The Origin of Ikot-Ekpene Day Celebrations: Putting the Annual Celebrations in Proper Historical Perspective.

Author: Tom U. Okure. Ph.D

The Context

Ikot Ekpene Day is a celebration that takes place shortly after Christmas and is celebrated annually by all the town’s inhabitants and original families that make up what is today called Ikot Ekpene or the Raffia City.  In the mist of the celebration, and in common with most celebrations, we tend to sometimes forget why we are celebrating and the origins of the celebrations.  It is therefore necessary to remind the younger generation of Ikot Ekpenians about the origins of this celebration and to put the record straight regarding this vital annual event.  

Map of Current Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area

For background, Ikot Ekpene is located between latitudes 5° 10` and 5° 30` North and longitudes 7° 30` and 7° 45` East. The town lies on the North-Western flank of the Nigerian state called Akwa Ibom. It’s unique position makes it one of the primary inland economic gateways into Akwa Ibom State. The town Ikot Ekpene bears its name from the village of Ikot Ekpene which originally was made up of ten families with a long and rich history. The village of Ikot Ekpene and the surrounding village of Ikot Obong Edong etc., served as the administrative center of the former British colonial government urban district council in 1914, Ikot Ekpene division in 1951, and Annang province in 1956.

Disharmony among the Village Family Groupings Comprising Ikot Ekpene Proper

In the early 1950’s there was not very much harmony among the various villages and the family groupings which made up what is today called Ikot Ekpene. Such disunity played into the hands of the colonial administrators that favored a method of ruling indigenous tribes called divide and rule. Essentially, British direct rule often used the strategy of “divide and rule” by which colonial administrators implemented governing policies that intentionally weakened indigenous power networks and institutions. One might suppose that this situation may have been at play in the the administration of Annang province of the late 1950’s. It is against this back ground that Ikot Ekpene day celebrations began.

Ikot Ekpene day celebrations did not just happen; it started because there was a need to arrest the disharmony among the villages and family groups which may have been purposefully fermented by the then British colonial administration in Ikot Ekpene. Research and interviews by this scholar indicates that the celebrations was started by the deliberate efforts of one of our Annang martyrs by the name of Late Hon. Chief Udo Udo Okure who in the 1960’s served as a Public Service Commissioner in the former Eastern Nigerian Government. Chief Udo Udo Okure was executed shortly after the end of the Nigerian civil war while in Nigerian military detention. The mystery surrounding his detention and eventual murder while in military detention in June 1968 has not been resolved. Chief Udo Udo Okure was born about 1914 to Late Obong Okure Umoton and Nne Okure of Nto Abatekpe family all of Ikot Ekpene village, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State (then part of the former Old Calabar Provice of Eastern Nigeria). He was the third son in a line of more than six children of a traditional Annang polygamous family.  Not much historical credit related to Annang socio economic development has been accorded to a number of Annang heroes such as late Chief Udo Udo Okure mainly because of the revisionist writings of self-serving authors and  historical commentators. These revisionist writers  attempt to undermine or revise the major heroic achievements, contributions and sacrifices of Annang past heroes  in their writings, speeches and memorials revealing latent bias in favor of some present day politically favored Annang leaders .

Forging Unity of Purpose and Action

Shortly after returning to his hometown of Ikot Ekpene from the United Kingdom (UK)  after completion of his studies in the late 1950’s, late Udo Udo Okure realized that the various families that composed Ikot Ekpene were very divided  and even though they shared a common Annang language  and heritage tended to compete against each other rather than cooperate to achieve common socio economic goals.  The consequence of this competition was that they could not act as a unitary force in seeking a hearing or attention from the then colonial administrators for developmental purposes.  Each large family group (called epuk) acted independently in it’s governance and administration of its affairs. Each village and family group had its own rituals and celebrations which occurred independent of the others. For example Ata Essien , Ikot Udo Offiong , Ikot Abiekot, Nto Abiekwa and Nto Abatekpe family groupings acted independently in their dealings with the colonial masters and also conducted their celebrations independently.

