ICMS, Inc - Now You Know: Akwa Ibom State

Showing posts with label Akwa Ibom State. Show all posts

Saturday, February 1, 2025

A Tribute to Former MBHS, Oron Principal Mr. A. U. UMO from PENTAS 72 Alumni

A Tribute to former MBHS, Oron Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, Principal Mr. A. U. UMO from PENTAS 72 Alumni (Graduating Class of 1972).

May his soul Rest In Peace (RIP)

Sunday, July 25, 2021

Nigeria’s Big Brother Naija (BBN) Show highlighting house mate Emmanuel Umoh

By Tom Okure, PhD

ICMS, Inc. Reports

July 25, 2021

Photo Credit: Emmanuel Umoh (Instagram)

Mr. Emmanuel Umoh: BBN house mate

Many Nigerian young men and women are glued to their TV screens when the show Big Brother Naija is on. Lately, one of the house mates in the popular Nigerian TV show Emmanuel Umoh is getting a lot of attention from the shows audience especially the female viewers due to his figure and physical looks (Physique).

For background, this fine looking young man is from Akwa Ibom State, more specifically from Mbo Local Government Area. He was born and raised in Uyo and attended Monef Kiddies elementary school.

Emmanuel Umoh is admired by many
females for his good looks

He also attended Christ the King and is an alumni of Ikot Ekpene’s Federal Government College where he completed his secondary school education. Mr. Emmanuel Umoh is also said to be a Civil Engineering student and attended the University of Port Harcourt.

Emmanuel is a professional model and he owns his own business and brand and is the CEO. His awards are many including being Mr. Africa and Mr. Ideal Nigeria having won that pageant contest in 2019. Consequently, Mr. Emmanuel Umoh is not entirely new to the show business scene, having already achieved fame and fortune even before his entry into the Big Brother Naija (BBN) Show.

There are 11 male and 11 female contestants in the BBN show totaling 22 contestants. This write-up is not about the BBN show but just featuring Emmanuel Umoh who appears to be a heartthrob (a male celebrity who is known for his good looks) of many female viewers.

Some ordinary viewer critics of the BBN show say that the presence of likes of Emmanuel Umoh in the show argue that his presence in the show upsets that balance and lofty intentions of the show which they allege was supposed to create a level playing field for ordinary Nigeria youth to contest and “help the poor to become rich, ….. not help the already rich to be famous.”

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D. CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc. (or ICMS Inc.). ICMS, Inc., is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York

Friday, October 23, 2020

Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel Urges Calm in Broadcast as #EndSARS Protesters Vandalize Properties in Uyo.

Criminals masked as protesters vandalize government and private property in Uyo

ICMS, Inc. Reports

By Tom Okure, Ph.D.

The #EndSARS Protests in Akwa Ibom turned violent on Thursday October 22 as hoodlums and criminal gangs masked as protesters vandalized and burnt down government and private property in Uyo, the state capital. Several public and private property were targeted, looted and set on fire. In a televised broadcast message to #EndSARS protesters, the State Governor Udom Emmanuel called for calm and announced a series of placating projects and measures designed to create immediate jobs and apprenticeship opportunity to calm the youth agitation gripping the state.

In his broadcast massage on the situation, Governor Udom Emmanuel extended a Curfew imposed on the city of Uyo from 12 noon on Friday October 23, 2020 to 7:am on Saturday October 24, 2020. The government urged all Uyo residents to stay at home and directed its state security forces to strictly enforce the curfew.

Among the properties targeted and vandalized in Uyo by hoodlums as an outcome of the #EndSARS protest are AKBC the State Broadcasting Corporation along Udo Udoma, AKISIEC office, Udo Udoma, LG showroom, Ikot Ekpene Road, Cold Stone eatery, De Choice mall, Access Bank, Aka Road, Ibom Plaza and Anchor Insurance building, Wellington Bassey Way.

Akwa Ibom State, in common with other states like Lagos state has witnessed a change in the peaceful #EndSARS protests which started two weeks ago in the country into a violent unruly mob protests. The change in the nature of the protest started on Tuesday October 22nd with the unprovoked killings by Nigerian soldiers of #EndSARS protesters at Lagos Lekki Toll gate. After the incident, the protests have turned violent all over the country and it was just a matter of time before the violence arrived at Akwa Ibom state.

