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Gov Eno’s Political Inclusivity Reaches Aso Rock

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In the grand theatre of Nigeria’s political landscape, few performances are as meticulously choreographed as a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

For Akwa Ibom State, February signed off on a good note.

On February 28, 2025, the stage was set for a 104-member delegation of Akwa Ibom stakeholders, led by Governor Umo Eno and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to pay homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The 104 delegates ensemble cast across party lines , featuring political luminaries, traditional monarchs, religious leaders, and representatives from various societal strata, first assembled at the Akwa Ibom State Governors lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The next stop was the Presidential Villa’s banquet hall side as early as 1:00 PM. The accreditation process unfolded with the precision of a well-rehearsed symphony, culminating in the delegation’s transit through the pilot gate into the hallowed chamber of the presidential wing.

State House protocol and security personnel, ever the unsung heroes of such occasions, orchestrated the proceedings with commendable finesse and meticulous discharge of their duty. However, as the clock ticked past the scheduled 2:00 PM rendezvous, anticipation gave way to a gentle hum of anxiety

At precisely 2:30 PM, the State House Director of Information, Oche, took to the microphone, his voice resonating through the chamber with the authority of a town crier. “ Your Excellencies , Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President will be here soon. He was penning accent to the the nation”s 2025 Appropriation Law, he announced. You could say Akwa Ibom was a witness to prelude of the anticipated burgeoning economy which the 2025 Budget signposts. But that is not the story.

The delegation settled into a rhythm of emphatic communion, subdued conversations and occasional forays into the art of people-watching while others made their way to chambers arcade for coffee and some snacks .

The atmosphere brightened at 4:00 PM with the arrival of Governor Umo Eno, whose entrance was marked by a congenial exchange of pleasantries. He appeared in a light green studded lace adorned with well crafted ornaments and decked a hat with an ARISE crest. He was accompanied by his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel who had on a white well knit lace with the accompanying htraditional Dakkada encrusted hat. Their camaraderie set a tone of unity and continuity.

Five minutes later, precisely 4.05 pm the room buzzed anew as Senate President Godswill Akpabio made his appearance. He had a dark blue flowing agbada on with an “olumegbon” hat. With the ease of a seasoned politician, he navigated the head area of the Federal Executive Council Chambers.engaging in brief but hearty interactions starting from his wife , Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other top dignitaries.His presence added a layer of gravitas to the gathering.

The atmosphere suddenly got officious and secret service men were. noticed.
At exactly 4.10 pm, was when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , GCFR made a bold Presidential entry into the FEC Chambers. Clad in an immaculate white fitting and studed “agbada” lace and his traditional BAT hat
radiating warmth and authority that have become his hallmark.

 

In a strict order of events, the national anthem was taken and Governor Eno was scheduled to give the introductory remarks . At 4.17 pm Pastor Umo Eno rose to his feet to address the gathering, but Mr President quipped quickly “ you may sit down Governor. This is family meeting “
He did and presented his 20-month scorecard detailing the state’s strides in development. He seized the moment to solicit federal support for the Ibom Deep Seaport project and interventions to mitigate ecological challenges, notably the menacing gully erosion threatening infrastructure. The Governor extended an invitation to President Tinubu to commission the ARISE Resort and pivotal road projects slated for completion in May 2025.

This was swiftly followed by the conferment of the Traditional Title of “Otuekong Akwa Ibom” on the President by The Oku Ibom Ibibio III, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk who, on behalf of the traditional rulers conferred upon the President Akwa Ibom’s highest traditional title, “Otuekong” (Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom State).

It was next for the Senate President , Godswill Akpabio to speak. He addressed President Tinubu by his newest chieftaincy title “Otuekong” and applause took over the Chamber. He commended Governor Eno for fostering unity in the State, expressing his elation at witnessing such cohesion. “Words will fail me if I am to describe how elated I am today. This is the first time the blue and white have come together. I come from home, I can see my people from divides here. Akwa Ibom has demonstrated the brotherhood we stand for, and it is the governor that has made this possible.”
He assured President Tinubu of Akwa Ibom’s support for his administration, pledging that the political leadership in the State would work towards further reconciliation and collaboration.

Mr. President who had listened very attentively amidst nods gave his response. He reminisced on his days in Eket as an ExMobil auditor, reinforcing his longstanding connection to the State. He stressed the importance of political leaders prioritizing national development over party affiliations and commended Governor Umo Eno for showing such example. “Nigeria’s full potential can only be realized through unity and collective action.”

