Akpabio handovers 33 Vehicles for NDDC Field Forensic Audit

 The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has handed over 33 utility vehicles to the Security Committee working with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, field forensic auditors.

Senator Akpabio, who inaugurated the vehicles at the new NDDC headquarters in Marine Base, Port Harcourt, said that they were meant to assist the security personnel working with the 16 field auditors charged with identifying and verifying the projects across the Niger Delta region.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Babayo Ardo, said that the vehicles would help in the physical verification phase of the forensic exercise.

Dr Ardo, apart from representing the Minister, is also the Chairman of the Security Committee of the Forensic Audit.

The Minister thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region, as well as the NDDC, noting: “He approved the forensic audit to be carried out to look at their locations, status of completion and level of utilization.

Akpabio observed that the report of the forensic audit would guide further interventionist actions in the region. According to him: “Our initial proposal to Mr. President was to hire vehicles for the forensic exercise. But in his magnanimity, he approved the procurement of new vehicles to be deployed for the exercise.”

He said that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was committed to the rapid development of the Niger Delta region and the repositioning of the NDDC to effectively deliver on its mandate.

Akpabio stated: “The NDDC has had a lot of challenges, but these challenges would certainly be surmounted. We shall leave no stone unturned to see that all obstacles were cleared to enable the NDDC work effectively and efficiently.”

In his own remarks, the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr. Efiong Akwa, re-emphasised the importance of forensic audit which covers the nine states of the Niger Delta region. 

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the procurement of 33 Ford Ranger vehicles for the forensic audit to be used by the security operatives working with field forensic auditors.

Akwa said that it was a promise made and kept by Mr. President. He also thanked the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio for ensuring that the vehicles were handed over to the security team assisting the forensic auditors. 

John Nwodo, Senator Ayogu Eze headline list for launch of amu nnadi’s "the love canticles"

The Advisory and Planning Committees for the public presentation of "the love canticles", the new book by prolific Nigerian poet, amu nnadi, has been unveiled.

Prominent among the committees is former President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo and two-time Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, as well as Senator Ayogu Eze, former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial Zone. 

The list, unveiled in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, also named Mr. Davies Okarevu, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, as Chairman of the Planning Committee.

Other members named include Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, Commissioner of Environment, Enugu State and former member of House of Representatives, as well as Barrister George Ero, Director, Rivers State Office, Dr. Prince Alazigha, Director, Community and Rural Development, Barrister Stephen Ighomuaye, Director, Legal Services, Eno Ubi Otu, Director, Finance and Accounts, and Engr. Emeka Ani, Director, Office of Interim Administrator/CEO of the NDDC.

Mr. James Eze, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, and winner of the 2020 ANA Poetry Prize for the book, "dispossessed", and Samson Fiberesima, the General Manager of Radio Rivers, were also named.

This is the seventh book of the multiple award-winning poet, whose 2013 anthology, "through the window of a sandcastle", won the 2013 ANA Poetry Prize, the 2014 inaugural Glenna Luschei African Poetry Book Prize, and was the runner-up to the 2013 Nigeria LNG Prize for Literature.

Described by poet and literary critic, Michael Chiedoziem Chukwudera, as an "alchemical phenomenon", the love canticles is a book of one hundred romantic poems.

According to a press statement signed in Port Harcourt by Edwina Aleme, a member of the Planning Committee, the public presentation, scheduled to hold in the last week of June in Port Harcourt, will also witness the unveiling of an album of songs created from amu nnadi’s poetry, "amu nnadi: everything beautiful".

"This is going to be the first of its kind in Nigerian poetry and promises to be day of astounding art," Aleme stated, adding: "Chief John Nnia Nwodo will present a speech at the event, while the review of "the love canticles" will be presented by James Eze.