Picture shows Minister I. U. Akpabio of Ukana, Ikot Ekpene (center) and Mrs Umo Essien Okure (right)
admiring the O.B.E. medal awarded to her husband Udo Udo Okure by the Queen of England

In order to unite the family groupings so that that they can better represent themselves as a united force to press their socio economic aspirations before the colonial administrative government, Udo Udo Okure decided to organize the disunited families by reaching out to the Chiefs of the various families regarding the need for unity of purpose in action. In order to bring the divided families together in one place, research shows that he bought a cow with his own money which he presented to Nto Abatekpe family group to be shared among the leaders of the other families in a planned gathering yet to be announced. He also bought ten very large bags of salt ( a very valued commodity at the time) and provided five bags to Ata Essien and five bags to Ikot Udo Offiong to be shared among the participants of those attending the unity meetings that was planned. Other gifts were solicited and obtained and brought to the unitary gathering for a unity celebration.  Prior to the main celebration event, Okure organized several meetings which were held initially between individual village leaders of the ten families that comprised Ikot Ekpene proper. When an accord was finally concluded it was agreed that the Cow, the ten salt bags and other gifts would be brought to the village square (fair ground) in Ikot Ekpene were a ceremony would be held announcing the unity and commonality of purpose henceforth of  the ten families that make up Ikot Ekpene proper. 

For the historical record, it is that singular action of “community organization” spear headed by Udo Udo Okure that resulted in the first ever recorded celebration of Ikot Ekpene day which occurred towards the end of the late 1950’s. In recognition of his community and outstanding government service to Nigeria and the former British Colonial Government, Queen Elizabeth 11 of England awarded Late Chief Udo Udo Okure the high honor award of OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). The Order of the British Empire recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service and work with charitable and welfare organizations of all kinds.

Conclusion

The exact year when the first Ikot Ekpene Day Celebration took place could not be ascertained at the time this research was conducted in January 1983. Nevertheless, the historical significance of this first united celebration may have been lost over the years in the foray of annual celebrations which followed. One thing is clear, the original intent of the celebration was designed to reaffirm the unity of the  original ten families that make up Ikot Ekpene proper.  Since then, the celebrations called Ikot Ekpene Day has become an annual ritual of the whole Ikot Ekpene town and has now assumed great significance of its own.  One might ask why it is necessary to expatiate on this historical annual event. As stated earlier, there is a lot of historical revisionism taking place in the writings about Annang Nation today. This article is written to set the record straight before our Annang revisionists writers distort the historical facts pertaining to this important annual event by putting a political spin on the historical facts.

Source: Interviews conducted by Dr. Tom Okure in 1983 among family elders in Ikot Ekpene.

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D President and CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (or ICMS, Inc). The information included in this article may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written permission of ICMS, Inc. The author Dr. Tom Okure is President of ICMS, Inc, a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York. Dr. Okure is a writer, author, business/management consultant, public policy advisor and commentator and a change advocate.

100 Years of Observing Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time 2018: Are you ready to set your clock time backward by one hour on Sunday, November 4th?

ICMS, Inc Reports

By Tom Okure, Ph.D

In the United States, Daylight saving time ends this Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 a.m. At that time, all our clocks are supposed to be reset back (that is fall back) to 1 a.m. We return back to Standard Time until the second Sunday on March 11, 2019 when at 2 a.m. we will again springs forward our clocks to 3 a.m.

The idea of moving the clock time forward by one hour in the spring and back by an hour in the fall was first suggested by Benjamin Franklin in his essay published in the Journal de Paris on April 1784. The article was entitled "An Economical Project for Diminishing the Cost of Light."

Daylight saving time is practiced globally in many countries. The record shows that about 70 countries currently observe Daylight saving time. In the United States, about 48 states observe Daylight savings time with the exception of Hawaii, most of Arizona, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam do not. Notice that the states not observing Daylight savings times are in hot climate regions! Arizona has toyed with the idea of daylight saving time at various occasions in the past. It briefly embraced the idea during both world wars as a fuel saving measure. Today only the state's northeastern region (Navajo Nation) continues to observe it.

In the United States, the observation of Daylight saving time first started during World War 1 as a wartime power saving measure to curb coal energy usage in the spring of 1918. The idea was implemented to extend daytime by adjusting clocks so less power would be needed for light. It was expected to be a temporary wartime measure or public policy. The practice was supposed to end later that year, but was liked and continued by many regions in the country until the U.S. Congress recognized it and decided to pass the Uniform Time Act in 1966 and the federal government implemented the measure again.  Another related public policy measure, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended Daylight Saving Time by an extra four weeks annually.