A common feature of the current protests are the infiltration of criminal elements disguised as legitimate protesters. The criminals have hijacked the peaceful protests and are primarily responsible for the civil unrest spreading all over the country. In the case of Akwa Ibom State, the authorities discovered that those arrested and involved in the vandalism are outsiders from other states and definitely non-citizens of Akwa Ibom state. Many of the criminal elements simply came into the state to destroy and loot property. State authorities conducting an assessment of the damages inflicted by the vandals found looted properties hurriedly abandoned along the road including such items as steel cabinets, cookers, plasma television monitors, among others. Many apprehended criminals could not speak any native Akwa Ibom language.

Whether the curfew and the broadcast of Governor Udom Emmanuel calling for calm will stop further protest is yet to be seen. One thing is clear, the upheaval by youths in Akwa Ibom in common with their counterparts in other parts of the country demands urgent governmental response and genuine societal change implemented by government actions not empty promises. The protesting and rampaging youths are angry and may continue to seek revenge on symbols of government oppressive authority.

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (or ICMS Inc). ICMS, Inc, is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Presentation of Official State Symbols (Flag, Anthem, Emblem & Creed) of...

Today September 23, 2020 Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria celebrates 33 years since its creation as a Nigerian state.

Friday, April 10, 2020

Nigeria’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program to the poor and COVID-19 pandemic. Who are the beneficiaries in your Community?

ICMS, INC EDUCATIONAL SERIES

Are you aware of Nigeria’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program in Akwa Ibom State?

ICMS, Inc Reports

By Tom Okure, PhD

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Nearly half of Nigeria’s total population lives in extreme poverty. Nigerian Federal government says it has been working towards improving the poverty situation in the country, but most experts say

government plans are inadequate and unsustainable. Last year in 2019, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in a report released in New York stated that poverty in Nigeria had risen from 86 to 98 million in ten years. Nigeria has a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program that has been in place since December 2016 that is designed to bring poor Nigerians out of poverty.

President Buhari announced that conditional cash
payments (CCT) would be paid to poor
and vulnerable household in Nigeria

With the spread of the COVD-19 pandemic into Nigeria, efforts to cushion the extreme poor in Nigerian has become even more urgent. Abuja, Lagos, Uyo etc and many other cities in Nigeria are currently under a two week shut down and citizens all over the country are suffering because of the shut down and lack of economic activity. Many residents of major cities are starving because they have nothing to eat. The situation is made much worse because of poor and intermittent supply of electricity and lack of proper refrigeration to preserve foodstuff by most households. Experts say that the situation in all cities are going to get worse until gradual economic activity is restored. Even where limited and controlled market and shopping economic activity has has been implemented, like in Lagos, residents complain that it is limited and ineffective because they are unable to buy any real food stuff items except limited non perishable items. In a recent televised national broadcast, President Buhari announced that conditional cash payments (CCT) would be paid to poor and vulnerable household in the lock down states of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT.

According to the Nigerian government “Beneficiaries are entitled to N5, 000 every month; however, the payment of N20, 000 now to each beneficiary is for four mouths. “It is going to happen all over the country, but we are starting with FCT, Lagos and Ogun. These are the frontline states. Other states will follow.” (See Link: Conditional Cash Transfer: FG doles out N20, 000 each to 5, 000 in FCT).

Did You Know!

That Nigeria’s N5,000 monthly cash transfer payment program has been ongoing since 2016? Is this Federal cash transfer program being implanted in Akwa Ibom State...and if so, what ministry is administering this program and how are the poor being selected to benefit from this program? Do you know any person in Akwa Ibom State benefiting from this poverty elimination program?

Has any AKSG or Local government officials visited your village over the past two to four years to identify and collect the names of poor people especially poor people considered very vulnerable including widows, the aged, disabled individuals and those with chronic diseases and unemployed? Do you know or are you aware of where Akwa Ibom State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU) or office is located?

State Implementation of Conditional Cash Transfer Program

A National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) under the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria is responsible for implementing Nigeria’s CCT program and is the primary intervention arm of what is termed the National Social Safety Nets Project. In order to generate needed data to capture the Nigerian poor and vulnerable in the country a National Social Registry (NSR) was also created by the Federal Government. CCT program is a component of National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP) which is supported by the World Bank, to provide financial support to targeted poor and vulnerable Nigerian households.

