Umo Eno Golden Youths for Good Governance

10/11/2025

AKSU GETS NUC GREEN LIGHT TO LAUNCH FACULTY OF LAW

By Joel Mkpong, Uyo

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the establishment of the Faculty of Law at Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), paving the way for the commencement of the LL.B Law programme at the institution.

The approval follows a successful resource verification visit by the NUC’s panel of experts, who assessed the university’s capacity in terms of human and material resources required for the new faculty.

According to an official letter from the NUC dated November 10, 2025, and obtained by newsmen, the regulatory body confirmed that the Executive Secretary had “considered and approved the establishment of the full-time mode of the LL.B Law Programme to be run in the Main Campus of the University with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.”

The letter further directed the university to “provide human and material resources for the development and growth of the approved programmes in line with the provisions of the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Nigerian University System.”

The establishment of the Faculty of Law marks another remarkable achievement for the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Otoabasi Akpan, who, within three months in office, has driven major academic expansion at AKSU. Under his leadership, the university has created the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, comprising six departments, and the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, which houses five departments.

Professor Akpan has also overseen the accreditation and resource verification of 30 postgraduate and several undergraduate programmes, in addition to the creation of over 30 Institutes and Centres aimed at strengthening research and attracting external funding.

Reacting to the development, the Director of Mutual Partnership and University Development, Dr. Promise Etim, commended Professor Akpan for his visionary leadership and commitment to advancing Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, which prioritizes education and youth empowerment.

Dr. Etim also lauded the Governor for his continuous support to AKSU and for providing an enabling environment for academic growth.

With this new approval, AKSU now boasts eleven faculties. The newly approved Faculty of Law will comprise three departments, Private and Property Law, Jurisprudence and International Law, and Commercial and Industrial Law.

11/10/2025

22/09/2025

21/09/2025

AKSG Holds 38th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service Today

As part of activities to mark the 38th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, will today September 21, 2025 lead the people and lovers of the state in a special thanksgiving service.

The inter-denominational service with the theme – “Behold How Good and How Pleasant” drawn from Psalm 133:1, will hold at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, by 12 noon.

The service will be a double thanksgiving for the people of the State to offer gratitude to God for 38 years of statehood and Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

To this end, His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, cordially invites all government officials, senior citizens, residents, business community, royal fathers, clerics, the women, youths, students, and indeed all sons, daughters and friends of Akwa Ibom State to join and celebrate God’s faithfulness over the years.

©️ Ekemini James

20/09/2025

AKSG Moves to "Clean-Up" Filling Stations for Consumers’ Protection

By Ubon Marcus

When motorists in Akwa Ibom pull into filling stations, their only concern is perhaps getting fuel quickly before heading out for the day's work. Most of them are oblivious that some of the stations they patronise may not have valid fire extinguishers in place, an oversight with devastating consequences.

This is what the Akwa Ibom State Government wants to change. Through the Petroleum Product Monitoring Committee (PPMC), chaired by Rt. Hon. Godwin Ekpo, the state has sounded the alarm over the rising number of filling stations operating without proper licenses, safety equipment, or trained staff.

“All operators, consumers, and members of the public deserve fairness, a safe working environment, healthy market competition, and value for their money,” Ekpo said in the committee’s announcement, marking the end of an era where speculative operators endangered individuals and nearby communities in the name of doing business.

Investigations reveal that many filling stations not only lack firefighting equipment but also fall short on basic safety practices like emergency response planning and proper signage. Some have even been accused of selling adulterated products or under-dispensing fuel.

For everyday residents, this is more than a regulatory issue, it’s about trust and safety. “Sometimes you buy fuel in some places and notice your car starts misbehaving just a few days,” some motorists complain. “We quietly go and rectify the issue and nobody takes responsibility.”

To curb these, the PPMC has directed marketers to regularise their licenses with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Akwa Ibom State Fire Service. Tanker drivers are also reminded to carry only legally sourced products and ensure their vehicles are prepared for emergencies, while the PPMC will, of course, play the watchdog. "Be further informed that the Petroleum Product Monitoring Committee (PPMC), Akwa Ibom State is currently carrying out monitoring and compliance exercises. Any operator, driver, or business found wanting will be sanctioned, fined, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Ekpo stressed.

For many in Akwa Ibom, this move is timely. With fuel costs already straining households, the assurance of quality products and safer filling stations offers hope.

As the PPMC carries out its monitoring and compliance exercises, the message is clear: safety is non-negotiable, and violators will face fines, sanctions, and possible prosecution.

