2015: Sen.Helen Esuene promises 50,000 Jobs Annually if elected Governor

Senator Helen Esuene, a strong contender in the Akwa Ibom Gubernatorial race come 2015 has vowed to create at least 50,000 jobs annually for the teaming unemployed youths of the State if elected as Governor.

Speaking to newsmen in Eket on Thursday, the distinguished Senator representing Eket (Akwa Ibom South) Senatorial District in the red chambers of the National Assembly said that her promise to create jobs will be made possible through her industrialization policy and the establishment of trading clusters in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the State. The Senator, who pundits describe as a possible successor to Governor Akpabio said further that the trading clusters will be built to encourage both skills acquisition and service delivery.

“Since it is almost impossible for government anywhere in the world to provide jobs for all of its people, we shall create the enabling environment through provision of facilities to our people to enable them start their own businesses”, she said, adding that industrialization will also play a prominent role in her employment plan.

“If elected, my administration will review the circumstances that led to the collapse and or abandonment of some industries in the State with a view to reviving them through the public private partnership (PPP)”.

“The collaboration of foreign investors would be sought to revive these industries while efforts will be made to take advantage of the enormous oil and gas endowments of the State to go into Petroleum related investments”, Senator Esuene said.

On how optimistic she is to emerge as the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State, she said that there is an unanimity of political opinion that her public and community service records put her in a good stead as a front runner in the governorship race, adding that her hard earned antecedents of 18 years unbroken, dedicated and meritorious service to fatherland makes her the most preferred over others who are presently campaigning for the hilltop mansion come 2015.

Esuene who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Women and Youth Matters pointed out that the most Akwa Ibom people acknowledge the fact that she comes from a heritage known to offer quality service to mankind, stressing that no one can deny the fact that her late husband, the late Brigadier General Udoakagha Jacob Esuene established an enviable model of governance in the then South Eastern State, a feat only equaled in distinction and impact by the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State, over 30 years after, by Obong Godswill Akpabio.

When asked if Chief Godswill Akpabio had given her the go ahead to aspire to the position of the next governor of the state, she said, “he has given me the go ahead. I discussed with him, he is not carrying me along right now”.

She disclosed that her desire to lead the State was further fired by the clear fact of her familiarity with the socio-political and economic terrain in the state, a prerequisite for good governance.

By Assam Abia

2015 GOVERNORSHIP: Ekpenyong Ntekim Declares via Facebook

2015 GOVERNORSHIP: TOGETHER WE CAN

Exactly 5 years ago, I had the privilege of being invited by His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio, CON, to be a member of his uncommon transformation team in pursuit of a new Akwa Ibom State. I am very grateful to His Excellency for the golden opportunity to serve, and will ever cherish his consideration of my worth. The abiding fruits of the charismatic political leadership of this administration, which comes to a constitutional end on 29 May 2015, are simply beyond measure.

However, the responsibility is on us to remind ourselves why finishing right and strong the job, so commendably in progress, remains significant. With the massive infrastructural interventions of the last few years bearing desired fruits in the crescendo to which Akwa Ibom State has been justifiably raised, both friends and foes are watching to see whether, as a people, we have the resolve to continue to faithful completion the uncommon transformation agenda or would be fatigued out by political inexpediency and naïvety. Make no mistake, the progress so far made is as significant as the task ahead is onerous.

However, I am confident we can achieve the goal of successful continuity in an atmosphere of shared sacrifice and efforts, and I trust in our capacity to rise to the occasion. Indeed, together we can!

It is imperative, in light of my dedication to the core values of public service, that I be transparent with you on my future political engagements, especially as I cannot take on a commitment I do not desire to honour.

Over the past several months, I have been encouraged to give unremitting thought to seeking the mandate to be the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015. This has now graduated to a commanding course of action that I am to sedulously pursue. Therefore, in the days, weeks and months ahead, I verily look forward to consulting with the leadership of my party, the Peoples Democratic Party and the good people of Akwa Ibom State at different fora to discuss, with unmitigated determination and steadfastness, my thoughts and plans for Akwa Ibom State, if it pleases God, to whom power belongs, to favour me with its grant.

