Author: News Editor

The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, on Saturday led a high-powered delegation, alongside the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Victor Antai, to receive the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, on his arrival in Uyo for the Catholic Bishops Conference. Addressing dignitaries at the Victor Attah International Airport, Ms. Akpabio described the Senate President’s presence as both an honour to Akwa Ibom State and a reaffirmation of his deep respect for the Catholic faith and commitment to promoting moral values in national leadership.…

Accra, Ghana — In the ongoing West African culinary rivalry, Nigeria’s Hilda Bassey remains in a league of her own. While a Ghanaian chef, Failatu Abdul-Razak, recently attempted a cooking marathon in Accra, her effort is still under Guinness World Records review — and importantly, it is not in the same class as Hilda’s globally recognized feat. Hilda Bassey, affectionately known as Hilda Baci, etched her name into history when she successfully set the Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon in Lagos, Nigeria. Cooking tirelessly for over 90 hours, Hilda’s achievement captured worldwide attention and has been…

When the name Hilda Baci is mentioned today, what comes to mind is not just the aroma of sizzling dishes, but the strength of a young Nigerian woman who dared to turn her passion into history. Born Hilda Effiong Bassey on September 20, 1995, in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, she has grown into one of Nigeria’s most celebrated chefs, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors. The Making of a Culinary Star Hilda’s love for food began at home, inspired by her mother’s cooking. Yet, her path to greatness wasn’t a straight line. After studying Sociology at Madonna…

…proposes N695bn Supplementary Budget Following a comprehensive review of the administration’s healthcare development roadmap, the Akwa Ibom State Government has declared a State of Emergency on its Health Sector. This is to accelerate reforms and further deliver efficient healthcare services in line with the ARISE agenda of the administration. Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, who briefed Government House reporters after the weekly State Executive Council explained that the, “key directives under this emergency regime include further upgrade of medical facilities across the State, reopening of the recruitment portal and engagement of 2,000 healthcare workers, with the voters identity card…

When a man has established himself on the pedestal of excellence and honour, there is no limit to the extent which he can go, what he can achieve, and the heights he can reach in life. Such a man, like a magnet, keeps on attracting attention and recognition effortlessly. This fits in with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s position that: “If a man can write a better book, preach a better sermon or make a better mouse trap than his neighbours, though he builds his house in the woods, the world will make a beating path to his door step.” Like Abraham…

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has paid tribute to it’s former Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, the late Sir Davies Okarevu, describing him as a result-driven professional who lived an impactful life. Speaking during a night of tributes for the late Director at the NDDC Event Centre in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, acknowledged his “immense contributions” to the development of the Niger Delta region. Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, remarked that Sir Davies Okarevu’s contributions to the Commission were invaluable, and many people would…

Prominent community leader, Chief Edet Isong, has called on critics to desist from dragging Governor Umo Eno into unnecessary controversies following the recent visit of former Governor Udom Emmanuel to Akwa Ibom State. Chief Isong, in a statement issued yesterday, described Governor Eno as a peace-loving leader who has remained focused on the mandate freely given to him by the people. He cautioned political actors and commentators against reading negative meanings into the cordial relationship between the incumbent and his predecessor. According to him, the former Governor’s visit to the state was simply to attend the burial of a loved…

The National Assembly is an institution far greater than any individual. It is not about the Senate President alone, but about the collective duty we owe to the people of Nigeria. My humble advice to my dear sister, Senator Natasha, is that she should tender an apology and move forward in the spirit of peace and reconciliation. The Senate President, from the little I know of him, is a liberal-minded leader who values dialogue and understanding. The people she represents have endured six long months without a voice in the Senate. They need her presence, her voice, and her leadership…

In the history of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), few names have become as synonymous with transformation and impact as Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the current Managing Director/CEO. A seasoned administrator, strategist, and humanist, Dr. Ogbuku is reshaping the agency into a vehicle of sustainable development, restoring confidence in its ability to truly deliver on its mandate. Early Life and Education Born in Ayakoro, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Dr. Ogbuku began his education at Christ the King School, Port Harcourt, before proceeding to Government Secondary School, Borokiri. He went on to earn a B.Sc. in Political and…

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has officially declared open the 2025 Edition of the State Sports Festival, with the theme ‘Naturing Talents, Promoting Tourism.’ Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Festival, held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, Governor Eno described sports as a multi-billion dollar global industry, noting that the festival is in fulfillment of his campaign promise to invest significantly in sports development, if elected into office. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said Akwa Ibom is blessed with many promising athletes waiting to be discovered through the event,…