Today, many people question the relevance of the Daylight Saving Time measure. In the United States, the States decide whether to participate or not. As noted earlier, most states like the idea with the exception of Hawaii and most of Arizona.

Should Daylight Saving Time be continued as a public policy?

Nowadays, the notion of springing forward and falling back has become a bit more controversial, partly because it cannot be completely justified as really saving energy. 

Nevertheless, advocates of Daylight Saving Time ague that it saves energy. Over the eight months duration when it is implemented annually in the U.S. supporters say we use less power because we get an hour more of sunlight in the evenings. Empirical studies also suggest that people spend more time outside when it is lighter than darker and also tend to spend more money, which it is argued is good for the economy. So when you hear from a Daylight saving time policy change cynic, always ponder on the source and context of the septic. If the person is from a more northerly part of the U.S or the world with long winters, they may be inclined to like saving daylight more. Some experts have also argued that the extension of daylight helps to reduce crime as there are less crimes committed during lighter than darker periods of the day.

Whatever your point of view on Daylight Savings time, remember that this global practice is here to stay and is celebrating 100 years since its inception. So remember to set all your clocks that are not on a smart device like your mobile (cell) phone back one hour before you go to sleep on Saturday night, and get ready to face challenges changing the time on your oven and microwave display because you are not technologically savvy and unable to figure out how to do it without the instruction manual.

Read more about Daylight Saving Time:

When Is Daylight Saving Time 2018? Here's Everything You Need to Know About 'Fall 

Daylight Saving Time By Country

Why do we have daylight saving time? 100 years of history
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Judge Brett Kavanaugh is Confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the Supreme Court

Breaking News on the Nomination of Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court.

ICMS, Inc Reports
By Tom Okure, Ph.D

The US Senate today voted to confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court by a very small margin of (50-48-1). Senator Lisa Murkowski, who had previously indicated that she would vote in the negative withdrew her vote. Senators Collins, Flake and Manchin voted yes despite a lot of public pressure.

The nomination of Kavanaugh has been controversial throughout the process leading to his confirmation vote in the Senate today.

Judge Brett Kavanaugh

Thousands have been protesting against the nominee, even outside the Supreme Court just hours prior to the confirmation vote. Some protesters on the steps of the U.S. Capitol were arrested and many also were forcibly ejected from the Senate gallery as the final vote was taking place.

Thousands protesting against the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh

President Trump on his way to a Kansas political rally called the confirmation "very exciting!" …..“I applaud and congratulate the U.S. Senate for confirming our GREAT NOMINEE, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, to the United States Supreme Court. Later today, I will sign his Commission of Appointment, and he will be officially sworn in.“

Read more:

Brett Kavanaugh confirmed to Supreme Court

Senate confirms Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court

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The Ostentatious Spending Lifestyle of African Delegates at the United Nation's Annual General Assembly in New York City

The Ostentatious Spending Lifestyle of African UN Delegates at the UN General Assembly

ICMS, Inc Reports
By Tom Okure, PH.D

The United Nations (UN) Annual General Assembly in New York City brings together the largest gathering of world leaders for a general debate on the worlds pressing issues and to highlight each country’s policy priority spotlights in global affairs. Each country comes to the Assembly with a large delegation. Most delegates from some developing nations use this occasion to enjoy, relax and unwind from their routine daily activities back home. Many delegates from African countries who participate in this annual event are mostly privileged and of the upper class in their societies.



It has become common knowledge that many of the accompanying African delegations to the Annual United Nations Assembly in New York are not there to witness or participate in any serious policy deliberations taking place at the UN. Rather they are in New York to enjoy a well-deserved vacation sponsored by their home country in New York City with the accompanying high life, shopping spree, good food and wine and the dining out experience.

Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been documenting and tracking the exploits of these delegates for many years especially because many of the delegates are from the poorest countries in the world where their citizens are living with less than two dollars a day. Moreover, many delegates openly boast of staying in the best and most expensive hotels in the city during their visit. Many have been photographed spending lavishly in high end specialty shops in the city. It is important to note that many of these lavish spending are derived from corrupt means and not from hard work in their home countries. It is also significant to observe that back in their home counties in Africa, the ordinary citizen remains poor and disenfranchised from their government and many do not even have enough food to eat or a place to live.