The full list of the Planning and Advisory Committees are:

Davies Okarevu (Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, NDDC), Chairman

Emeka Ani (Director, Office of IA/CEO, NDDC), Member

Steve Ighomuaye (Director, Legal Services), Member

Eno Ubi Otu (Director, Finance and Accounts, NDDC), Member

Hon. Chijioke Edeoga (Commissioner for Environment, Enugu State), Member 

James Eze (Chief Press Secretary, Anambra State Government and Winner, ANA Poetry Prize 2020), Member

Sampson Fiberesima (General Manager, Radio Rivers and Captain, Book Section, Port Harcourt Club 1928)

Oby Ndukwe (CEO, Citizens Quest TV)

Tammy Allaboh

Pamela Scott (Producer, *amu nnadi: everything beautiful*)

Clara Braide (Directorate of Skills Development and Empowerment, NDDC)

Edwina Aleme (Port Harcourt Literary Society)

Advisers:

Chief John Nnia Nwodo (Former President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo)

Senator Ayogu Eze (Former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial Zone)

Pastor George Ero (Director, Rivers State Office, NDDC)

Dr. Prince Alazigha (Director, Community and Rural Development, NDDC)

Edwin Clark applauds NDDC for embarking on life-touching projects

The Ijaw National leader and Chairman of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Chief Edwin Clark, has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for embarking on projects and programmes that are impacting positively on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the commissioning of the 3.2-kilometre rigid pavement Chief Ambakederemo Road in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Clark gave kudos to the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Efiong Akwa, whom he described the as a shining light in the Niger Delta.

The Ijaw leader, who was represented by his son, Chief Anthony Clark, remarked that NDDC was expected to be the guiding light for the social and economic development of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

He noted that the inauguration of the road, which was preceded by the flag-off of donation of education and essential science equipment in Warri, was part of remarkable achievements recorded by the Interim Administrator in his short period as the Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC.

Clark said: “As you commission this Ambakederemo Road, Kiagbodo, today, I want to assure you that we the communities of Kiagbodo, and our neighbours, will ensure that we play our part, that the road will be well protected for the good of the people.”

The elder statesman called on the Federal Government to ensure the sustainable funding of the NDDC, expressing concern that the Commission was still being owed a lot of money by the Federal Government unlike similar bodies such as the recently set up North East Development Commission.

He said that a country where different standards exist for similar organisations was not in the collective interest of the country, stating that this was more so when the NDDC was the body responsible for the development of the Niger Delta region. 

Clark stated: “A situation where the Federal Government spends so much on roads, while the East-West Road, running from Edo-Delta-Bayelsa-Rivers-Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, is not funded by the Federal Government, and thus remains deplorable, and has become death traps to users, and a waste of time and resources, as commuters go through the horrendous experience of travelling on the road is quite unacceptable.” 

In his own remarks, the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Akwa, gave credit to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for galvanising the Commission to deliver on its mandate.

He paid tribute to Chief Edwin Clark, whom he described as a model leader, who was always looking out for the things that would benefit the people of the Niger Delta region. According to him, the Ijaw leader was more interested in projects that would help his community, in particular, and Niger Delta at large. 

Akwa commended the youths of Kiagbodo for being very peaceful and providing the enabling environment for the contractor to deliver on the road, which he noted was a link between Burutu Local Government and Ughelli council area.

The NDDC boss commended the contractor for doing a good job and equally thanked the community for appreciating the efforts of the Commission, promising that another road would soon be built in the area. He said: “Because you like good things, good things will follow you.”

Giving details of the project, the Director, NDDC Delta State Office, Engr. Dr Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua said that solid infrastructure was the pillar upon which any meaningful economic or social growth of any society rested, noting that the security of any community was enhanced by infrastructural development.

He observed that Kiagbodo community, before the construction of the Chief Ambakederemo Road, was prone to perennial flooding, youth restiveness occasioned by mass poverty and unemployment.

 

The director said: “Today, the story is different due to the conception and implementation of this very important road, and other interventions (projects and programs) by the NDDC over the years. Economic activities are on the rise, the community is now more peaceful as both young and old are now busy with increased access to their farmlands and other business places.”