While the National NCTO mandate is to distribute the targeted cash transfer across the country, Nigerian States like Akwa Ibom State implement the federal CCT program at the state level through the State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU). SCTU manages and coordinates the targeted cash transfer and livelihood intervention. Each local government area establishes a cash transfer team to implement activities at the community level. (See link State Implementation….National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO).

Since the CCT program implementation in December 2016

“Every two months, the federal government disburses nearly N3 billion to the beneficiaries. But with millions of outstretched hands in need of financial assistance, the cash transfer scheme has turned into a lottery.”…. “The N5, 000 monthly cash transfer is ultimately to bring the recipients out of poverty.

NCTO showing CCP payments in Anambra State

But since December 2016 that the payment started, only 297, 973 caregivers are currently being paid in what appears as a drop in the ocean. Estimations suggest that about 87 million Nigerians – 44 percent of the country’s population of 196 million – live below the International Poverty Line of $1.90 (N684) a day.” (See Link: INVESTIGATION: Poorest Nigerians deprived of federal government’s cash transfer)

President Muhammadu Buhari has always reiterated his commitment to lifting millions of Nigerians from poverty. The president has repeatedly stated that:

"Our ongoing social intervention programs continue to target these vulnerable groups through the ongoing school feeding program, government economic empowerment program, ... job creation program loans for traders and artisans, conditional cash transfers to the poorest families,"

“Buhari's lofty goal is to alleviate 100 million Nigerians from poverty within the next decade. But experts say to increase the Poverty Escape Rate in the country, economic growth must remain steady and population growth controlled.” (Source: Nigerian Authorities to Alleviate Millions From Extreme Poverty)

Information Worth Knowing!

COVID-19 Virus and CCT Payments

Buhari in a recent nationwide broadcast stated that the payment is a government measure to cushion the effect of the lock down of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT on the poor and vulnerable households.

President Buhari announced that conditional cash payments (CCT)
would be paid to poor and vulnerable household in the lock down
states of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT

“As we know, the CCT is for poor and vulnerable households in the country. “Beneficiaries are entitled to N5, 000 every month; however, the payment of N20, 000 now to each beneficiary is for four mouths. “It is going to happen all over the country, but we are starting with FCT, Lagos and Ogun. These are the frontline states. Other states will follow. “With the current pandemic and circumstances on ground, this amount will go a long way to support the families in their daily lives. “Today, we are giving out N20, 000 each to about 190 beneficiaries in Kwali Area Councils. The total beneficiaries in FCT are 5, 000,’’ Farouq said. (See link: Conditional Cash Transfer: FG doles out N20, 000 each to 5, 000 in FCT).

After the president Buhari’s national broadcast, the “National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) has clarified that only one million vulnerable Nigerian households on the National Social Register (NSR) would get the N20,000 relief fund from the Federal Government to cushion the impact of the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic.” National Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) is under the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and is the intervention arm of the National Social Safety Nets Project.

This report is part of ICMS, Inc Report’s educational and Now You Know Information series and is designed to keep the public informed on government public policy they ought to be aware of.

Links for additional reading:

National Cash Transfer Office
Conditional Cash Transfer: FG doles out N20, 000 each to 5, 000 in FCT
INVESTIGATION: Poorest Nigerians deprived of federal government’s cash transfer
Nigerian Authorities to Alleviate Millions From Extreme Poverty

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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.

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Limiting the adverse impact of Corona virus (COVID-19): How Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State should be responding.

ICMS, Inc Reports

Observations and Policy Advisory Comments

by Tom Okure, PhD

Very recently in the Nigerian news media and floating around the social media, we heard of conflicting news accounts of the number of coronavirus (Covid-19) infection in Nigeria.

Reported cases by the Nigerian federal government has reached 184 as of April 2, 2020 and the writing of this article. Consequently, the Nigerian government in common with most governments around the world has instituted restrictive movement measures including gradual state lock down measures to stop the spread, beginning with Lagos, Abuja FCT and Osun state. Recent reports by Akwa Ibom State government asserted that reports of two alleged infections in the state was false and the state government though concerned, took no definitive positive measures at the time to educate the public or restrict movement to control more spread into the population.

Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) crisis management team meets regularly to support states with harmonized guidelines for Primary Health Care and community based workers

In fact as of March 25, 2020 the state Commissioner of Information, Charles Udoh KSJ, asserted in a public press release on COVID-19 that Akwa Ibom State “has NOT placed a ban on social gatherings including churches, marriage/funeral ceremonies and other celebrations.” However, on April 1, 2020 the situation drastically changed as the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (or NCDC) reported and confirmed 174 active cases of COVID-19 and noted that nine of the affected have been discharged with two deaths. More specifically, the infection breakdown by state according to NCDC was as follows: Lagos -91; Abuja- FTC-35; Osun-14; Oyo-8; Ogun-4; Edo-4; Kaduna-4; Bauchi-3; Enugu-2; Ekiti-2; Rivers-1; Benue-1; Akwa Ibom-5. Suddenly, as the NCDC report indicated, Akwa Ibom State was no more infection free as we were made to believe, but was one of the states with the most infections according to the NCDC.

For one reason or the other, this information does not appear to be very welcome by the Akwa Ibom State Government. In a recent press release hereby attached to this narrative, the State Commissioner for Health Dr. Dominic Ukpong appears to disagree and take issue with the NCDC data on reported active cases of COVID-19 in the state. Akwa Ibom State commissioner of health for whatever reasons is upset with the NCDC testing procedures and appears to be rejecting the notion of any infection of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom.

Dr. Dominic Ukpong,
AKSG Commissioner Ministry of Health

The state government arguments rejecting the NCDC findings include the following: “We observed a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure;…Akwa Ibom State Government only heard about the test results in the news;…The Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was not aware of the reported result announcement;…All 5 reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms;…While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation;….Several sample batches have been previously sent for testing from Akwa Ibom State and they all returned negative results;…Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the 5 reported cases;…The results will be made public, following due process.

The state press release also advises that “Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have also appealed to the NCDC to ensure that all future tests are conducted following due process in order to maintain continued confidence in the process” and “Residents and citizens are enjoined to remain calm while observing all personal and respiratory hygiene guidelines earlier issued as well as adhere to the social distancing prescriptions.”

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State

From the mere reading of the press releases from Akwa Ibom State government over the past two weeks, the state government appears to be asserting its health policy independence and charting its own course of action in regard to the coronavirus pandemic issue that is beginning to spread into the state. One baffling observation of this writer about the arguments of the State Commissioner for Health Dr. Dominic Ukpong, is the fact that he fails to realize that both the NCDC virus tests and the state conducted test may be correct at the time, depending on when the tests were conducted. Tested individuals in many countries including the United States have tested negative at first only to test positive in a follow-up test. Some people are said to be asymptomatic and do not show symptoms of the disease even though they are virus carriers and spreading the virus to others simply by talking with other people and going about their business. That is why everyone is advised to stay home to stop the spread.

NCDC Public Education poster

This writer asserts that this is no time in Nigeria to play politics or a blaming game. This is a very difficult and dangerous time for the whole world which includes Africa, Nigeria and yes Akwa Ibom State. There is no known cure or vaccination for this virus at the moment. Nigeria is just beginning to experience the spread and the economic impact of this pandemic. People are dying and more will die, Nigerians are afraid, the economy is suffering and is on the edge, ventilators and masks are scares and in short supply, our hospitals are not prepared and lack the capability of handling this type of emergency and Nigerian medical staff are already over stretched and stressed.

Ikot Ekpene Local Government Corona
Virus Educational campaign poster

The coronavirus (or Covid-19) for a majority of infected people typically causes moderate and minor symptoms, for example fever and cough that are resolved between two to three weeks. The virus has affected all races, groups and socioeconomic classes of people around the world including the rich, the ruling class, the youth, women and men alike. Nevertheless, one thing appears to be obvious as data around the world are being analyzed; in a majority of cases of the virus infection, the incubation period of the virus is about two weeks or even more. The elderly appear to be especially more adversely impacted especially those with existing health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems etc. The COVID-19 virus causes more severe sickness among the sickly and elderly, which results in pneumonia in most cases and even death.