Commending Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, President Tinubu declared, “You have a very good governor, and he has the fear of God and love for his people.” He praised Akwa Ibom’s bipartisan collaboration and reassured the delegation of the federal government’s support, noting, “I have just signed the 2025 budget. I am happy that the uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising. I have had your concerns about the Deep Sea Port Project and others . Thank you for always staying with us. We must work together to build the nation.”

As the formalities concluded, Senate President Akpabio, ever the gracious host, extended an invitation to the delegation for a reception in their honour. The gathering, held at a high-profile venue within Abuja, provided an opportunity for the delegates to unwind after a long day of political discourse. Amid traditional delicacies, informal conversations, and strategic networking, the event further cemented the spirit of camaraderie that had defined the visit.

The high-profile delegation included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno-Ibareki; former Governor Udom Emmanuel; senators and members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obong Emen Ekperikpe Ekpo; and State Chairmen of the PDP and APC, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan and Hon. Stephen Ntukekpo. Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah and some members of the State Executive Council; representatives from various federal boards and commissions, heads of socio – cultural organizations amongst others.

On the other hand, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris , Minister of Petroleum ( Gas ) Rt Hom. Ekperikpe Ekpo, joined the host, President Tinubu in the meeting.

As the delegation departed the Presidential Villa and later the reception, it was evident that this was more than a ceremonial visit; it was a testament to the power of unity and collaborative governance. It was indeed a family meeting. The Akwa Ibom stakeholders left with renewed optimism, buoyed by assurances of federal partnership in their developmental endeavors.

In the grand tapestry of Nigeria’s polity, today’s engagement added a vibrant thread, in Governor Umo Eno”s political inclusivity mantra , weaving together themes of tradition, progress, and collective aspiration. Governor Umo Eno, the exemplary leader and model governor, made that possible.

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How Glo Network Became the Lifeline That Saved Two Lives: A True Story from Sallari

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By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

It was one of those calm, bright mornings in Sallari, a town in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. I had gone to visit my longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Muhammad Umar Abdullahi, at his private facility, Rauda Clinic and Maternity. We were in his office discussing research, the usual challenges of medical practice, and other issues when the sound of hurried footsteps and anxious voices broke the calm. A young man rushed in, calling for the doctor.

Without hesitation, Dr. Muhammad sprang into action. I followed him instinctively. Within moments, two people burst through the gate, one man carrying a weak, heavily pregnant woman in his arms. Her breathing was shallow and wheezy, her face pale, and her body trembling between labor contractions and an asthma crisis. The scene was intense, we both knew that every second counted.

The team quickly moved her to the emergency bed. The Chief Medical Director Dr. Muhammad and his nurses worked swiftly to stabilize her breathing and monitor the baby. Oxygen was connected, IV lines were set, and within minutes, her breathing began to steady. The baby’s heartbeat was strong. After a short but tense period, she delivered a healthy baby girl. Relief filled the room like a gentle wind.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but admire the efficiency and dedication of Rauda Clinic and Maternity. The facility operated with the precision and compassion of a modern hospital. Every member of the team knew their role, every piece of equipment was in place, and the environment radiated calm professionalism. It reminded me that quality healthcare is not only about infrastructure, but about commitment and readiness when it truly matters. Rauda Clinic stood out that day as a quiet pillar of excellence and hope for patients and families alike.

The following day, I placed a call to Dr. Muhammad to ask about the condition of the woman who had been brought in the previous morning. He sounded cheerful and relieved. “Both mother and baby are fine now,” he said. Then, with deep reflection in his voice, he narrated the extraordinary story behind their survival, a story that showed how a single phone call, made at the right moment, became the bridge between life and death. As I listened to him recount the events, I couldn’t help but marvel at how sometimes, survival depends not only on medicine but also on connection.

Her name was Amina, a mother of three. That morning, she was alone at home, her husband was in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa state where he works, and her children had already gone to school. The first wave of pain came suddenly, followed by a tightening in her chest. Within minutes, she was gasping for air, her asthma worsening with every breath. She reached for her phone to call her husband, but the call wouldn’t go through. She tried again and again, each time, “Network error.”

Her strength was fading fast. She tried to reach her neighbors, but again, no connection. Alone, frightened, and struggling to breathe, she said she felt her end was near. Then, a thought crossed her mind, her maid had left her phone in the sitting room that morning. Gathering the last of her strength, Amina crawled toward the television stand where the phone lay.

When she reached it, she noticed the green SIM icon, it was a Glo line. Hope flickered. But when she tried to make a call, she saw there was no airtime. That could have been the end until she remembered Glo’s Borrow Me Credit service. With trembling fingers, she dialed the Glo borrow me code and she got the credit instantly, and that small credit became her lifeline.

