News

Akwa Ibom raises alarm over terror threat

Akwa Ibom raises alarm over terror threat

June 20, 2026 Markup 0

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Akwa Ibom State have called on residents to unite, speak out and take collective action against terrorism, describing it as one of the greatest threats to peace, security and national unity.

Speaking at a gathering convened to address growing security concerns, the Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Franklyn Isong, said terrorism had destroyed homes, separated families and caused widespread suffering across religious, ethnic and social divides.

Over 100 inmates receive counselling, food support in Bayelsa

Over 100 inmates receive counselling, food support in Bayelsa

June 20, 2026 Markup 0

More than 100 inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Okaka, Bayelsa State, have benefited from a counselling outreach and food donation programme organised by the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), Bayelsa State Chapter, in partnership with the Successful Motherhood Initiative (SMI).

The outreach combined professional counselling services with the donation of food items to support inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation. Items donated included 10 bags of garri, 2 bags of beans, 2 gallons of palm oil, and 1 gallon of vegetable oil.

Journalists humiliated, barred from A’Ibom court

Journalists humiliated, barred from A’Ibom court

June 19, 2026 Markup 0

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has condemned the obstruction, humiliation and forcible removal of reporters from an open court by Magistrate Godwin Edemekong, his court clerk and police officers attached to Magistrate Court 7 on Fulga Street, Uyo.

Journalists were to cover proceedings in the matter between the Commissioner of Police and Abdullahi Yusuf, a herder; a case deemed to be of legitimate public interest.

NEMA launches flood preparedness campaign in A’Ibom

NEMA launches flood preparedness campaign in A’Ibom

June 15, 2026 Markup 0

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched its 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster Risk Reduction in Akwa Ibom State, urging stakeholders to prioritise preventive measures against flooding.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Uyo on Monday, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said disaster management agencies and stakeholders must adopt a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction rather than merely responding to emergencies.

CHRAN demands state police, forest guards

CHRAN demands state police, forest guards

June 13, 2026 Markup 0

The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish state police and a national forest guard system as part of urgent measures to address Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

The organisation also urged Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to fully implement the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law to curb criminal activities linked to uncontrolled cattle grazing.

Imota chairman engages Hausa, Fulani leaders to strengthen security

Imota chairman engages Hausa, Fulani leaders to strengthen security

June 11, 2026 Markup 0

The Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, has convened a strategic meeting with leaders of the Hausa and Fulani communities to strengthen security and sustain peaceful coexistence within the council area.

The high-level stakeholders’ meeting, held at the council secretariat on Wednesday, brought together key leaders of northern resident communities to discuss measures to enhance community vigilance, promote harmony, and prevent security threats.

APC chieftain calls for greater accountability among LGA chairmen

APC chieftain calls for greater accountability among LGA chairmen

June 11, 2026 Markup 0

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Akwa Ibom State, Mr UduakAbasi Ikpat, has called for greater accountability among local government chairmen, insisting that those who fail to translate public funds into tangible development should be held responsible for their actions.

Ikpat made the call amid growing national discussions on grassroots governance and local government autonomy, stressing that the performance of council administrations should be measured by the visible impact of their projects and programmes rather than the volume of funds they receive.

Nigeria’s democratic future depends on youth – NYCN

Nigeria’s democratic future depends on youth – NYCN

June 11, 2026 Markup 0

The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr Adigun Ibrahim, has called on young people to take a more active role in governance and politics.

Adigun made the call during the council’s maiden media chat in Lagos ahead of the second edition of the Youth and Governance Symposium.

A’Ibom disability group begins registration for access to government opportunities

A’Ibom disability group begins registration for access to government opportunities

June 10, 2026 Markup 0

Persons with physical disabilities in Akwa Ibom State have commenced a statewide membership registration exercise following a directive from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) stated that only registered and financially up-to-date members will be considered for government employment, empowerment programmes, and other intervention initiatives.

