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  • Social Commentator, Simon Utsu, congratulates Usoro Akpabio on her appointment as MD, SSDC

    Social Commentator, Simon Utsu, congratulates Usoro Akpabio on her appointment as MD, SSDC

    …Describes her as a square peg in a square hole

    Cross River-born social commentator and political analyst, Engr. Simon Utsu, has congratulated Usoro Offiong Akpabio on her appointment as Managing Director of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In a congratulatory message posted on his social media handle, Utsu expressed delight over Usoro’s appointment, describing her as a square peg in a square hole.

    He said the pioneer MD comes to the job with the right industry know-how and political acumen and savvy needed to navigate the south-south and its predominantly oil and gas terrain, believing she would leave behind a legacy of human and capital development.

    “Congratulations to the tear rubber, pioneer MD of the South South Development Commission, Ms. Usoro Akpabio; a square peg in a square hole. I’ve known her for a little while and I must say this appointment is deserved. She’s mounting the saddle with the right industry know-how and political acumen & savvy, needed to navigate the south-south and its predominantly oil & gas terrain & leave a lasting legacy of human and capital development.

    “It’s also a good move as it’d tilt the gender imbalance in appointments – something I have been complaining about up here,” he writes.

    He ended by wishing her the very best on her new regional assignment, even as he expressed optimism that Usoro would do the region good.

    Simon Utsu is based in Europe.

  • US4US Movement Congratulates Pioneer Managing Director, South South Development Commission, Madam Usoro Akpabio

    US4US Movement Congratulates Pioneer Managing Director, South South Development Commission, Madam Usoro Akpabio

    The US4US MOVEMENT receives with profound joy, the heartwarming news of your well-deserved appointment as pioneer Managing Director, South South Development Commission.

    Your appointment is a demonstration of President Tinubu’s  commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda, and a display of his impeccable belief and trust in the ingenuity, competence and credibility of young people in Nigeria. This marks the highest expression of confidence in your sterling qualities as a seasoned technocrat. As you bring to bear your expertise in your new role as Managing Director, South South Development Commission, we have no doubt in your ability to deliver excellently.

    To this end, as you channel your developmental effort and leadership skills to turn around the fortunes of the people of South South geopolitical zone, I humbly plead that you drive a more formidable and synergistic effort alongside other members of the commission and the teeming youths of South-South geopolitical zone, in consolidating on the achievements and giant strides recorded by the President in the area of infrastructure, human capital development and educational advancement in the geopolitical zone.

    We wish to assure you of our unalloyed support and readiness to always collaborate with the commission.

    Kindly accept our warmest felicitation.

    Signed.
    Comrade Richie Romanus,
    Convener, US4US MOVEMENT

  • Tinubu Appoints Usoro Akpabio Pioneer MD of South South Development Commission

    Tinubu Appoints Usoro Akpabio Pioneer MD of South South Development Commission

    By Obeten Godfrey

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms. Usoro Akpabio as the pioneer Managing Director of the newly established South South Development Commission (SSDC).

    This was disclosed in a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio by the President on Thursday.

    The memo listed the appointees nineteen persons for the North Central Development Commission, with Cosmas Akiyir as chairman and Cyril Yeltsin as managing director.

    The South-West Development Commission has eighteen appointees, with Senator Olubunmi Adetunbi and Dr Charles Akinola as chairman and managing director, in that order while the South South Development Commission has eighteen members on its board, with Chibudom Nwuche as chairman and Usoro Offiong Akpabio as managing director.

    An indigene of Akwa Ibom state, Ms. Akpabio brings to the role a solid blend of industry expertise in the oil and gas sector, and is expected to harness development across the South-South region.

    The South-South Development Commission is among the newly established regional Commissions established by President Tinubu to address ecological degradation and economic disparities in Nigeria’s oil-producing region, with a focus on road infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialization, and trade, which will help unlock the economic potential of the South-South, fostering job creation and improving the quality of life for millions.

    The ministry is also responsible for coordinating inter-regional collaboration, while enhancing infrastructure, economic growth, and social welfare, ensuring comprehensive development in all aspects of the region’s economy.

    The nominees will be screened by respective committees before confirmation.

  • Senator Eteng Williams is going home in 2027, Youths in Central Senatorial District declare

    Senator Eteng Williams is going home in 2027, Youths in Central Senatorial District declare

    The youths of the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State have unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on Senator Eteng Jones Williams, citing poor performance and lack of effective representation.

    The event, which took place with a large turnout of youth leaders and stakeholders, began with a welcome address by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comr. Dan Obo Jnr., who emphasized that the gathering was aimed at holding elected leaders accountable and promoting youth involvement in governance. He noted that it was time to challenge underperformance in leadership.