NDDC’s goal is to facilitate effective teaching and learning of science subjects – Efiong Akwa

The interim Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC Mr. Efiong Akwa has reiterated the commitment of the commission to qualitative education saying that NDDC’s goal is to facilitate effective teaching and learning of science subjects.

 

Speaking in Warri, the Delta State capital last Thursday during the flag-off of the donation and distribution of essential science equipment to selected secondary schools in the Niger Delta region, the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr. Efiong Akwa, stated that science education was at the core of the Commission’s mandate.

 

Consequently, he said: “We are donating essential science equipment to forty-six schools across the region. The goal of the Commission is to facilitate the effective teaching and learning of science subjects, in order to stimulate and foster the interest of young minds in the study of the sciences.”

 

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer observed that science students represented the future leaders and key players in the regional growth strategies and efforts that would ensure that the Niger Delta region reaped adequate reward from its natural riches.

 

He stated: “The relevance of science education to our lives and its capacity to apply vital life-skills to everyday activities, indeed, cannot be over emphasized. That is why we must equip our laboratories with modern science equipment. That is why we must promote the teaching and learning of science subjects in schools.”

 

Akwa noted that the donation of science equipment was coming less than a month after the NDDC flagged off the distribution of vaccines, cold chains and related medical equipment to states in the Niger Delta region.

 

He remarked: “Although these two programmes are separated by time and place, they are intertwined in the way they both highlight the importance the Commission attaches to the wellbeing of the Niger Delta and its people.

 

“While the vaccines and medical equipment touch at the heart of our health enterprise, science and its essential equipment lie at the foundation of our economic health. Indeed, while no community, country or society can realise its potential and promise unless the best of its public health system is promoted, no society has ever developed, in a sustainable manner, without the development of its science and technology.”

 

Akwa stated that the main economic activities central to the development of the Niger Delta, such as oil, gas and agriculture, were energised and propelled by science and technology, noting that they were the key that turns the ignition of sustainable development, which moves societies forward.

 

The NDDC boss highlighted some of the interventions of the Commission in the education sector. According to him, they include: “Renovation and rehabilitation of schools in all the states; provision and supply of desks and benches, creating a more conducive environment and classrooms for teaching and learning; donation of desktop and laptop computers to schools, in order to address computer illiteracy in schools.

 

Others are: “Provision and distribution of NDDC customized teaching and learning materials to schools, as well as equipping pupils with learning aids; Capacity building workshops for teachers, aimed at enriching and updating their knowledge base with modern teaching techniques for improved learning and campaigns against substance abuse, cultism and examination malpractices, aimed at creating awareness to these social vices, finding ways to curb them and promoting a conducive and healthy learning environment in our schools.”

 

Akwa also talked about the contributions of the NDDC in promoting quiz competitions in secondary schools, which promote a more engaging reading culture in students, as well as using a reward system to encourage hard work in young minds.

 

He equally underlined the benefits of the Post-Graduate Foreign Scholarships, which he noted had helped young graduates to acquire specialization in their fields of study, as well as improving their marketability in the competitive global economy.

 

He said: “As part of the Commission’s human development initiative, and in consideration of the challenges occasioned by the COVID- 19 pandemic, Management has reviewed the NDDC Post-Graduate Scholarship scheme to include approved universities in Nigeria. We therefore encourage our young graduates to take advantage of this opportunity, when advertised.

 

The Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Patrick Ukah, commended the NDDC, for taking concrete steps to ensure that secondary school students were given good science education.

 

Ukah, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Augustine Oghoro, expressed the government’s appreciation of the science equipment and promised to put the items to good use.

 

He appealed to the NDDC to extend the donation to other schools in the state, while calling on other organisations to emulate what the NDDC had done.

 

Cutting the tape for the flag-off, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, who represented the Minster, Sir Etekamba Umoren, emphasized the role of science education in nation building, urging the beneficiaries of the science equipment to put them to good use.

Ondo governor commends NDDC boss for meeting critical stakeholders

he Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, says the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is in a new era of diversification and sustainable economic development.

