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” Akwa Ibom Is Rising & The Golden Era is Here”- Governor Umo Eno reveals on New Year

Published

2 years ago

January 1, 2024

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has outlined his achievements since the administration came into office seven months ago, noting that the signs are evidence that the state is on the rise, the Golden is here and there is hope of a better future.

Here is full text of the speech:

O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His mercies endured forever.

MY DEAR AKWAIBOMITES

1. Let me start by giving God the glory and honour for making it possible for us to be alive, healthy and sound to see this New Year. My wife, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs)Patience Umo Eno and I, wish you a very Happy and prosperous New Year. We are hopeful and confident that it is going to be a year of Restoration, of Increase and of Expansion across the lengths and crannies of this State, so help us God!

2. On March 18, 2023, you bought into our vision of growth and development, as broadly laid out in our ARISE Agenda, and went ahead to reward us with a massive victory at the polls.

3. Today, seven months after our inauguration, I make bold to say that in spite of the hazy economic horizon, the fundamentals of our development are strong and resilient. Akwa Ibom State is Rising with the ARISE Agenda and the Golden Era we had promised is already here. Even though we still have many miles to go, what we have collectively achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow and beyond.

4. Seven months down the line, every critical pillar of this well-defined and well-thought out Economic Blueprint has been touched and activated for the growth and continuous development of our State.

5. In the area of Agriculture, we have started the steady but firm commitment to engendering agricultural revolution in our State. The Ibom Model Farm, a collaborative effort with the world renowned Songhai Farms of Porto Novo, Benin Republic, was flagged-off a little over two weeks ago, in Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium local government area. It promises to be the most integrated farm in this part of the Nation. It will not only guarantee food security but will also create jobs for thousands of people and stimulate tourism.

We have requested the Local Government Council Chairmen, to donate lands for the establishment of demonstration farms in each of the local government areas. We have revitalized the Dakkada Palm Oil Estate with new seedlings and have equally invested funds in Cocoa plantations in the state.

6. We are paying deep attention to developing and improving the quality of life of residents in both our urban and rural areas as well as the maintenance and expansion of infrastructure in the State. So far we have flagged-off and funded the construction of not less than 17 roads across the state. We have been intentional to ensure that these roads are selected across the three senatorial districts in the state. Some of these roads include:

• Construction of Ndiya Street, overlay of portions of Johnson Street, Water Works, Solar Light and Toilet Facilities at Akpan Andem Market, Uyo. This project was flagged-off and commissioned within the first 100 Days of our administration, in fulfillment of the campaign promises I made when I visited the market.

• Construction of 1.1km Access Road to Goretti Secondary School with 0.875km Discharge Drain in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

• Construction of 1.3km Underground Discharge Drain from Atiku Abubakar Avenue to Olusegun Obasanjo Way, Uyo, currently ongoing.

• and the ongoing construction of the Ukpong and Effiong Essang Streets in Oron Local Government Area.

7. We have also in the course of the last seven months, undertaken several ecological intervention projects such as:

• Construction of ravine control facilities at Etim Umanah Street, in Uyo

• Reclamation and construction of Udoinwang Road and the Construction of Erosion Control Facilities.

8. In fulfillment of our campaign promises to complete ongoing projects initiated by the immediate past administration, we have released over Ten Billion Naira to get contractors back to various sites across the state. Works are ongoing at these project sites such as the Victor Attah International Airport Road Expansion and others located all over the State.

9. In the Aviation sector, we have released about 6.5 billion Naira to support ongoing projects at the Victor Attah International Airport. We have also kept all our financial obligations with Airbus Corporation and about a month ago, we received the first of the ten Airbus A220-300 Series into the Ibom Air fleet. Ibom Air, which is the pride of our State, was one of the first places I visited shortly after my inauguration, where I had restated my desire to continue to support and expand the operations of that great project which is a testament to vision and creativity. We have invested heavily in the MRO and very soon, that will be fully commissioned.

10. In the Power sector, we have directed that an operational audit of Ibom Power Plant be done. Our aim is to reposition that critical plant to yield the expected dividends for our people. We believe strongly that with adequate power, our entrepreneurs in the state can do better and our economy will be better for it.