    Leading the charge was Comr. Obuli Arikpo, Youth Chairman of Yakurr LGA, who moved the motion for a vote of no confidence on Senator Eteng Williams, the current representative of the Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. Arikpo accused the senator of neglecting the developmental needs of the district.

    The motion was seconded and adopted by Comr. Odu John, Youth Chairman of Etung LGA, who echoed the sentiment that the senator has fallen short of the expectations of the people.

    Speaking further, Comr. Mbeh Sagas Etta, Community Relations Officer (Ikom 1 Constituency) to the Governor, commended Governor Bassey Otu for his strides in infrastructure development, including road construction and hospital rehabilitation across the senatorial district.

    On behalf of the youths, he appealed to the governor to allow the people of Central Cross River to democratically select a more competent representative ahead of the 2027 elections. He concluded by thanking the APC Chairman for keeping the senatorial seat open for new aspirants.

    Other youth leaders from various local government areas in the district also voiced their support for the call, commending the governor’s development agenda and stressing that “there is no vacancy for Senator Eteng Jones Williams in 2027.”

    The event ended with a renewed call for youth unity and political participation, with a strong message that leadership must be earned through performance and accountability.

  • NMA National Ports Health Committee Chair Visits Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment

    NMA National Ports Health Committee Chair Visits Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment

    In a move aimed at strengthening national health and safety protocols across Nigeria’s entry points, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) – National Committee on Ports Health, Dr. Freeman Jabengo, FCAI, has paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment Sen. John Owan-Enoh.

    The visit, which took place on Wednesday, was part of efforts by the NMA’s committee to foster a synergy with the Ministry in order to improve health safety outputs at airports, seaports, and border communities across the country.

    Speaking during the visit, Dr. Jabengo emphasized the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in ensuring safer points of entry, stating that the committee remains committed to providing robust safety protocols in line with national and global standards.

    Minister Owan-Enoh warmly received the delegation and expressed a strong willingness to support the activities of the committee, acknowledging the importance of public health to economic growth and national development.

    Dr. Freeman Jabengo reiterated the NMA’s dedication to public safety, noting that such partnerships are crucial for building a healthier and more secure nation.

  • Anambra Govt arrests three suspected illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha

    Anambra Govt arrests three suspected illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra state government has arrested three suspected illegal revenue collectors in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    It was gathered that the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, April 6, 2025 extorting and intimidating traders, residents and motorists in the commercial city of the State.

    They were also nabbed for masquerading themselves as state government IGR collectors.

    Addressing the press shortly after parading the suspects at the Revenue House Awka, on Wednesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Dr Greg Ezeilo, said that the three suspects who are unknown to the state government, intimidate and extort unsuspecting members of public of their hard earned money in Onitsha and it environ.

    According to him, the present administration of governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in Anambra has migrated from printing papers formed of revenue collection to digitalized system in the state.

    “The printing receipts boldly writing, “General Purpose Levy N30,000 found with the arrested culprits is fake and not know to the Anambra Internal Revenue Service AIRS under my watch. The public should take note of it.

    “The culprits are trying to undermine Mr governor’s vision of making Anambra State a destination point in Nigeria.

    “The suspects must be charged to Court to proof to the Court whether the tickets they are giving to the public, particularly Onitsha traders are genuine or fake and if its fake, they would be punished severely.

    “Investigation is ongoing to arrest the major sponsors of this culprits.”

    Ezeilo warned every tax payer in the state not to pay their taxes to anyone who don’t operate via electronic system of levy collection.

  • 18-year-old boy impregnates 10 girls in Anambra

    18-year-old boy impregnates 10 girls in Anambra

    By  Ovat Abeng

    An 18-year-old randy boy has impregnated no fewer than 10 girls in Anambra state within five months.

    The Anambra state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo has raised the alarm, seeking solution for the anomaly.

    Two of the pregnant girls are his Master’s daughter and salesgirl, while the 8 others were impregnated when he was sent packing by his boss.

    According to Obinabo in her live video she shared on social media seeking for advice, she said, ” I want advice from the public because this one is beyond my capacity.

    “This boy was sent to learn trade at the age of 18 and three months of apprenticeship, he impregnated his oga’s daughter and his salesgirl. He was sent packing. Two months after that, he impregnated 8 others in the village.

    “The mother reported the matter to my office, saying, ” anytime I see a girl coming towards our house nowadays, my heart would jump, please, I need help.