20/09/2025

A'IBOM GOVT TO ESTABLISH ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION, ELECTRIFICATION AGENCY
.. targets 2034 to achieve quality power for all

The 2-day Electricity Summit convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government has ended with Governor Umo Eno disclosing plans to set up a State Electricity Regulatory Commission and an Electrification Agency.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the summit at Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, the Governor said the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulation Commission (AKSERC) will provide fair tariffs, transparent licensing, and independent oversight, while the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency (AISEA) will deliver electricity access to towns, villages, and underserved communities.

Highlighting the priorities from the roadmap, he said, "The boards of the above agencies will be constituted in the next one month. We are clear that while our ambition is long-term, we must set the ball rolling immediately by establishing AKSERC and AISEA, staffed and trained to the best possible standards.

"Let me use this opportunity to invite Akwa Ibomites with requisite technical qualifications and skills to apply for employment through our ARISE Employment Portal. I can’t stress enough the fact that this, is purely a professional assignment and therefore, has no political colouration. The recruitment exercise will be done transparently and only those who are technically qualified will be taken.

"We will rehabilitate and immediately commercialise Ibom Power Company, raise capital and commence its urgent rehabilitation, while also taking steps to establish the Akwa Ibom Electricity Distribution Company and upgrade the State distribution network that it operates.

"We will launch the Akwa Ibom Electricity Market by licensing Ibom Power Company and the new Akwa Ibom State Electricity Distribution Company, with Akwa Ibom holding majority shares," he said

Speaking further, the Governor assured that the State will roll out the first phase of the State Electrification Plan, "bringing sustainable electricity access to unserved and underserved communities; and publish and enforce a Consumer Bill of Rights which will ensure fair treatment for all consumers, accountability by licensees, and protection of electricity assets against vandalism and theft."

He also disclosed plans to pilot renewable energy projects, ensuring that at least 20% of the future power will come from clean sources.

"These are not distant promises—they are immediate, measurable, and achievable at various times within the next 24 months or even less," he added.

The Governor emphasized the need for collaboration saying, "We have listened. We have learned. And we will act. But let me stress this: success will not come from government alone. It will come from partnerships—with the private sector, with our federal counterparts, with development finance institutions, with investors and licensees, and with you, the people of Akwa Ibom.

"We will work hard and purposefully to ensure, that electricity availability will no longer be a barrier to growth in Akwa Ibom State, that industries will flourish, businesses will thrive, and homes will be powered.

"That we will begin to deliver better service to more households and by 2034 God willing, every household in Akwa Ibom will have quality electricity service. And that we will build a model for electricity reform in Nigeria," he said.

Governor Eno appreciated everyone for their attendance and quality contributions especially, representatives of the Governors of Enugu, Abia, Cross River and Bayelsa States; representatives of the Minister of Power, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as the State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi and other participants.

He specifically appreciated an Akwa Ibom Daughter, Ms Ekemini Umoh who resides in Europe for flying in to attend the conference, and for her quality contributions both before and at the summit, stressing that she exhibits qualities worthy of emulation.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Senator Eyakenyi and the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, had presented the roadmap to the Governor for consideration.

18/09/2025

100-YEAR-OLD MOUNT ZION CHURCH PRESIDENT HAILS GOV. ENO’S ARISE AGENDA: “We Have Seen and Felt the Impact”

National President of the Mount Zion Lighthouse Full Gospel Church Inc., Archbishop Nyong Davis Ayakndue (JP), has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for what he described as impactful and life-changing leadership under the ARISE Agenda.

Archbishop Ayakndue, who will soon celebrate his 100th birthday, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Uyo.

The centenarian cleric, speaking with emotion, said the ARISE Agenda has touched lives across all sectors of the State.

“I know that I am old, but I am not blind nor deaf,” he said. “With my eyes, I have seen your good works in Akwa Ibom State through countless life-changing projects and programmes. With my ears, I have also heard the testimonies of your good works from youths, pensioners, widows, civil servants, religious groups, traditional institutions, traders, and students.”

Archbishop Ayakndue, who hails from Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, stressed that as leader of a church with branches across the 31 LGAs of the State, he could boldly testify that “God has truly used Governor Eno to touch the lives of Akwa Ibom citizens.”

Describing the Governor as “a blessing to Etinan Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria as a whole,” he further noted that Pastor Eno has exemplified the Biblical injunction of Matthew 5:9 by enthroning peace as the foundation for economic progress and development.

He prayed God’s continued blessings, protection, and long life for the Governor.

Responding, Governor Umo Eno expressed delight at receiving the cleric, describing him as a blessing and inspiration.

“Papa, we are happy to meet with you today. To find a man of God still serving at the age of 100 is a great testimony and encouragement. May the Lord continue to keep you healthy and strong,” the Governor said.

Governor Eno also congratulated him on his centenary celebration and directed the State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, to liaise with the family to fix the road leading to his country home at Ikot Ebere in Afaha Offiong, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

The visit was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, and members of the State Executive Council.

17/09/2025

Public Service Announcement