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Aretha Louise Franklin, America’s famous singer and songwriter is dead at the age of 76.

Aretha Franklin, America’s undisputed Queen of Soul dead at 76.

ICMS, Inc Reports

By Tom Okure, Ph.D

Aretha Franklin, commonly referred to as the “the undisputed Queen of Soul,” died today at the age of 76 in her Detroit home with family and friends at her bedside. She was reportedly gravely ill in recent weeks from pancreatic cancer and receiving hospice care.

Aretha Franklin (March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018.)

News of her failing health was widespread in the new media over the past couple of days and many famous celebrities and visitors such as Rev. Jesse Jackson and Stevie Wonder visited her bedside to pay their respects. Beyoncé and Jay-Z who while performing in Detroit’s Motor City on Monday dedicated their concert to her and declaring “We love you,” to the iconic singer and song writer.

Aretha Franklin (The 1960's)

Born on March 25, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee USA, Aretha’s family relocated to Detroit Michigan when she was 5 years old.  She was just 10 years old when her mother Barbara died. Her father, Clarence LaVaughn “C. L.” Franklin raised her with the help of famous celebrity friends and public figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and Mahalia Jackson who frequently visited his home and Church. Her father “C. L.” Franklin was famous on his own right as a preacher at Detroit’s New Bethel Baptist Church. 

Aretha was a mother of four children. She gave birth to her first child, a boy named Clarence at the very young age of 12 years. Her second child, another son named Edward came two years later at the age of 14. Several years later she gave birth to two other sons, Teddy Richards and Kecalf Cunningham, in 1964 and 1970.  Early motherhood and associated parenting challenges did not prevent Aretha from beginning a gospel singing career at the age of 14. She was managed by her father and J.V.B. Records signed her on enabling her to release her first gospel album in 1956 titled “Songs of Faith.” At the age of 18, she signed onto Columbia Records and moving into secular music and charting a number of single hits on American pop and R&B charts.

Aretha Franklin (The 1960's)

Aretha had an illustrious singing and music career which lasted over sixty years establishing her as one of the most influential music artists in American music history. Her accomplishments are numerous and include among others, winning 18 Grammy Awards and selling over 75 million records globally. She was the first female music performer inducted into the renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recording 112 charted singles on the Billboard and setting the record for the most charted female artist in the trade magazine’s history.

Some of Aretha’s popular and well known music hits include "Rock Steady", "Jump to It", "Freeway of Love", "Who's Zoomin' Who", "Chain Of Fools", "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", "Something He Can Feel", "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" (with George Michael), and a remake of The Rolling Stones song "Jumpin' Jack Flash".

Read more:

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul and 'greatest singer of all time,' dies at 76

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Has Died of Pancreatic Cancer at Age 76

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has died

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Defeated Ugandan politician Patrick Okumu-Ringa dismantles water boreholes he had initiated in his constituency area to punish his constituents.

Unhappy Ugandan politician Patrick Okumu-Ringa, upset with his constituents’ seals up boreholes and development projects he had initiated in the area to punish his constituents.

ICMS, Inc Reports
By Tom Okure, Ph.D

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Ugandan lawmaker Patrick Okumu-Ringa, angry and very hurt after successive decisive defeats in a recent parliamentary by election, blames his constituents for his defeat and not voting for him.

Ugandan Politician Mr. Okumu-Ringa

In retaliation for what he says is his constituents ungratefulness and failure to appreciate his efforts to empower them; the lawmaker stops all community development projects he initiated in the area for his constituents and dismantles all the boreholes he had sunk that have been supplying free water to residents in his constituency area free of charge over the last two decades.

Mr. Patrick Okumu-Ringa has made a number of unsuccessful bids to return to the Ugandan Parliament but has failed. His latest comeback attempt and defeat as an independent candidate by the ruling party candidate Mr. Hashim Mukulanga was “the final straw that broke the camel's back” for the politician. He was miserably defeated coming a distant third and only securing a paltry 1,270 votes out of the 9,940 votes cast. The ruling party candidate Mr. Hashim Mukulanga garnered 4,283 votes, while second place with 4,159 votes when to another candidate Robert Onega of FDC Party.

