NGO demands end to criminalising street children

April 23, 2026 Markup 0

A non-governmental organisation, Street Mentors Network (SMN), has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to strengthen child protection laws and end the criminalisation of street-connected children.

The Executive Director of SMN, Anita Michael, made the call in Uyo during a press briefing and stakeholders’ engagement to mark the 2026 International Day of Street Children, themed “Protect, Don’t Punish.”

Earth Day: HOMEF demands clean energy shift

Earth Day: HOMEF demands clean energy shift

April 22, 2026 Markup 0

The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has called for accelerated action on clean energy, environmental restoration and stronger protection of ecosystems.

The ecology-focused non-governmental organisation made the call in a statement on Wednesday to mark the 2026 World Earth Day. The statement was signed by Miss Kome Odhomor, Communications/Media Lead at HOMEF.