Bassey urges Nigerian universities to drive climate action

Bassey urges Nigerian universities to drive climate action

June 6, 2026 Markup 0

Renowned environmental activist Nnimmo Bassey has called on Nigerian universities to take the lead in addressing climate change, describing the crisis as an urgent threat that requires immediate action.

Speaking during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration at Igbinedion University, Okada, Bassey said climate action could no longer be delayed.

Akwa Ibom seeks tougher bail rules for GBV

Akwa Ibom seeks tougher bail rules for GBV

June 5, 2026 Markup 0

The Akwa Ibom State Government has called on the judiciary to reconsider granting bail to offenders accused of severe gender-based violence (GBV), arguing that the practice often places victims and witnesses at greater risk.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), said granting bail to GBV suspects creates the impression that the freedom of offenders is prioritised over the safety of victims.

Lagos assembly moves forward on wealth fund bill

Lagos assembly moves forward on wealth fund bill

June 5, 2026 Markup 0

Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday adopted the recommendations of the House Committee on Finance on the Lagos State Wealth Fund Bill, 2025, with amendments during plenary.

The recommendations followed the presentation of the committee’s report by its Chairman, Obafemi Saheed.

Saheed presented the report on “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos State Wealth Fund to Receive, Manage and Invest in a Diversified Portfolio of Medium and Long-Term Assets for the Benefit of Lagos State and Future Generations of Its Indigenes and Residents and for Connected Purposes.”

FRSC pushes cycling as urban transport solution

FRSC pushes cycling as safer urban alternative

June 3, 2026 Markup 0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified calls for the adoption of cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, urging governments at all levels to prioritise bicycle infrastructure and safer roads as part of efforts to improve urban life and reduce environmental pollution.

Speaking at the flag-off of the 2026 United Nations World Bicycle Day celebration on Wednesday, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said cycling offers solutions to growing urban challenges, including traffic congestion, air pollution, road crashes and sedentary lifestyles.

Lagos targets 10,000 residents for skills training

Lagos targets 10,000 residents for skills training

June 3, 2026 Markup 0

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his administration, through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), is set to train 10,000 residents in industry-relevant skills across technology, construction, fashion, health and business sectors as part of efforts to deepen human capital development.

Sanwo-Olu made this known at the Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0, organised by Omniverse Africa in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), with the theme, “Connected Future: Synergy for Impact,” held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre), Iganmu, Lagos, on Tuesday.

Lagos expands workforce space by 19,525m²

Lagos expands workforce space by 19,525m²

June 2, 2026 Markup 0

The Lagos State Government says it has expanded office accommodation for public servants by an additional 19,525 square metres as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, and reduce expenditure on rented office space.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Dr Adekunle Olayinka, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, to mark the third anniversary of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Eno threatens to revoke delayed road contract

Eno threatens to revoke delayed road contract

May 31, 2026 Markup 0

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a July 2026 deadline for the completion of the long-delayed Tabernacle Road project in Itam, Itu Local Government Area, warning that the state government will revoke the contract if the project is not delivered on schedule.

The governor issued the ultimatum during a media briefing in Uyo on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of his administration, where he also warned contractors handling public projects across the state against delays and poor delivery.

FRSC deploys 720 personnel for Eid traffic

FRSC deploys 720 personnel for Eid traffic

May 26, 2026 Markup 0

The Federal Road Safety Corps has deployed 720 personnel across major highways in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as part of intensified efforts to prevent crashes, ease traffic congestion and tackle reckless driving.

The Sector Commander, Felicia Kalu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Tuesday, warning motorists against dangerous practices capable of causing gridlock and fatal accidents during the festive period.

Navy reaffirms commitment to maritime security

Navy reaffirms commitment to maritime security

May 26, 2026 Markup 0

The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and protecting critical national assets as it inaugurated key infrastructure projects at Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Jubilee in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, stated this on Tuesday during the inauguration ceremony, describing maritime security as vital to Nigeria’s economic prosperity and stability.

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.