Governor Akeredolu stated this today when the NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr. Efiong Akwa, led a team of the Commission’s management to pay him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Akure.

Akeredolu re-stated the position of other key Niger Delta stakeholders that the objective of the NDDC should be to drive sustainable development, commending the Commission for taking out time to engage critical stakeholders.

The governor said that the economic potentials in his state were diverse, urging the NDDC to partner with the government in making the needed investments. He remarked: “You can invest in our bitumen and cassava industry. This is important because the reliance on oil is waning. We can also partner to invest in tourism. There are many areas where we can work together.”

Akeredolu commended the NDDC for executing that the 132/33kv sub station that would provide electricity for over 2,000 communities in the southern part of the state. He said: “It is good that you are visiting the electricity project. It so important to us. We want light in the south of the state. We want this project to be commissioned. We have done some electricity projects on our own but it is not enough. Our people should know that light is coming. It has taken some time. But I assure you, light is coming.”

The governor regretted that the Ugbo-Arogbo Bridge and some other projects in the state were abandoned and urged the NDDC to work towards completing all its projects. He, however, expressed appreciation to the Commission for donating waste disposal trucks to the state government, observing that it would go a long way in keeping the environment clean.

In his address, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Efiong Akwa, said it was important to engage and consult stakeholders of the Niger Delta and commended Governor Akeredolu’s commitment to developing the state.

He told the governor: “This visit is part of our ongoing engagement with important stakeholders of the Niger Delta region. When President Muhammadu Buhari, appointed me as Interim Administrator of the NDDC in December, he charged me to ensure, as a matter of urgency, that we rebuild the relationship between the Commission and its stakeholders.

“This is important because partnership is key to development. It rekindles our long-held tradition of brotherhood. It reaffirms that we are our brother’s keeper. This is who we have always been as Niger Deltans.”

Akwa noted that partnership was one of the key prescriptions of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, to facilitate the rapid, even and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.

According to him: “It advocates for a shared vision, shared responsibility, shared commitment, as well as shared budgeting process and implementation of development initiatives. This way, we are able to do far more, with far less funds, than if we were duplicating projects and working alone.

“That was the spirit in fashioning a Master Plan for the Niger Delta, the vision of our shared allegiance to this great region. After so many years of neglect, it is important that, together, we do far more for our people. It is important that we do more for a region which has provided the bulk of Nigeria’s wealth, and accounted for our rise in the comity of nations.”

 Akwa stressed the importance of revitalising the Commission’s Presidential Advisory Council, to ensure that NDDC works in harmony with our State Governors, as well as within the vision of each state, stating: “The past practice where the Commission undertook projects and programmes in the states, without first building a working coalition with the states governments, to integrate our plans, policies, projects and programmes into the state government’s overall master plan, will no longer hold. Because the state governments know more where the needs are, what the needs are, and how, working together, we can best bring development to our people.

“Our visit is both to acknowledge your strategic importance to Niger Delta development, as well as to seek ways in which we can forge a stronger alliance with the government and people of Ondo State. We offer both our hands and seek embrace, so that, together, we can build a region of which we can be eminently proud.

"We are determined to continue to make a difference in the Niger Delta region in general, and in Ondo State, in particular. We remain committed to providing projects and programmes of enduring quality. To build the Niger Delta is to build ourselves. To make it a better place is to give our people a better place. And that is what we are determined to do.”

The Interim Administrator later presented keys to three waste disposal trucks to the Ondo State Government to assist it in its efforts to improve the sanitary conditions in the state. He said that the NDDC had also donated hepatitis vaccines and medical equipment to the state.

NDDC: Imo State Governor charges stakeholders on peaceful coexistence for more development

The Governor of Imo State,  Senator Hope Uzodinma, has called on all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to work with the Niger Delta Development Commission in its efforts to develop the region. Senator Uzodinma was speaking when the Interim Administrator of the interventionist agency, Mr. Efiong Akwa, led a team of the Commission’s directors on a courtesy visit to Government House, Owerri.