Three days following the announcement of the election results, Mr. Patrick Okumu-Ringa began the process of dismantling the development projects including the boreholes he had initiated in his constituency area to punish his constituents. 

Read the full story: 

ELECTION LOSER DISMANTLES BOREHOLES, TELLS VOTERS TO LOOK FOR WATER ELSEWHERE
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While Ikot Ekpene APC Celebrates Godswill Akpabio defection from PDP, Governor Emmanuel Udom rallies the State PDP political base and removes detractors from his cabinet.

Ikot Ekpene APC Celebrates Godswill Akpabio defection from PDP as Governor Emmanuel Udom removes detractors from his cabinet.

ICMS,Inc Reports
By Tom Okure, Ph.D
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) political party of Nigeria rolled out a large welcome celebration today in Akwa Ibom State’s Ikot Ekpene township stadium to welcome Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is formally defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and joining the APC.

 


Senator Akpabio is defecting and carrying along with him many prominent Akwa Ibom State PDP chieftains to the APC. According to news media sources, the list of who is who among the defectors to APC include some members of the State House of Assembly and:

“former works commissioner in the state, Mr Don Etim, former senator Effiong Bob, Leader of the House, Mr Udo Kieran Akpan, former Speaker and House of Reps member for Etinan Federal Constituency, Mr Sam Ikon, respective House of Reps members from Abak and Essien Edim/Etim Ekpo/Ika, Mr Emmanuel Akpan and Mr Emmanuel Ekon, former Information Commissioner, Mr Aniekan Umanah, state House of Assembly members, Nse Ntuen, Usoro Akpanusoh, Aniekan Uko, Aniekan Bassey, Idongesit Ntekpere, Uduak Ududoh, Mark Esset, among others."

The full impact of Akpabio’s defection on the current governance structure in Akwa Ibom State and the competitiveness of PDP against the APC in the upcoming 2019 elections is unclear. One thing however is clear, and that is, the unleashing of anger, desperation, fear and political uneasiness among the political elite class in the state.

Senator Akpabio with a APC Chieftain Bola Tinubu after news
broke of his defection and acceptance into APC 

One can feel the sense of betrayal, confusion, suspicion and anger among the PDP political base across the state who for the first time in many years feel vulnerable and fear that the invasion of APC into the state political fabric has finally taken root. 

A jubilant crowd of both PDP and APC supporters welcomes Akpabio back to
Akwa Ibom State in Uyo upon on his return en route to Ikot Ekpene to
 announce his formal defection from PDP

Under the present circumstances, the existing PDP chieftains in the state have become alert, and everyone is advising Governor Udom to rid the PDP party hierarchy and the state government of all Akpabio’s moles embedded within the state governance structure prior to the next election.

Governor Emmanuel Udom Cleanses the State Executive Council of Detractors

In response to Akpabio’s defection, Emmanuel Udom's Akwa Ibom state government has taken some immediate decisive actions to rally his political support base, ensure loyalty among the remaining political leadership and eliminate any potential detractors within the current administration. The defection of Akpabio provides Udom with the unique opportunity to finally get rid of his political opponents in his government and the image that has trailed his political career as a political puppet of Senator Akpabio who was not elected by the masses but installed by Akpabio and beholden to him.

Immediately affected in the governance structure cleanup exercise by Udom are the removal from office and the State Executive Council with immediate effect of two prominent state commissioners.

Mr. Ibanga Akpabio dismissed as AKS Commissioner for
“gross misconduct and non-compliance with public service rules.” 

Mr. Ibanga Akpabio from Ikot Ekpene who is a younger brother of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Mr. Victor Antai from Oron. According to the State Government press release, their dismissal from office was necessary due to “gross misconduct and non-compliance with public service rules.” Mr. Ibanga Akpabio served as the State Commissioner for Labour, Productivity and Manpower Development.

Mr. Victor Antai also dismissed as AKS Commissioner for
“gross misconduct and non-compliance with public service rules."

Mr. Victor Antia served as the commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mr. Victor Antai is alleged to have welcomed Senator Akpabio in Ibom International Airport upon his return to the state following the news of Senator Akpabio’s defection from the PDP to the APC.