11. To maintain the peace and safeguard our status as one of the safest states in Nigeria, we have created a full-fledged Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways manned by a retired general of the Nigerian Army. Two weeks ago, we successfully launched the Ibom Community Watch programme with 550 watchers commissioned for Uyo Local Government Area. The objective of this programme is to raise a well trained team that will protect government assets across our communities and assist in the gathering of intelligence for our security agents. This initiative shall also create over five thousand jobs for our youths.

12. Still on security, on December 13, 2023, I signed into Law, the Akwa Ibom Security Trust Fund Bill earlier passed by the State House of Assembly to help us mobilize funds to improve on the security architecture of our state. Three days ago, we launched the Akwa Ibom State Waterways Security Assets whose central mission is to secure the waterways of the State and thus help protect governments critical assets, boost the state’s comparative advantage in the blue economy, support our fishermen through the provision of enhanced security among others. At the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, was on hand to help us launch the 14 State Patrol Gunboats we had bought and donated to ensure this operation

runs seamlessly. We also signed a contract with the Nigerian Naval Shipyard for the construction of a Passenger/Cruise ferry, with the view to turning our coastline towns into tourism hubs.

13. In the Education sector, we have started the construction of model primary schools, the first of which is to be commissioned at the Christ the King Primary School, on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo. This is one of the projects selected under the One Project per Local Government Initiative which is one of our efforts at ensuring that we give government back to the people and allow the stakeholders to select and pick the projects they desire for their communities, so that they can own those projects. These projects once unanimously selected, will be executed within the next couple of months under the First Phase of this bold Initiative.

14. We have equally undertaken some critical interventions in the educational sector, some of which include:

1st Phase of Education Support fund for Physically Challenged persons in Akwa Ibom State studying in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. So far, we have paid about 106 persons under this scheme at N250,000 per undergraduate and N300,000 per Postgraduate student.

• We have paid bursary to students of Akwa Ibom State origin studying in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. So far, not less than 5000 students have received their bursary.

• the free and compulsory education policy in our state shall be continued and we have already paid examination fees for all Secondary School students. In addition to this, we have paid for the production of school uniforms, shoes, school bags and books for our pupils in primary schools.

15. In the Healthcare sector, we have taken bold steps to fulfill our campaign promise to revitalize the primary healthcare sector to complement the great works done by past administrations in the Secondary Healthcare sector. The first of the Primary Healthcare facility which was flagged-off a little over two months ago, at Ikot Nkwo, Ibesikpo Asutan, is now ready and will be commissioned soon. The facility comes with the most modern equipment with Maternity Section, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Library, ICT Room, Consulting Suites, Emergency Unit, Immunization Centre and other critical services. This facility is being replicated in Oboyo Ikot Ita, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area and Eyulor in Urue Offong-Oruko Local Government Area. We will also have similar facilities in all the 11 other Local Government Areas that have chosen Primary Healthcare Centers in the One Project per Local Government Scheme.

16. I have directed the Ministry of Health to get to work towards the establishment of Dialysis Centres in each of the ten Federal Constituencies in the State. This is aimed at mitigating the rise in kidney-related diseases in our State. We have, in fulfillment of our campaign promise, made plans to open a Medical Corridor between the Ibom Specialist Hospital and the Sheraton by Four Points in Ikot Ekpene. When completed, it rank among the best in the country. Contractors have also been mobilized to commence work towards the completion of the General Hospital in Ukanafun Local Government Area.

17. We are determined to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in our people and this vision is being championed by the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom-LED). So far, we have successfully hosted the maiden Edition of the Made in Akwa Ibom Trade Fair, where the 400 registered attendees were given a grant of five hundred thousand Naira each to progress their businesses. We have also set up and commissioned the Ibom-LED Tailoring & Shoe making Hub among other great things the Center is doing.

In line with our commitment to support our indigenous entrepreneurs, we have ensured that all contracts for the production of school uniforms and shoes for our pupils and uniform and boots for the men of the Ibom Community Watch are handled by our youths at the Shoe and Fabric Hub housed at the Ibom – LED Centre. I call on all of you to avail yourself of the programmes initiated by the Centre

18. So far, we have paid over 12 Billion Naira in gratuities to retired state and Local Government workers and Leave Grants in fulfillment of my campaign promise to tackle the issue head-on. We have equally spent over Five billion Naira to augment the Federal Government’s Palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and ensure that the welfare of our people is enhanced. For us as a government, we will ensure that the welfare of our citizens is paramount.