I urge you, my beloved brethren, to remain fast and firm as the gospel of fairness, equity, equality and justice in the political landscapes of Akwa Ibom State unfolds.

Many thanks.

Long live Akwa Ibom State!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!

Ekpenyong Ntekim, Esq.

CAPTAIN EKONG VS NSEOWO: COURT FINES YOUNGEST EDITOR

CAPTAIN EKONG VS NSEOWO: COURT FINES YOUNGEST EDITOR

Record holding Nigeria’s Youngest newspaper editor, Ifreke Nseowo has been fined the sum of N18,300 by the court for failing to file his statement of defence on time.

Nseowo, who is dragged to court by Governor Godswill Akpabio’s P.A on Security Matters, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Retd) over the ownership of an exclusive lounge/bar, Play Terrace was given the mandatory 40days to file his statement of defence but he however did so 91 days after the expiration of the 40 days, hence the compulsory fine on him by the court.
Meanwhile, Uyo High Court (7) will sit on Monday, 5th May, 2014 to entertain the case the between the Governor’s P.A and the country’s record breaking editor.

Captain Ekong is expected to be given the mandatory 15days to reply Nseowo’s statement of defence and to fill the pre-trial form through his counsel before the main hearing begins.

Captain Ekong (retd) is seeking N500m as damages for Nseowo’s allegation in a blog publication that he (Ekong) is the owner of the said Play Terrace, located in the LeastPay building along Aka Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Nseowo is represented by Barr. Eddie Ntukidem while Ekong’s legal man is Obio Mkpanam, Esq.

Bassey Albert rallies support for Governor Akpabio's Administration

Immediate past Akwa Ibom State commissioner for finance, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan has called on the people to support the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio to the end.

Mr. Albert made this known while receiving various groups who paid solidarity visit to him at his residence. 

He hinted that he will support the Akpabio led administration till the end and called on his supporters to be calm and show maturity in their dealings.

The former finance boss labelled his Seven years of service to the state under Chief Akpabio as phenomenal and advised the people to be law abiding in pursuit of the political future of the state.

The ex-banker described Govenor Akpabio as a friend, brother and source of inspiration, whose leadership qualities he said has transformed the state. He said Akwa Ibom people should see it as a necessity to consolidate on the achievements of the Governor to project a new Akwa Ibom. 

Mr. Albert was appointed commissioner for finance since inception of the Akpabio administration in 2007. He was relieved of his appointment following a minor cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.


Here are some images from the event...

Bassey Albert: A Project Manager with Depth and Vibrancy

Sustainability and Utilization of resources is a function of effective management. For resources to be efficiently managed to yield increased productivity and continued availability, the services of Project Managers are required to ensure accountability, credibility and consistency.

A project manager initiates, plans, executes, monitors, controls and gives tentative feedback to relevant stakeholders of a project. These are some of the sterling qualities of Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, the young, energetic and resourceful Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for finance. The 41 year old as a modern politician has contributed immensely to the success of the Governor Akpabio led administration.

When Governor Akpabio took over leadership of the state in 2007, fears that development may not be felt in rural areas because of continued neglect of locals were predominant together with increased dilapidation of few available social amenities in remote areas. These and many more were reasons why Governor Akpabio established the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee. As commissioner for finance, Mr. Albert was asked to coordinate affairs of the committee in line with the uncommon transformation agenda of the state.

Gov. Akpabio and the masses as major stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project were eager to witness transformation of the state from rural to urban centers for the people to witness true dividend of democracy. Mr. BasseyAlbert’s duty as project manager was to serve as a mediator between stakeholders and end users. The quest has been challenging and rewarding. The result of his stewardship and commitment caught my attention when the people of Akwa Ibom poured encomiums on the Chief Akpabio led administration during the recent town hall meetings and commissioning of over 5,000 projects across ten federal constituencies of the state.