Akpabio in preparation for his formal defection from the PDP formally tendered his resignation as senate minority leader in the National Assembly. Akpabio's resignation has further fueled rumors about his political ambitions and intention, perhaps to take over the national assembly senates leadership under the banner of the APC. Senator Murray Bruce, one of Akpabio’s colleagues who represents Rivers state on Tuesday called Akpabio a traitor, and blamed him in part for the undemocratic siege of the National Assembly by the DSS.

Read more about Akpabios defection from PDP to APC

Senator Akpabio Officially Dumps PDP For APC

The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC: The Case of Akwa Ibom State.

Ikot Ekpene Standstill for Akpabio

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The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC: The Case of Akwa Ibom State

The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC: The Case of Akwa Ibom State.

Commentary
ICMS,Inc Reports 
By Tom Okure, PhD

The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC is very puzzling and a unique Nigerian Phenomenon. The switching of major politicians between the two major parties has made news headlines over the past several weeks. The trend has finally spread to a very strong PDP dominated state in Akwa Ibom.

Senator Godswill Akpabio of PDP meeting with President Buhari of APC

Lately there has been an ongoing rumor that Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom state, is concluding arrangements to dump the PDP and consequently diminish the euphoric celebrations that recently took place at the PDP headquarters, over the defection of some heavy weight senators and three governors from the APC.

This morning, Propeller Newspapers states affirmatively that Senator Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State is defecting to the current ruling party APC and has been issued his membership card. The newspaper also indicates that some other Ikot Ekpene politicians are joining Senator Akpabio to the APC.  A list of who is who among the alleged defectors are highlighted to include:

“former works commissioner in the state, Mr Don Etim, former senator Effiong Bob, Leader of the House, Mr Udo Kieran Akpan, former Speaker and House of Reps member for Etinan Federal Constituency, Mr Sam Ikon, respective House of Reps members from Abak and Essien Edim/Etim Ekpo/Ika, Mr Emmanuel Akpan and Mr Emmanuel Ekon, former Information Commissioner, Mr Aniekan Umanah, state House of Assembly members, Nse Ntuen, Usoro Akpanusoh, Aniekan Uko, Aniekan Bassey, Idongesit Ntekpere, Uduak Ududoh, Mark Esset, among others. At least 10 house members are said to be ready to defect to the APC with Akpabio”

Akpabio meets with Buhari in London

If the news of Akpabio’s defecting with a number of major political heavyweights to APC is true, what does this mean to the current governance structure in Akwa Ibom State? What is the impact of this change on the APC party in Akwa Ibom and even more important on the competitiveness of PDP against the APC in the upcoming 2019 elections? 

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Read more here:

BREAKING: Sen. Ita Enang confirms Akpabio’s exit from PDP
Breaking: Akpabio meets Buhari in London

Free Sunday Entertainment at Ikot Ekpene Center Plaza in Akwa Ibom State

Free Sunday Entertainment at Ikot Ekpene Center Plaza in Akwa Ibom State

ICMS, Inc Reports

By Tom Okure, Ph.D

Throughout Nigeria Sunday is devoted to worship and relaxation in many states. In towns and cities in Akwa Ibom State as is common in many other places all over the country including IKot Ekpene, people return home after church service to relax, eat, visit with friends and relatives and later look for ways to unwind and entertain themselves.  A popular way of entertainment is to hang out with friends in open air sit outs to drink and listen to popular hip-hop and religious music by popular Nigerian artists.

A Welcome Sign To Visitors at the Plaza Entrance

Unwinding on Sundays is recognized by all ages as a way to ease body stress and tensions built up due to work, school and business related activities. 

Evening Atmosphere and Relaxation Sit Out inside Ikot Ekpene Center Plaza

Many cities like Ikot Ekpene recognize the value of providing especially the youth free events and music entertainment every weekend in the park for them to enjoy and relax while visiting the park.  

IKot Ekpene Plaza Center Park provides youth and the general public an avenue to walk around, sit, listen and dance to the latest hip-hop music from late afternoon to the late evening hours of the day on Sundays.  There is a paid sit out area for visitors to the park to sit, drink and enjoy local favorites like suya and barbecue grilled meat and fish. There is also a section of the park where the youth congregate to dance and let everything go especially the stress of everyday life. The park is usually busy with young lovers courting and taking pictures with their lovers. Paid photographers are around to capture their special romantic moments. It is indeed a very pleasant sight to see and a busy place in town every Sunday afternoon and evening.