No Bench Warrant against NDDC Interim Administrator – Senator Nwaoboshi

Barr. Effiong Akwa, NDDC Sole Administrator

Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, has refuted reports that the Senate issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Efiong Akwa. 

Senator Nwaboshi, who was speaking during the oversight visit of the Senate Committee at the new NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, described the reports as untrue, saying that he was reliably informed that no such order was issued.

“The Interim Administrator has been reaching out, communicating and discussing with the Senate," he stated, adding: "He opened discussions with us. We are happy that he accepted that there is need for cooperation and collaboration for Niger Delta to move forward.”

The Senate Committee chairman, however, disclosed that the Senate was still investigating the issues connected with the NDDC COVID-19 palliative funds, adding: "We are aware that the NDDC Interim Administrator was not part of the NDDC leadership team at the time."

He stated that the NDDC boss was appointed Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Commission in August, 2020, "a month after the National Assembly began probing the matter. He was not a party to any of the transactions on the palliatives."

Sen. Nwaoboshi also expressed delight over the completion of the NDDC permanent headquarters, noting that the Committee had appropriated N16 billion for the completion of the headquarters building.

He stated: “We are happy to sit at the headquarters today. We have come to see how the money has been used in executing the project. We want to know whether the money has been well utilized. And I want to state that we are happy with what we have seen. The money has been well utilized."

Welcoming members of the Senate Committee, to the NDDC permanent headquarters, Mr. Akwa commended the Committee for their unflinching support for the NDDC, noting that the support was critical for the development and progress of the Niger Delta region.

Akwa said: "For about a year we had misunderstanding with some members of the National Assembly. The members are noble men and they had to bend backwards to bury the hatchet in the interest of the region. When I went to the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives to defend the 2020 budget, they cooperated with us. I assured them that we will insist on doing the right thing at the NDDC."

The Interim Administrator later took members of the Senate Committee on a tour of the newly completed headquarters complex.

ADMISSION OPENS INTO ND/HND PROGRAMMES AT UYO CITY POLYTECHNIC

The new management of Uyo City Polytechnic, Nduetong Uko, led by Dr. Emmanuel Ekott, Chairman of Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, hereby calls for application from candidates for admission into Uyo City Polytechnic for the following courses and programmes.

AGAIN, AKPABIO THREATENS THOMAS THOMAS OF GLOBAL CONCORD

AKPABIO, HIS THREATS AND GLOBAL CONCORD'S HEADLINES

By Thomas Thomas

He that is down needs fear no fall
He that is low, no pride
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide

I am content with what I have
Little be it or much
And, Lord, contentment still I crave
Because thou savest, such.
                         - John Bunyan (1628 - 88).

RT.HON.SAMUEL IKON: 12 YEARS OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICE TO HIS PEOPLE

RT.HON.SAMUEL IKON: 12 YEARS OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICE TO HIS PEOPLE

FOR THE RECORDS 2007-2019

The duties of a legislator is to make laws and effectively represent the people, who gave out the mandate. The legislative journey of Rt.Hon.Samuel Ikon started in  2007,when he was elected into the 4th Akwa Ibom State House Assembly to represent Etinan State Constituency.

COMMODORE EFFEDUA’S RESTRUCTURING AGENDA IN MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA: WHERE MASTER MARINERS’ PRESIDENT GOT IT WRONG

By Chukwuma Awaziema

Whatever his ultimate intention may have been, the recent statements in the media credited to the President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Captain Tajudeen Alao, calling on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to conduct an audit exercise on the academic staff of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron can best be described as hollow,preemptive, presumptuous, and therefore baseless because he grossly lacked the facts and knowledge of what presently is going on in the Academy to have reached such hasty conclusions. 