    For Obinabo, “this matter is beyond me, the reason, I want the public to help me come up with solution. Is it spiritual?

    “I asked the boy the magic he uses in luring the girls to bed, but he told me he always tell them that he loves them and will like to marry them any time he acquires wealth.”

    However, the Commissioner did not disclose the community of the boy, nor the name of the mother while narrating the issue.

    “This problem is beyond me because of the boy’s age and the number of pregnant girls involved, that’s why I need help to solve it,” Obinabo laments.

  • Raining season: Anambra council area commences clearing, desilting of drainages to prevent flooding

    Raining season: Anambra council area commences clearing, desilting of drainages to prevent flooding

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has commenced the clearing and desilting of drainage channels across its communities as part of efforts to prevent erosion and flooding during the peak of the raining season.

    Chairman of the council, Hon Shedrack Azubuike told journalists in his office on Tuesday that the desilting exercise would reduce the spread of diseases, and enhance the overall aesthetics of the area.

    Azubuike stated that the exercise would be carried out in all parts of the LGA to improve the free flow of stormwater.

    According to him, regular maintenance of the drainage systems is essential to tackling both environmental and public health issues caused by blocked drains.

    “This exercise is in line with Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s ‘Operation Clean, Green, and Sustainable Anambra’, aimed at ensuring that communities are neat, safe and habitable for all.

    “Clearing these drains will help prevent avoidable flooding that could result in the loss of lives and property.

    “Our goal is to make Orumba South a model of cleanliness in Anambra state.,” he said.

    He also appealed to residents to Imbibe healthy environment and refrain from dumping waste into drainage channels, warning that such practices contribute significantly to blockages and increased flood risk.

  • Opinion: Journalists and The Burden of Professionalism

    Opinion: Journalists and The Burden of Professionalism

    (Motivational Speech Outline delivered to mark NUJ Week, Monday, May 5th, 2025)

    By Timothy Ogbang Akwaji

    Today, I won’t pretend to take my colleagues to the class room, possibly to teach them basic skills as we ply our trade. My assumption is that we all have what it takes to practice Journalism.

    I promise not to go back to theories of communication, the likes propounded by Harold Laswell and his co- think-tankers.

    All I will do is to remind ourselves of those ingredients that spice our profession and make us members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. Must we not modulate the other arms of government and make them accountable to the people?

    Herein lies the burden of the Professional Journalist who is expected to be neutral, yet tell the story as it is. I’ll attempt to address some miscellaneous issues that we encounter on a daily basis.

    NEWS  WRITING

    Every Journalist is a reporter. That’s our calling. We must be able to define news, write news and edit same to meet all known Professional criteria.

    The 5Ws & H

    In the contemporary 21st Century, news must not necessarily address the 5Ws & H format. Most times, the effects of the news (consequences), or how humanity is impacted become the selling points of News. What makes news newsworthy? Timeliness, proximity, oddity. No need to go Afghanistan. Balance must be adhered to at all times, to avoid publishing refractions.

    Today, while we celebrate innovations in the Profession, Courtesy of advancement in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of our greatest challenges. Now, what you see or hear may not be real. So, we must be careful in reporting events that fly on social media.

    What has happened to Investigative Journalism in Cross River State?

    FREQUENCY OF THE MEDIUM SHOULD DETERMINE APPROACH TO NEWS WRITING

    Most of our media organs are daily, some weekly and others monthly or quarterly. Magazine writing format should suffice for media organs that don’t hit newsstands on a daily basis. Here, time is taken to tell the news behind the news, with inexhaustive backgrounding.

    EDITORIAL WRITING (LEADER WRITING)

    Unlike opinions, features and/or commentaries, which wear personal fragrance, Editorial is the STAND or POSITION of the news medium on any contemporary issue(s). It must not put on any toga of personal idiosyncrasies.

    A good editorial must have three units – informative, argumentative or debate and stand/position of the news medium. Eg, Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway.

    DEVELOPMENTAL JOURANALISM IS THE WAY FORWARD

    Our reportage must seek, at all times, to build the nation and bring stability to bear in the polity. Three principal areas that journalists must positively beam searchlights on are:

    National Security

    Democracy

    Economy

    NATIONAL SECURITY

    Most commentators believe that insecurity in Nigeria has persisted this long because the media has consistently aided activities of bandits, while at the same time continue to make a mockery of efforts of our gallant security operatives. We must avoid reports on security details that may undermine our collective efforts to win the war against insurgency.

    DEMOCRACY

    There is no Profession in Nigeria that has sacrificed for the nation’s  independence and Democracy than Journalism. While our veterans fought for independence using their media arsenals, most Journalists in the country paid the supreme price for democracy.