Policy Notes and Comments

Ikot Epene City Plaza Park is a very welcome and entertaining place for any visitor to visit while in Ikot Ekpene. The State government’s decision to create a park plaza in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo was well thought out and is a successful government policy.  The success of Uyo Plaza and Ikot Ekpene Plaza cannot be disputed and is being replicated by the Udom administration in other cities in the state including more recently in Eket (under development). The creation of Ikot Ekpene Plaza is one policy ideas that has proven to have merit by providing a place of entertainment, relaxation and an avenue for large public gathering. 

Ariel View of Ikot Ekpene Center Plaza and Round About

Evening Atmosphere Around Ikot Ekpene Center Plaza Showing Four Point Sheraton in the Background

The Ikot Ekpene Center Plaza is situated in the heart of the city at the city’s central round about next to Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene and the Ikot Ekpene town hall. Youths all over Ikot Ekpene local government travel far distances from rural and remote areas to congregate and enjoy themselves at the plaza on Sunday.

This writer, recommends that Akwa Ibom State government should go further as a matter of public policy to promote the creation of more parks especially localized community and neighborhood parks.  In Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, the creation of more parks of various sizes in each of the local government wards is recommended and is needed as development expands into the rural areas.  These “community parks” are needed to cater to the specific needs of the population especially the youth of each local ward. Not only will it serve as a focal point for recreation, relaxation and entertainment for residence of each ward, it will help to reduce the congestion currently witnessed on a typical Sunday at the Ikot Ekpene City Plaza. 

Nigerian Dapchi schoolgirls abducted in February 19, 2018 suddenly released by their militant abductors

ICMS, Inc Reports
By Tom Okure, Ph.D

Picture of released abducted girls:
Courtesy: Reuters/Reuters/Ola Lanre

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According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Information, “back channel efforts” by the federal government has resulted in the sudden release of 76 of the 110 Dapchi schoolgirls abducted from their boarding school on the evening of Monday, February 19 2018, by a militant group who attacked the town of Dapchi in Yobe State.

One of the schoolgirl’s parent who spoke to a BBC correspondent by name Kundili Bukar said the militants believed to be Boko Haram “drove into the town in a motorcade in the early hours of Wednesday morning and surrendered the girls to the community.” The militants departed immediately they released the girls who were alleged to look tired and fatigued from their ordeal.

Dapchi schoolgirls are pictured in Jumbam village Yobe State after their release look tired and fatigued from their ordeal.

One may recall that President Muhammadu Buhari was very frustrated with the announcement of the kidnappings in February and declared it a "national disaster" and expressed his regrets to the parents of the girls' on 12 March noting the government would negotiate with the militants carefully in order to ensure the peaceful release the girls without resorting to military action. Speaking to the press at the time President Buhari sated "We are trying to be careful. It is better to get our daughters back alive."

Nigerian Minister of Information Lai Mohammed

In a government statement by the minister of information Lai Mohammed today, he said "The government had a clear understanding that violence and confrontation would not be the way out as it could endanger the lives of the girls," Nine of the girls abducted are confirmed to be dead according to the Nigerian government in its press statement on the matter.

The release of the girls comes about one week from the date President Muhammadu Buhari visited the Dapchi school, during which time he met with the girl’s parents and reaffirmed government efforts to secure the immediate release of their children.

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Links to read more:

More than half of kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls freed, official says

Kidnapped Dapchi schoolgirls freed in Nigeria

Ikot Ekpene Urua Ottoh and Road Fencing Project

Urua Ottoh and Road Fencing Project: A Timely and Community Enhancing Initiative of the Uyime Etim Led Ikot Ekpene Local Government Administration.
ICMS, Inc Reports By Tom Okure, Ph.D Pictures: Courtesy of Victor Bassey

As Nigeria grows and more power is devolved to our local governments, it is becoming clear that they are increasingly playing a greater role in improving the quality of life and safety in our communities. The new and recently elected local government in Ikot Ekpene has been making efforts to make its presence known to the people by taking up projects such as road cleaning and the removal of rubbish in the streets that have been overlooked in the past. Recently, the new local government has taken on the challenge of enhancing public safety and controlling the free flow of traffic through Urua Ottoh by fencing off the road which cuts through this famous market. This is a very welcome development and initiative that has cut our attention.