As a policy recommendation, this writer advises that everything officially announced and reported on this deadly virus in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State should be Data Informed and not based on any personal sentiments or party politics. This is no time for ego shielding or arrogance pedaling by high level appointed government officials who may find their egos trampled upon by the terrible truth of this dangerous virus. What we need is level hotheadedness among our federal and state policy makers who should work round the clock and cooperate to educate themselves on the status of the infection nationally and worldwide in order to better inform and to educate the public. In this regard, it is imperative that cooperation between the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) be enhanced immediately.

Ikot Ekpene local government chairman Mr. Unyime Etim
begins a public education campaign to educate residents

Government front-line doctors, researchers and medical staff both at the state and federal level should be given adequate financial and moral support to do their tests and medical advisory jobs without political interference. Those who have ideas and wish to make suggestions should be encouraged and be allowed to air their views on government implementation policies and procedures to combat this pandemic spread without fear. In short, all meaningful professional and public input on state and local government policy in Akwa Ibom State should be tolerated and entertained.

Lessons learned from the experiences of other countries like China, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Spain, United States, United Kingdom, Egypt, South Africa etc. tackling the spread, control and prevention of the corona virus should be carefully catalogued, analyzed and used to generate predictive models and the predictive models adapted to the Nigerian unique situation.

Our African and Nigerian society is a loving and communal environment where we have open markets and shopping bazaars; we like to merriment, enjoy parties and religious gatherings etc., where we constantly hug each other and shake hands. These situations must be curtailed and even temporally restricted to prevent the virus spread.

Ikot Ekpene distributes sanitizers and masks to residents

The virus is real and deadly and the slogan “Stay at Home to Help Save Lives” is a real and a proven preventive measure that is working for all countries and should gladly be welcome by all Akwa Ibom residents and voluntarily abided by.

The federal government and the state and local governments should work together to fight and contain the virus by all means including experimenting with traditional herbal medicines or remedies like the Chinese are doing. Information is needed especially at the local and village level to educate our villagers, youth and elderly. Village chiefs should be actively involved to help spread the news in the states local government’s areas using announcement mediums such as identified family heads of households and village announcers to inform the people. No one can predict when the pandemic will end or whether this is going to be a cyclical/annual event like influencer that may occur annually. Potential permanent change in human behavior worldwide may be needed to combat this pandemic. The world has changed and may have changed permanently. We need to be proactive in supporting our universities and research institutions nationally. Some Nigerian medical epidemiology scientists have asserted that they have long known about corona virus and have discovered and known about the virus structure long before now. There are many more dangerous viruses this writer understands and even malaria viruses lurking in the environment background waiting to manifest as epidemics.

Conclusion

The lesson here from the spread of COVID-19 into Nigeria is that we have to be vigilant and be proactive against the further spread of the virus. Proactive measures like a two to three weeks lockdown of the state of Akwa Ibom may be needed and while unpleasant will slow the virus spread so that it does not fully engross and paralyze our communities.

This writer observes and applauds the state and local governments in Akwa Ibom for beginning an active community educational and awareness program. The state should buy large quantities of masks for distribution to the public. Control and treatment centers should be planned, dedicated and equipped to accommodate a large in flock of infected patients. Preventive measures should also include actual testing of residents to determine who is infected, with the understanding that even people determined to be initially negative as witnessed in Akwa Ibom State may be false negative and asymptomatic and may be positive in later tests.

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AKWA IBOM STATE COVID 19 UPDATE 3.0

PRESS RELEASE

Sequel to the news report about the positive testing of 5 hitherto suspected cases of COVID -19 in Akwa Ibom state, we wish to state as follows, that;

1. We observed a disturbing breach in the test and reporting procedure.

2. Akwa Ibom State Government only heard about the test results in the news.

3. The Director General of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was not aware of the reported result announcement.

4. All 5 reported positive test cases have been contacted and they have showed no COVID-19 symptoms.

5. While the tests were being processed in NCDC approved test facilities, all suspected cases were held in isolation.

6. Several sample batches have been previously sent for testing from Akwa Ibom State and they all returned negative results.

7. Owing to the irregularities observed in the testing and reporting procedure, Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have called for an immediate reconfirmation test on the 5 reported cases.

8. The results will be made public; following due process.

9. Health Care Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have also appealed to the NCDC to ensure that all future tests are conducted following due process in order to maintain continued confidence in the process.

