Uncategorized
Dan Abia, Other A’Ibom APC Stakeholders Score PMB, Akpabio High
…call for proper utilization of 13% derivation
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bassey Dan-Abia and other party stakeholders from Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, in Akwa Ibom State, Monday, scored President Muhammadu Buhari, and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator God’swill Akpabio, high following performance and impact they have made on the citizenry.
They scored the duo at a meeting chaired by Dan-Abia at Akpautong, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, which was a maiden summit with theme, ‘An Interactive Stakeholders Meeting’, which had in attendance of Her Honour (Lady) Valerie Ebe, Arch Otu Ita Otoyo, Hon. Effiong Johnson, Engr. Ben Ukpong, Pastor (Barr) Ulaeto, Pst Udoh Isaiah, lady Glory Williams, Bishop Ette E. Ette, representative of chapter chairmen forum, APC Vice Chairman, Dr Inyang Abia, APC and Caretaker Committee Chairman, Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, and other stakeholders in the senatorial district.
The essence of the summit was to create an atmosphere where party chieftains in the State could interact and form a formidable force, and it also gave room for them to assess impact of the Buhari-led administration in the State.
The Chairman of the Summit, Sir Dan-Abia (KJW), commended Buhari over notable appointments of sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District into his government including appointment of Effiong Akwa as Sole Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and also thanked Akpabio for the decision to appoint a well deserved person like Akwa to oversee the affairs of the Commission.
Abia also called on leaders and people of the Niger Delta region to support him (Akwa) rather than being an opposition but to make sure he changes the narrative in the region as expected while he remains in office.
Being also a former Managing Director of the Commission and current South-South Representative, Nigeria Law Reform Commission, further stated that his (Akwa) appointment should be accepted as it came at the “right time and is legal”.
He also asserted that he (Akawa) is an experienced, tested and trusted public administrator who served diligently under him as MD of the Commission,
According to him (Abia) Akwa is not the first person appointed a Sole Administrator of NDDC based on the history and establishment of the Commission, which he condemned protests and agitations by some citizens from the region, and called for peace and understanding by the people of the Niger Delta region.
He further asserted that Akwa Ibom State being the largest producer of crude oil in Nigeria currently deserves one of her sons to be appointed SA of the Commission should be supported and encouraged to perform his duties.
Meanwhile, the APC stalwart tasked leaders and stakeholders of the party to ensure unity of the senatorial district.
While declaring the summit opened, Dr Inyang Abia, called for unity and focus amongst party loyalists in the senatorial district, while commending Buhari for his response to curtail spread of deadly coronavirus pandemic in the country.
“I wish in the first instance to commend and appreciate HE, President Muhammadu Buhari for the astute management of the pandemic through the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 that has provided direction and assistance in the containment of the pandemic.
“I wish to further commend President Buhari for effectively stirring the ship of state despite the global economic down-turn, sensitive insecurity, End SARS protest and unpatriotic conspiracies of the opposition to rock the ship of state.
“We in APC, Eket Senatorial District, nay Akwa Ibom state appreciates Mr. President for giving Eket Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom state her pride of place as a major oil producing state as reflected in the regular payments of accrued statutory revenue in that regard and appointment of the state indigenes into strategic positions in the Federal Government.
“Particular mention must be made of the recent appointment of Barr. Effiong Akwa as the Sole Administrator, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); HE, Senator Godswill Akpabio (CON), Hon. Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs; Senator Ita Enang, SSA to the President, Niger Delta Affairs; Mr. Umana Okon Umana, Managing Director/CEO, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority; Sir Barr. Bassey Dan-Abia, Federal Commissioner 1, Nigeria Law Reform Commission; Engr. Benedict Ukpong, FNSE, Hon. Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission; Senator J. J. Akpanudoedehe (Ph.D), National Secretary, APC CTC and a host of others.”
Other speakers including Valerie Ebe, Arch Otu Ita Otoyo, Hon. Effiong Johnson, Engr. Ben Ukpong, Pastor Ulaeto, Pastor Udoh Isaiah, Lady Glory Williams, Bishop Ette E. Ette, called on Governor Edom Emmanuel to properly utilize the 13 per cent derivation accrued the state to be channeled towards development of oil producing communities in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, and added that being the part of the state that ‘lays the golden eggs’ deserves more attention and not sheer neglect.
They also spoke and pointed the need for a reward system in the party that cuts across all members of the party including steadfastness and confidence of members in the party no matter their situation currently.
They called for thorough mobilization of the people in the senatorial district ahead of the forthcoming party registration and effective preparation before 2023 general elections in the State.
Uncategorized
NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