    As we report defections and sundry misdemeanors by our political class, let us put our eyes on the ball – the survival of democracy. If politicians do not have ideologies, let’s prove that we cannot sacrifice democracy on the alter of anything.

    We have wrongly referred to infrastructural growth as “dividends” of democracy. True dividends of democracy are:

    Rule of Law

    Freedom of the press

    Accountability

    Independence of the Judiciary

    Independence of the Legislature, etc.

    ECONOMY

    Our nation today lies prostrate as a result of our worsening economy. Our orchestrated GDP data do not match the hunger ravaging the landscape. Let’s collectively expose corrupt practices, rather than glorify corrupt officials. Why should Journalists act as image makers for corrupt officials in exchange for gratifications? Let’s advance superior arguments and proffer solutions that will salvage our nation and bring prosperity to our citizenry.

    ETHICAL REBIRTH

    Journalism is a calling with clearly adumbrated ETHICS to guide professionals. Let’s adhere to our ETHICS so as to sanitize the profession.

    Most of the time, we go to press without doing justice to the story. We sometimes stoop low and allow our senses of judgment and integrity to be compromised by peanuts. Often, we allow ourselves to be “hired” as attack dogs to fight battles for those with deep pockets or highly placed in society. Our profession is a noble one. So must our conduct be. As we celebrate our WEEK, let’s re-calibrate and bring back those virtues of our founding fathers, so that the eroding values of the pen profession can be reversed.

    Akwaji, Ph.D. Head of Service (Rtd), Fellow, Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE) and Veteran Journalist.

  • EFCC, C’River TCTI Partner to Drive National Digital Literacy Training

    EFCC, C’River TCTI Partner to Drive National Digital Literacy Training

    In a bold move to curb cybercrime and empower Nigeria’s youth, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Cross River State Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja.

    The MoU signed on April 30, 2025, establishes a collaborative framework to design and implement far-reaching digital literacy and cybersecurity programs that will help redirect Nigeria’s growing digital talent towards legitimate opportunities in the digital space.

    Under the three-year agreement, both institutions will develop a standardized nationwide digital literacy framework and certification program, launch cybersecurity training for EFCC personnel, introduce digital skills competitions and incentives for high-performing participants, implement the Future Proof Economy (FPE) Model to drive innovation and career readiness.

    Also as a part of the collaboration, the EFCC will transform its Academy into a certified Pearson Vue Testing Centre, and promote inter-agency collaboration for stronger digital development.
    The initiative includes quarterly review meetings by a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) to ensure impactful delivery and accountability.

    “This partnership aligns with the EFCC’s preventive strategy through education and empowerment.
    “Together with the TCTI, we are building a digital future that safeguards our economy and uplifts Nigerian youth.

    “We can make it part of our preventive menu and that is where we see it as part of our responsibility and a need for us to have a synergy with the Institute. This MOU is something that we can work with. We are going to immediately operationalize the provisions of it,” said the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

    Professor Taoheed Adedoja, the Director-General of the TCTI said thousands of Nigerian youths are to benefit from the joint initiatives to provide nationwide training on high level global certification program.

    “With the Institute’s Center for Digital and Emerging Skills, the TCTI is ready to offer distinctive services for the practical actualization of this national assignment.” Continuing, Adedoja noted that: “the Institute being the first public institution in the country that is licensed by CERTIPORT as a center for digital literacy proficiency testing with a view to filling the gaps on knowledge and skills needed for global employability and competitiveness. This certification was presented before the Cross River State Executive Council meeting in 2023.

    “The essence of this exercise is to provide digital skill literacy for Nigerian youths so that they can deploy the skill for national development as we have seen some models in different countries. What happens in other countries is that they watch out for intelligent youths, skill them and deploy them to various aspects of their national lives. We believe that there should be an interventionist programme in respect of this challenge.

    “I want to specially thank the state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu and the EFCC for making this landmark collaboration possible”, he stated.

    The TCTI boss expressed enthusiasm about contributing its expertise to curriculum development and cyber training, stating that the collaboration offers a sustainable solution to youth engagement and national development. It would be recalled that the TCTI previously trained a group of local resource persons from Cross River State in IC3 digital literacy, preparing them to oversee the training of others.

    The MOU signing included key representatives from both parties. From the EFCC were the Secretary Mr. Mohammed Hassan Hamajoda and other directors. The TCTI delegation included Mrs Sara Archibong, Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State (Liaison Office, Abuja), and Dr Emmanuel Omini, Ag. Director, Center for Digital Literacy and Emerging Skills at TCTI.