Speaking to maritime journalists in Lagos over the weekend, Capt, Alao became a cheap victim of assumption as he went beyond his safe limits by making insinuations about how a graduate of geography is teaching Nautical Science in the Academy; the reason he perhaps recommended that an audit exercise be conducted. In that unnecessary interview entitled, “Master Mariners Seek Audit of Maritime Academy”, Captain Alao is quoted to have said: “You cannot be a referee in a game you know nothing about. Whoever must teach Nautical Science, that person must be a Master Mariner. There are courses you must score 60 and sometimes 80 percent before you are considered to have passed. As a Director of Nautical Science, you must be able to know about the challenges that come with such responsibility”. 

By any consideration, Capt. Tajudeen Alao’s comments were clearly based on hearsay that lacked the slightest possible iota of substance and his unguarded choice of the media platform to air his views was a grandstand display of hypocrisy. As requisite as the academic qualifications of someone who handles Nautical Science in a professional institution like the Academy must be, it is tantamount to playing the blind to the ongoing structural and organizational overhaul and showing disdain to the leadership of the Academy for any cynicism to have come from the person of Captain Alao in the manner he did. 

However, for the avoidance of doubt, it is necessary that the Captain and the public be adequately updated with authentic and verifiable facts with regards to the issues raised in the said predisposed interview. 

First and foremost, it would benefit Capt, Alao to know that the Academy had long begun the process of staff audit using both local and international consulting firms including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).The Rector discovered that over 90 percent of the Lecturers were not well adjusted for the functions they carry out and only a few have servedon board ships. That unpleasant situation is being tackled as we speak. There are 5 Master Mariners contract staff currently in the employment of the Academy on contract bases. Interestingly, the youngest of them is 70 years of age and the rector considers them as too old to be effective or keep pace with the current drive in the Academy. Funny enough these gentlemen of over 70 years are hustling for the Directorship of the School and heads of Department. Some of them in the department have health inhibiting issues already affecting their productivity. These are the same people Capt Alao is running errands for. They have done their best for now and should give way for younger Master Mariners.

It was the reality of this situation that necessitated the employment of Captain Alimi Certified Master Mariner was recently employed by the current Management of the Academy. Although out of expediency, Dr. John Remi Adeyanju who happens to be the most senior permanent staff, was appointed last year to temporarily cover the duties of Director of the School of Nautical Science till a substantive director is appointed. He does not teach nautical sciences as falsely alleged by Capt Alao and his cohorts.  And his appointment is for administrative purposes only. It was a stop-gap arrangement to allow time for the proper grooming of Captain Alimi for seamless take-over from him as soon as possible. The DG NIMASA was briefed on this when he raised concerns when the same information reached him. We explained the situation to him and he understood as stressed that we resolve it and we working tirelessly to resolve that issue. Of course, Dr. Adeyanju is not teaching Navigation and Seamanship which are the core subjects in nautical studies as alleged. He teaches meteorology, a subject he had taught for quite a number of years in the Academy.   His heading the department is administrative and not technical and only temporary.

Part of the modalities for rijiging the Academy’s technical departments with highly qualified professional lecturers is ongoing

Incidentally, the Rector revealed that the Academy last month approached a Maritime Consultancy firm in Apapa Lagos out of frustration, as the same Capt Alao did not respond to two letters from the Academy requesting for Master Mariners as lecturers. Surprisingly, it was later discovered that Captain Alao was one of the Directors of a firm the Academy decided to source Master Mariners from as nothing was coming from NAMM. Imagine him driving the same process for a private firm that he has vested interest to the detriment of a union he leads. Where is integrity and honour here?

Capt. Aloa cannot confidently be said to be fully dedicated in supporting the Academy’s efforts to rebrand, yet he is scarcely pinched by conscience in making insinuations or criticizing the genuine practical efforts of Management. Alao has every right to visit the Academy than degrade himself and Office by misinformation. He should not be among those compounding problems of the Academy but should be adding value to it.  