As a project manager, risk bearing is one of the fundamentals of success. Mr. Bassey Albert utilized the experience he garnered over the years as top managing staff of various financial institutions to manage risks involved in execution of projects under the committee by instituting a progress based payment model for service providers.

His human resource management proficiencies traced back to the banking industry, where he managed over three hundred capacity building assets with efficient service delivery for over a decade. A good project manager develops capacity to manage resources with limited or no incentives. Mr. Bassey Albert demonstrated such qualities when he managed over fifteen branches of a financial institution across the South-South Geo-Political zone of the country.

Mr. Bassey Albert is visionary, organized, efficient, honest, reliable, possesses high communication skills. He is action oriented, vested with leadership flair, experienced and knowledgeable. These are some outstanding attributes of a good project manager.

He demonstrated his risk management expertise when he crossed miles of water to visit a project site in a remote village in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area during a tour to the area. Before the visit of the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, the area witness mild Government presence since inception of Akwa Ibom in 1987. Mr. Bassey Albert integrated his project management skills and negotiated for peaceful completion of projects undertaken by the Akpabio led administration in the area.

While stakeholders are busy providing the much needed funding and resources, Mr. Bassey Albert has directly been engaged in research and development to meet deadlines set by stakeholders. He successfully developed a model capable of answering the 4W question of When, Where, What and Who before initiating any project under the committee. These ensured no repetition of projects and adequate placement of projects where needed.

Mr. Bassey Albert fancies a matrix organizational structure for day to day running of affairs of the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, where all functional managers are allowed to perform numerous tasks irrespective of job specifications. Members of the committee exhibit distinctive teamwork potentials to consolidate the magnanimous qualities of their leader. These have been the reason behind effective actualization of the uncommon transformation agenda of Governor Godswill Akpabio as they have recorded no abandoned project since inauguration of the committee.

A good project manager must be vast and detailed. Mr. Bassey Albert as Chairman of the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Committee has visited many areas in the state. As one with a listening ear, he relay messages from the masses to the principal on issues relating to rural development. Mr. Bassey Albert as a proficient manager with verve and vibrancy successfully identifies key areas of need of the people and make recommendations to relevant stakeholders for implementation of the people’s demand.

For the past seven years as commissioner for finance and Chairman Akwa Ibom State /Local Government derivation committee, he has selected appropriate processes required to meet project objectives by using defined approach to meet stakeholder’s expectations and balance the competing demands of scope, time, quality, resources and risk to produce specified products, services and results.

Mr. Bassey Albert Commands authority, Possess quick sifting abilities, knows what to note and what to ignore, ask good questions and listen to stakeholders. He hardly sees information as a weapon or means of control, but adheres to predictable communication schedules. His self reliance and confidence showcases independent and fair consensus-building skills when conflict arises. As a source of inspiration to many, he relies on extensive informal networks inside and outside his work base structure to solve problems that arises and shows absolute commitment to work.

His contributions to the management of state resources endeared his kingsmen to honour him with the title “Enin Ibiono Ibom” in 2009. This was further consolidated with the award of Chieftaincy Title of “Obong Uforo Akwa Ibom State” by the Paramount Ruler of Etinan, His Majesty Edidem Dickson Umoette.

The wealth of experience gathered by Mr. Bassey Albert over the years cannot be ignored at a glance. His thrust can numerically be analyzed to make predictions for the future by using available and relevant data. From a political stand point, a project manager is seen as a technocrat who helps in developing and realizing the goals of Governance.

With the rapid transformation witnessed in the state in recent times, it is imperative to note that qualities of Mr. Bassey Albert will be very defining in the New Akwa Ibom. As a project manager vested with skills and resources, he has been tipped to be a realistic team player in the next political dispensation as a result of his undisputed loyalty to the current administration.

For project “Akwa Ibom” to maximally attain its set goals, noble sons and daughters of the state like Mr. Bassey Albert should be encouraged to activate more effective management models for continued transformation and sustenance of our democracy. He is a delight to integrate without a differential constant.

Promise Etim
Uyo