A major city road slices through Ikot Ekpene's Urua Ottoh

If you have ever visited Urua Ottoh, it is very a busy and congested place with a major city road slicing through the market on both sides of the road and food and merchandise traders/vendors selling on the road way and blocking traffic from passing through. The market overlaps both sides of the road as is evident in the attached pictures.

Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Inspects the fence project at Urua Ottoh

Traders selling directly on the road way at Urua Ottoh Market

Laying the foundation of the fence at Urua Ottoh

The road and the market have coexisted for many years without posing a major problem in the past, but with increased economic development and a resultant increase in the population of the city, the market size has increased and traders utilizing the market to sell has also grown extensively without adequate selling stalls to accommodate their space needs.

The consequence of the lack of selling stalls for food traders have forced many traders to sell their merchandise directly on the road ways. When the market is in full operation during the afternoon and into the evening, the road is completely overtaken by traders selling on the road. As you can see from the pictures, this situation poses a serious hazard to the lives of traders as well as cars and motor cyclists attempting to pass through.

Conclusion and Policy Recommendation

This situation has existed for many years with many reported accidents and no remedial action has been taken until now. Fencing off the road is a good first step and policy initiative of the new local government that must be applauded for its foresight. It will prevent vendors from selling directly on the road way and endangering lives while preventing accidents and the free flow of traffic. However in the long run, the local government has to put in place a plan to build more trading stalls and modernize Urua Ottoh market to accommodate the needs of a growing city and population.

Former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo obtains an earned doctorate degree in Christian Theology.

This Nigerian Former Leader Olusegun Obasanjo continues to amaze and fascinate me.

ICMS, Inc Reports

Commentary By Tom Okure, Ph.D

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Former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo has once again distinguished himself by obtaining an earn Ph.D. degree in Christian Theology from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).  It is very important to note that this is not one of those honorary doctorate degrees which many rich individuals have conferred on them simply by making huge donations to famous universities.

Olusegun Obasanjo, Ph.D

For the avoidance of doubt, an honorary doctorate degree is not a real degree. It is a nice recognition to someone given by an academic institution of higher learning. Perhaps the only real worth or value of an honorary doctorate degree is looking good hanging on the wall. Honorary degrees are not 'real' degrees; in other words, being awarded an honorary degree is not the same as getting an actual earned doctorate. More precisely, an honorary degree is a degree honoris causa, Latin for 'for the sake of the honor'.

Obasanjo’s accomplishment is significant as a scholarly endeavor. He was declared proficient to be awarded a PhD after a 163 minutes successful defense of his doctoral dissertation before a panel of six academicians.

The title of Obasanjo dissertation (thesis) is “Resolving the Unfinished Agenda in Liberation Theology: Leadership, Poverty and Underdevelopment in North Eastern Nigeria.” His dissertation was submitted to his department as part of the requirements for the fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Christian Theology. The former Nigerian President whose matriculation number reads NOU 146058901 was among the 14,769 graduating students from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). 

Obasanjo is a pillar in the Nigerian political scene and he continues to make his voice heard and relevant in part because he continually strives to develop himself and his environment. For a man of his age, it is astonishing that he continues to set new and challenging goals for himself. He mirrors good leadership traits of a man of purpose and represents a study in statesmanship for aspiring men and women who seek to gain prominence in the Nigerian political scene of the future. 

Notwithstanding his personal shortcomings as a person, Obasanjo is fascinating because he has a remarkable legacy as a Nigerian leader. His particular example, in terms of persistence and determination and the manner in which he continues to reinvent himself combined with a restorative type quality and dynamism of his many accomplishments are truly amazing.

So with great admiration for this great Nigerian leader, I join with many other well wishers to congratulate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for this academic accomplishment and to welcome him to the eminent and distinguished club of Nigeria’s Ph.D. elite.

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Read More:

Olusegun Obasanjo, Ph.D

Obasanjo Backs Restructuring As He Bags Ph.D At NOUN 7th Convocation