Is Alao claiming to be more concerned than the Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Effedua, who is directly answerable to what goes on in the Academy and upon whose head the task of restructuring and repositioning the almost abandoned 41-year-old premier maritime institution in the country squarely rests? Even if Capt. Alao had observed certain development in the Academy that can affect the Maritime Industry negatively, as a Maritime Stakeholder, courtesy, diplomacy, responsibility and necessity would still have demanded that he first reached out to appropriate quarters for the necessary information than carelessly arrogate duties to himself in a bid to satisfy his wishes. 

The cordial relationship that the Academy has been enjoying with AMES and NAMM should not be made to suffer any friction or suspicion on account of Capt. Alao’s latter-day idiosyncrasy. It would be advisable that issues be always verified to ensure that the Academy is not presented in bad light in this new era of fresh thinking for collective interest of the nation’s maritime industry. 

It must be appreciated that every building or rebuilding undertaking is a gradual process that needs time and efforts. What appears to be a stereotype mindset among many who once saw the Academy as a goldmine or jackpot is the fear that should the Academy stand or progress beyond where it once was made to be, so many businesses will collapse and the insatiable profiteers will not be smiling to the banks with their loot. But that is not how Commodore Effedua thinks and acts. Just in a short while, he has proven to convince the whole world that he came to the Academy conscious of the core mandate and his personal commitment to leave a legacy in the corporate interest of Nigerians. 

Commodore Effedua inherited a beleaguered and crisis-prone Maritime Academy which he has put his life on line, his time and energy to make a difference. His record of performance which has attracted commendations from the Ministry of Transportation, NIMASA, Maritime stakeholders, the National Assembly, individuals and corporate organizations far and wide already have marked him out as the man with the will-power to restructure and reposition the Academy for global competitiveness and change the narrative of the Institution. Captain Tajudeen Alao should not, for whatever reason be the cog in the wheel of progress. And time shall honour him when the Academy finally becomes the bride of suitors’ delight in the global community!

Excerpts from the Interview of Commodore Duja Effedua, Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria at Arc Victor Attah's International Airport, Uyo on Sunday, January 13, 2019, as Compiled by Chukwuma Awaziema, an Uyo-based Journalist.

BREAKING: Nigerian Labour Congress Calls Off Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its nationwide strike.
This announcement was made on Sunday by the NLC President Ayuba Wabba.

APC GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY COMMITTEE FOR AKWA IBOM

S/N NAME DESIGNATION
1. BARR. YAMAH MOMOH  - CHAIRMAN
2. HON. ABBAS BRAIMAH - SECRETARY
3. ALH. UBA MALAMI - MEMBER
4. AHMED OKARA - MEMBER
5. HON. NADA KARIBO - MEMBER
6. ALH. MURTALA ADHAMA - MEMBER
7. ALH. GARBA MUSLIMA - MEMBER
8. HAJIA AMINA GAMAWA - MEMBER
9. HON. YUSUF MAIANGUWA - MEMBER

MAMA TARABA RESIGNS FROM BUHARI'S GOVT, APC AFTER BEING SCREENED OUT OF APC GUBER PRIMARY

Nigerian Minister popularly known as Mama Taraba who was recently screened out of contesting the APC governorship primary in her state has resigned from BUHARI'S cabinet and has also left the ruling APC. See resignation letters after the cut...

'WIKE IS THE MOLE IN PDP'

As promised, I will now tell you how Governor Wike is working with Buhari and his men for second term. Wike had constantly met with the former DSS DG, Lawan Daura & in July 2017, he signed an agreement with the former DSS DG in the presence of Chief of Staff Abba Kyari.

Osun election was daylight robbery - Udom

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has said the just concluded re-run in Osun State was a daylight robbery.
Governor Udom Emmanuel stated this at the emergency NEC meeting of the PDP holding in Abuja on Friday.

Again, APC postpones Governorship primary to coincide with PDP's

The National Working Committee (NWC) has rescheduled the Governorship Primary Election to 30th September, 2018. PDP had earlier shifted their governorship primary to Sunday.