19. The Tourism sector will continue to receive a major boost in our administration. We have constructed a 20-thousand seater amphitheatre which was used in the recently concluded Christmas Carol and would be used for other cultural, social and even religious events in the state. We will establish a theme park at the Unity park to provide leisure services for our children. We will also revamp our tourist sites such as the Lord Lugard’s Amalgamation House, The Bridge of No Return, and the Women War Museum, among others

We have concluded plans to build a Centre for the Elderly Citizens in our state. This centre will house a hospital, library, supermarkets and other facilities for the use of our Elders.

I believe that we should take care of our Elders while they still live and appreciate them for their huge contributions towards the development of our state.

20. We have also made plans to build an international Market in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. We believe that this market will boost the economic activities in our state and will reduce production cost for most of our young entrepreneurs who often have to travel out to buy their raw materials. We are committed to ensuring that work commences on this project within the first half of this year.

https://thebossnewspapers.com/2023/12/02/akwa-ibom-flags-off-32-day-yuletide-celebration-tagged-christmas-unplugged/

21. My dear compatriots, what we have achieved in seven months gives us hope on what lies ahead in the New Year. We will continue to demystify the work of government and bring governance closer to the people. This we have already demonstrated in more ways than one. I have ensured that all the Wards in this state have a Personal Aide working and reporting directly to my Office. I have ensured that all the units have a Watcher of the Ibom Community Watch drawn from them and I have taken time to consult with our stakeholders in most of my initiatives so far. I shall continue to run an all-inclusive government, paying respect to all our past leaders.

22. I therefore, call on you to continue to pray for us, support us and bind our thoughts and actions with love and unity. We should strive to look out for the downtrodden and vulnerable and give them a reason to be hopeful. I have no doubt that our tomorrow will be better than today. We are determined to work to achieve that, and I know we can count on you to get this done.

Let me, before ending this address, thank the legislature and the judiciary for their overwhelming support in ensuring that we work harmoniously and deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I call on you to continue in this collaborative efforts as we continue to partner with you to make Akwa Ibom the best place for our people to live in and do business.

23. Happy New Year once again and God bless Akwa Ibom State, God bless our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he leads our Nation to a new dawn of development, God bless you all!

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The Incredible World of Capt. Segun Sotomi @45

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

If there is a limit to paying dues as regards affecting humanity, Captain Emmanuel Adesegun Sotomi, has done absolutely divine, excellently well and incredibly outstanding. And he is only 45 years. Yes, December 5, 2025 was his birthday.

A typical all-rounder, Sotomi is a blend of academic, field and the unthinkable. He is a generalissimo in every field he has found himself; enterprise, camaraderie, business of 9-5 or flying for commercial purposes or pleasure. Sotomi is the future.

A brief of his adapted career trend reveals that Sotomi has seen it all, achieved it all, and can be defined as human technology transfer in the way he has mentored a great number of youths and competitors and contemporaries alike.

Philanthropism; yes, a lot of folks, who know him are full of testimonies of his open handedness, his love to rescue the needy and lift the downtrodden are phenomenal. He is a lover of humanity, a true legend in discipline.

Soft spoken and well read, Sotomi is a dream of every growing youth, who planned to be thoroughly established before the golden age. He is a role model.

Below is a derived biodata of the fast rising pilot-cum-entrepreneur…

Captain Segun Sotomi is a skilled commercial pilot, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He attended the University of Lagos before going to top-tier aviation schools in South Africa, Canada, and the United States to obtain his pilot licenses. He is currently a captain with Gulf Helicopters Qatar, a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum.

Capt. Sotomi is licensed to operate both airplanes and helicopters [Licenses include SACAA PL (Airplane); CPL / FAA ATPL (Helicopter)]. His previous work experience includes Nest Oil, where he flew offshore.

He is also the founder and CEO of Southern Shore Integrated Services LTD, an offshore aviation logistics support company, and has a passion for working with, and empowering youths.

Captain Sotomi has served in several management positions in his flying career, and also sits on the board of different top-tier companies.

He is an avid polo player, and is happily married with children.

Happy 45th birthday!

Boss Picks

Meet Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain, CEO at Profound Realtors

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It takes hard work to work harder. It takes achievement to attract more achievements. And so, at Profound Realtors, hard work and achievements have remained the other of the day, creating leverage for more affordable housings clients in and out of Dubai, and unleashing comfort and peace of mind never experienced anywhere else.