Her first attempt to reach her husband failed. Then she dialed her younger brother, Umar. This time, the call went through immediately. Interestingly, Umar is a Glo user too. Without delay, Umar and his wife rushed to her house, found her collapsed on the floor, and carried her into their car.

On their way, Umar called ahead to alert the doctor, and again, the call went through clearly. By a remarkable coincidence, Dr. Muhammad was also using a Glo line. That seamless connection meant the hospital team was fully prepared by the time they arrived. Within minutes, Amina was stabilized, and both she and her baby were safe.

The next morning, Dr. Muhammad told me that Amina had smiled faintly and said to him, “Doctor, when every other network failed me, Glo answered. If that call hadn’t gone through, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Her words carried a truth that stayed with me. It wasn’t just a patient’s gratitude, it was a testimony about the power of reliable connection. At that moment, Glo wasn’t just a telecommunications network, it was the bridge between life and death, between despair and hope.

In today’s world, a simple phone call can determine whether someone lives or dies. That day reminded me that technology, when dependable, is not just about data speed, it’s about human connection at its most critical. Glo proved to be that connection: steady, available, and trustworthy when it mattered most.

Before she was discharged, she laughed and told the doctor she had already chosen a nickname for her baby “Amira Glo.” They both laughed, but deep down, Dr. Muhammad understood the meaning behind that name. It symbolized gratitude, faith, and survival.

As I ended the call with Dr. Muhammad that day, I felt a quiet pride. I had witnessed not just the miracle of life, but the harmony of medicine, compassion, and reliable technology. Through Rauda Clinic and Maternity, I saw what true service means, dedication without boundaries, and connection that saves.

Amina’s story isn’t an advert, but living proof that sometimes, when every other signal fades, Glo stands firm, and when every other facility seems far away, Rauda Clinic and Maternity remains a beacon of care and excellence.

For patients, families, and health workers alike, Glo is proven to be a network of necessity. It connects life to hope, when every second truly counts…

Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

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Delta Govt Confirms Death of Senator Nwaoboshi at 68

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Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, the former lawmaker who represented Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has passed away. He was 68.

Reports said that Nwaoboshi died on Friday in Abuja following a brief illness.

His demise was confirmed in a condolence statement issued by the Delta State governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

Expressing sorrow, the governor described Nwaoboshi’s passing as a monumental loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation, and the Nigerian federation.

In the statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori hailed the late Senator as a “fearless advocate” of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building remain indelible.

The governor recalled Nwaoboshi’s impactful tenure in the Red Chamber, particularly his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs.

He noted that Nwaoboshi’s consistent advocacy for the development of the oil-rich region distinguished him as a passionate and committed leader.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi,” the governor said.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Anioma nation, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and all those whose lives he touched. I pray that Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest.”

Before his elevation to the Senate in 2015, he served meritoriously as a two-term Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, where he was instrumental in consolidating the party’s grip on the State.

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Ribadu’s Office Denies Arming Miyetti Allah in Kwara

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The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the office of the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims that it armed members of the Miyetti Allah group for counter-terrorism operations in Kwara State.

The Head of Strategic Communication at NCTC, Mr. Michael Abu, issued the rebuttal on Wednesday in Abuja.

Abu described the reports circulated by some online platforms as false and misleading, saying they misrepresented ongoing security operations in forested areas of the state.

He said that in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, it continued to coordinate and support law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies in countering all forms of terrorism across the country.

NCTC spokesman explained that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts guided by the National Counter Terrorism Strategy (NACTEST), involved the deployment of hybrid forces comprising regular security personnel and trained auxiliaries such as hunters and vigilante elements, particularly in difficult terrains.

According to him, the hybrid approach, which was previously deployed with the Civilian Joint Task Force in the North-East, is currently being applied in parts of the North-West and North-Central, including Kwara State, and has recorded several successes against banditry and other criminal activities.

He stressed that the Federal government was not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural group, adding that claims that the Office of the National Security Adviser provided arms to such organisations are unfounded and should be disregarded.

According to him, all auxiliary personnel involved in hybrid operations were recruited directly by authorised security and intelligence agencies after due diligence, and that all operations were conducted strictly in line with the law and established standard operating procedures.

He urged the media to exercise responsibility by protecting sensitive security information and seeking clarification through designated official spokespersons, while advising the public to ignore unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing operations.

He reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement to deepen public understanding of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

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