10. Residents and citizens are enjoined to remain calm while observing all personal and respiratory hygiene guidelines earlier issued as well as adhere to the social distancing prescriptions.

11. The Enforcement Committee of the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations 2020 have been mandated to see to the full operation of the provisions of the regulations.

12. The Incident Management committee will continue to meet on a daily basis to review and analyze the situation while updates will be provided as and when due.

Together, we can stop the spread of this pandemic.

Let’s be safe; let’s stay safe.

Signed:

Dr. Dominic Ukpong

Hon. Commissioner

Ministry of Health

Valuable Links:

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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.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

The restoration of the historic Control Post landmark in Ikot Ekpene is finally underway.

ICMS,Inc Reports,

By Tom Okure, Ph.D

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After more than three years of Akwa Ibom State government neglect and abandonment, work is finally ongoing towards the upgrade and restoration of Control Post.

Control Post is a famous road intersection in Ikot Ekpene

Control Post is a historic and famous landmark in Ikot Ekpene and a famous road intersection (or junction) in the village of Ikot Ekpene where Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road and old Itu-Ikot Ekpene road and other local internal roads like Atan road in Ikot Ekpene converge.

Control Post is also the focal point of Ikot Ekpene village (Usug Ikot Ekpene) which the historic raffia city (town) and local government derives its name. Its historical significance is even more obvious when placed in the context of Ikot Ekpene being the location of the first British Colonial experimentation in local self-governance.

In the Control Post construction background can be seen another famous
building in Ikot Ekpene: The Four Point Hotel by Sheraton

During the Nigerian Civil war, the Nigerian army understood the strategic significance of maintaining its control of the state from invading Biafran soldiers and decided to stand its ground in Control Post. It also has always been an energetic center of commercial activity for the residence of Ikot Ekpene and the surrounding areas. One aspect of the political anger of the voters of Ikot Ekpene during the last governorship election can best be understood in the context of the above discussion.

The anger of many voters surged during the elections over the abandonment of the restoration of Control Post and the failure of the current state government to complete the controversial 25 kilometers Uyo-Ikot Ekpene dualized federal highway started by the former Godwill Akpabio’s administration. The political controversy over who was to blame for the lack of completion of Uyo-IKot Ekpene road and Control Post being the terminal point of the road construction pitted the two major political parties (PDP and APC) in the state vying for political power and control of the state government.

The writer visiting the site of the abandoned Control Post in 2018

Politically and in retrospective, one can argue that restoration of construction was inevitable and a win win situation for Ikot Ekpene voters no matter which political party won the governorship elections in the state. This is because both political parties vowed to revive the road construction and restoration of the abandoned Control Post which had become an eyesore and a major point of flooding preventing access to Ikot Ekpene city from Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road or from old Itu-Ikot Ekpene road.

Construction of an expensive project such as the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road should never be started without a special dedicated budget fund to accomplish the task over a period of years. Budgetary revenues would be released annually as planned project targets are accomplished until the planned infrastructure/project is completed. The dilemma that Akwa Ibom State constantly faces as we witnessed in the abandonment of the dualiization of Uyo-Ikot-Ekpene federal road is the lack of capital planning foresight and the failure to build into the state government capital budget for projects a contingency budget to accommodate unforeseen circumstances (like the fall in oil revenues) as Nigeria and the state government is constantly experiencing.

The abandoned Control Post became an eyesore and a major flooding point in Ikot Ekpene city.

With the resumption of construction of the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene dualized federal highway road and active work going on towards rehabilitation of Control Post, high tribal voter tempers and criticism of the current Akwa Ibom State Government appears to have been abated. This writer gathers that the original plan for the dualized highway and Control post which incorporated a flyover bridge may not be realized due to cost considerations related to completion of the project.

Nevertheless, there is a sense of relieve among Ikot Ekpene residence that something is finally being done. The current State administration of Governor Emmanuel Udom must be applauded for fulfilling a major political promise to fully reconstruct and modernize Control Post. We look forward to a revitalized Control Post community where economic activity is restored following the completion of the long awaited Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road by December 2019 as promised by the state government.

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Sunday, December 23, 2018

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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Wednesday, August 8, 2018

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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Sunday, August 5, 2018

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