The success of Profound Realtors, the credit it has enjoyed across the world, and the goodies it still have in store for as many that are making up their minds to transact concluding businesses of homes and lands with the company, is attributed to a dedicated team of workers, led by the ever trustworthy Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Ashfaq Hussain, a seasoned real estate personal with experience spanning years.

Mr Hussain is a handful when it comes to service delivery, customer satisfaction and accountability. His human face to every transaction has placed Profound on the great map of trust, honesty, affordability, reliability and comfort.

One just need to purchase from Profound to prove the grace of service delivery.

Ashfaq Hussain is further presented as a colossus in putting smiles on the faces of clients and every other person he comes in contact with in the entrepreneurial journey.

His biodata is presented as follows:

With over 20 years of experience in Dubai’s dynamic real estate market, Mr. Ashfaq Hussain is a seasoned professional who has witnessed the evolution of the industry from its early leasing days to the launch of freehold properties in 2004. Hailing from a humble background in Pakistan, Ashfaq moved to Dubai with a dream and a determination to succeed—and through hard work and unwavering dedication, he has turned that dream into reality.

Ashfaq’s expertise and passion for real estate have earned him a reputation as one of Dubai’s most trusted realtors. His exceptional track record includes brokering high-value transactions of villas and luxury mansions on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, catering to investors and celebrities from around the globe.

Currently, Ashfaq manages one of the largest celebrity property portfolios in Dubai, and his name is synonymous with excellence in the industry. He is well-regarded by leading developers such as Emaar, Nakheel, Damac, and Dubai Properties.

As the founder of Profound Realtors, Ashfaq now leads a team of experienced real estate professionals, providing top-notch services in luxury property sales, leasing, and investment consultancy. His deep knowledge of the market and dedication to client success continue to make him a respected figure in Dubai’s real estate landscape.

Profound is the name when it comes to affordable houses in Dubai.

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Ghana’s Inna Mariam Patty Called to the Bar of England & Wales with Distinction

Published

2 weeks ago

November 27, 2025

Eric

Distinguished Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Inna Mariam Patty, was officially called to the Bar of England and Wales at Lincoln’s Inn on November 25, 2025, graduating with Distinction from the University of Law.

In an extraordinary show of support, guests travelled from Ghana, Dubai, Uganda, South Africa, the United States of America and across the United Kingdom to celebrate this landmark achievement at both the Call ceremony and the private dinner celebration held afterwards.

Among the high-profile attendees were Miss Patty’s parents, Ambassador Youssif Patty and Mrs. Jameelah Patty, and her siblings, as well as: H.E. Mrs. Zita Benson, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, and Mr. Bobby Benson.

Others were Mr. Kwabena Osei-Danquah, Chief of Staff, Commonwealth Secretariat, London, Ms. Eileen Baguma, HR & Corporate Affairs Director, EACOP Uganda; Ms. Pihillipa Pepera, CEO of Pippas Health Centre, Accra; Mrs. Vangie Mari Patty, Regional Engineering Manager, Puma Energy; General Manager, EIB Network; and Founder & President, Women in Sustainability Africa.

The dignitaries joined family, friends, and colleagues who travelled internationally to honour Miss Patty’s distinguished academic achievement and her transition into the legal profession.

Speaking after the ceremony, Patty remarked: “This milestone is a continuation of my purpose—to use law as a tool for empowerment, justice, and social impact, especially for women and vulnerable communities.”

Patty is widely celebrated for her leadership as CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana Ltd and Chairwoman of the Miss Ghana Foundation, through which she has driven initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. She also serves as a Board Member of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital.

Her exceptional career has earned her recognitions including:

Overall African Woman Achiever (CSR Consultant), African Women Awards 2023
Top 50 Young CEOs in Ghana (Avance Media, 2023)
International Arch of Europe Award (2017)

Patty’s call to the Bar marks a powerful blend of entrepreneurial excellence, philanthropy, and legal advocacy—positioning her as a rising legal voice and social impact leader for Ghana and beyond.

ABOUT INNA MARIAM PATTY

Inna Mariam Patty is a Ghanaian business executive, lawyer, and philanthropist. She is CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana Limited, Chairwoman of the Miss Ghana Foundation, and a Board Member of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital. Patty holds an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics, as well as a GDL and BPC with Distinction from the University of Law.