AKHA DEPUTY SPEAKER DEBUNKS DEFECTION RUMOUR

The Deputy speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, a staunched supporter of  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) in  Akwa Ibom State , Rt. Hon Felicia Bassey, has rubbished reports she has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Popular radio presenter, Margaret Eshiet dead

An ace Broadcaster with Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Mrs Margaret Eshiet is dead.

WATCH YOUR BACK, BETRAYERS ABOUND - PROPHET ITUEN TELLS GOV. UDOM

The spiritual leader of Christ Deliverance Ministries Inc. CDM-Lagos, His Grace, Prophet Ekong Ituen, has advised Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State to be watchful over betrayers and pretenders around him within Peoples Democratic Party-PDP, who claims to be loyal but are working towards his downfall.

Ahead of defection: Emman Ekon blasts Udom over death of security agents, 150 civilians in Etim Ekpo crises

Ahead of his defection to the APC with Senator Godswill Akpabio this week, the House of Representatives member for Abak\Etim Ekpo\Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, has berated governor Udom Emmanuel’s handling of security crises in parts of the State, noting that the administration under him was a disappointment to the electorate who voted him in 2015.

CONFIRMED!!! SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO DECAMPS TO APC - PRESIDENCY

"There shall  be an APC Rally at Ikot Ekpene , Akwa Abasi Ibom  State on  Wednesday the 8th August 2018 to receive the former indefatigable Governor of the State , His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress!"

- Presidential Aide, Okoi Obono-Obla

Eguono Odjegba’s serial lies and blackmail against the rector of maritime academy of Nigeria: Why he must be held by security agencies to prove his allegations

By Raymond Uweh

The first impression or cursory feeling any reader would have had from the first paragraph of Eguono’s farrago of assumptions would have been that the writer had something to say or had some firm grasp of the history of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the surrounding communities. But it sooner and progressively became obvious that the shadow-chasing and helplessly misguided Eguono was just a hireling engaged by saboteurs to alter facts and cast aspersions on constituted authorities, such that he could not have escaped falling victim to his folly by insolently and arrogantly flouting the principles of caution and public interest with his recent article.

EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT WOMEN HOLD ENDORSEMENT RALLY FOR GOV. EMMANUEL

Eket Senatorial District Women Forum (an apex Socio-political Organization for Women of Eket Senatorial District) invites Members of the State Executive Council, the Speaker and Members of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Stakeholders of Akwa Ibom Project, Captains of Industry, Traditional Rulers, Heads of Security Agencies, Senior Citizens, Various Socio Cultural and  Political Organizations in the State, the Media and the General Public to a Civic Reception and Endorsement Rally in honour of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, as follows:-

Udom’s three years Performance surpasses 16 years of Predecessors - SSG

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem has stated that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s performance in Oro Nation in barely three years on the saddle of governance has surpassed the sixteen years tenure of his predecessors, Obong Victor Attah and Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Encomium as Akpabio’s wife donates house to widow

It was shower of praises as the wife of the Senate Minority Leader and former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio donated a house to Madam Ekaette Friday Udo-Essiet, a widow from Ukana Nsasak in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Real Madrid Appoint Julen Lopetegui As Their New Manager

It's official. Real Madrid have appointed a new coach - Julen Lopetegui, who currently manages the Spain national team.

DAVID LAWRENCE: THE COUNT DOWN TO EKET STATE CONSTITUENCY BRIEFING/EMPOWERMENT AND THE JOURNEY SO FAR IN THE SIXTH ASSEMBLY

As the historic day for the first ever constituency briefing and empowerment in Eket holds on Friday, June 8, 2018, we examine the journey of Hon.David Lawrence Udofa, the Member representing Eket State constituency, in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

School feeding programme: Food vendors are losing money to extortionists in A'Ibom

UYO- Food vendors under the federal government's school feeding programme in Akwa Ibom State have claimed that politicians who got them enlisted in the programme were taking part of the money given to them to cook for the pupils.

Onofiok in EFCC net for ‘Diverting N1.9bn’

A Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, has ordered that Mr. Victor Onofiok, former Commissioner of Police (CP), Works, is to be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission till June 1.