Latest news with #AkwaIbom
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Meet the troupe of Nigerian kids entertainers who play the xylophone
Ndito Uforo Akwa Ibom Cultural Troupe wey comprise of little children dey use dia skills of di xylophone to entertain pipo. Dem dey make waves wit dia ogbonge talent as dem dey blend traditional xylophone sounds wit Afrobeats and oda genres of music. Director of di cultural troupe say di idea of Utoro na to preserve di culture of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. E say di music don impact di children well-well. E say di children bin no get idea of how to play di instrument, but e help dem develop interest and sabi how to play am. Di children say dem enjoy playing di xylophone, and e no dey affect dia academics, as na evening dem dey rehearse afta school. Na Idara Monday feem and edit am
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Nigeria: Akwa Ibom, Rep Ime Okon attracts $1mln projects to constituents in two years
The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Barr.) Ime Bassey Okon, says he has attracted projects worth over N1.7 billion to his constituency within the last two years. The lawmaker, who stated this during a mid-term media chat on Monday, said the amount was aside from help rendered to over 800 individuals who presented different needs and received his immediate assistance in cash and otherwise. Highlighting his legislative strides in his first two years, Okon noted that he has sponsored or co-sponsored eight bills and motions, including:• A bill to establish the Metallurgical and Material Engineers and Scientist Registration Board of Nigeria.• A bill to establish the Biomedical Engineers and Scientist Registration Board.• Motions on the urgent rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, the disparity between HND and BSc holders in security agencies, and the need to decongest correctional centres, among others. Okon, who is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs, said that in line with his constitutional duty of oversight, he actively participates as a committed member of ten House Committees, including Gas Resources, Healthcare Services, Host Communities, and Works. He added that he is also co-opted into three additional committees: Procurement, Basic Education, and Interior. He, however, listed a wide range of infrastructure, empowerment, and welfare projects facilitated by his office and valued at over ₦1.7 billion, surpassing the ₦200 million project limit typically allocated to members as constituency project funds. Some of the completed and ongoing projects listed by the lawmaker include:• Construction of a furnished six-classroom block at Technical School, Ayadehe, and a four-classroom block with toilet facilities at PCN Primary School, North Itam, Itu LGA.• Construction of the 1.5km Joshua Uwah Street, including installation of solar-powered street lights and a drainage system, in Mbak Itam III, Itu LGA.• Commissioning of an ultra-modern 450-capacity Civic Centre in Idoro and the ongoing construction of a 1000-capacity Civic Centre in Nkwa, Ibiono Ibom LGA.• Installation of solar-powered street lights in Ikot Obio Enang, Ikot Edok, and Ikpa Ikot Ubo/Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom LGA and Itu LGA.• Provision of solar-powered boreholes, roads with drainage and lighting, and digital tools.• Educational support through bursaries to over 300 students, including 18 Law School students.• Free medical outreach in Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs.• Empowerment through donation of cars, scholarships to children of deceased political stakeholders, and medical and welfare support to over 800 constituents.• Facilitation of employment opportunities in federal and state agencies, including the UUTH, Nigeria Police Force, and Federal Fire Service. Hon. Ime Okon, however, corrected the widespread misconception surrounding the 2025 constituency project allocation, clarifying that while each constituency is now allotted ₦1 billion worth of projects, no cash is handed directly to lawmakers, as all projects are executed by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). 'It is important that I correct a popular misconception which has gained traction across the country, members are alleged to have been given N1 billion cash each for Constituency projects in the 2025 budget. There is no such thing; rather, each Federal Constituency is allotted Constituency projects to the tune of N1 billion in the 2025 budget. 'The difference this time is that, the project total worth was increased to N1 billion from N200 million. Also, I must emphasize that no member executes or administers projects. That is the duty of the various Ministries, Department ,and Agencies where the projects are domiciled,' he explained. He revealed plans for a massive empowerment programme later in the year, targeting skills development and financial upliftment of constituents. He called for continued media support, public collaboration, as well as prayers for the success of the State Governor, Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and fellow federal lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State. Speaking, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Amos Etuk, noted that the mid-term briefing by Hon. Okon marks a strong reflection of visible, impactful, and people-centred representation. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Who be Usoro Akpabio wey President Tinubu appoint as MD of South South Development Commission?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu don approve di appointment of Miss Usoro Akpabio as Managing Director of di South South Development Commission (SSDC). Dis one dey for di letter wey Senate President Godswill Akpabio read as di President dey ask di red chamber to confam di appointments e make for di governing boards and managing directors of di recently established north-central, south-west and south-south development commissions. For di South South Development Commission (SSDC), di President appoint Chibudom Nwuche as chairman and Usoro Akpabio, wey come from Akwa Ibom, as managing director. For di board, di President appoint Marcus Eji (Rivers), Aganaba Steven (Bayelsa), Timi Ayibatonye (Delta), Joseph Ugheoke (Edo), and Sony Abang (Cross River). Oda members include Larry Odey (Cross River), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Nkereuwem Ebong(Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinedu (Rivers), Femi Oise (Edo), Charles Enukhowhate (Delta), Tijani Kaura(north-west), Tabitha Sallah (north-east), Yusuf Amao (north-central), Joseph Mmamal (south-east), and Bukonola Braimoh (south-west). E remain for relevant committees of di Senate to screen and confam all dis appointments. Who be Usoro Akpabio? Dem born Usoro Offiong Akpabio on 10 June, 1983, for Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. She come from Ibibio ethnic group and attend primary and secondary schools for Uyo. She later get a degree in political science from one Nigerian university, and e equip her wit insights into governance, public policy, and community engagement. For her undergraduate years, she bin take part in student unions and civic outreach projects, wey help her organisational and communication skills. All dis experiences give her good foundation for a career wey dey dedicated to regional growth and inclusive development. Usoro Akpabio career don see her go through public administration, political strategy, and community development. After university, she join a state goment ministry as a policy analyst. Na dia she research rural infrastructure challenges and propose practical solutions to improve road access and school facilities. Her good work here make her to join various task forces wey focuse on youth empowerment and women health. She also play vital roles for political campaigns and planning committees as she advise local candidates, help dem connect with grassroots communities as she listen well and translate dia needs into ogbonge campaign promises. Within a few years, her network grow across di South South geopolitical zone. Her work on small-scale solar power projects and vocational training centres show her belief say sustainable progress dey come wen communities dey empowered wit skills and resources. By her late thirties, she don get reputation as a changemaker wey dey turn bold ideas into workable plans. Beyond her public work, Usoro get close ties wit her family and home community. She give credit to her parents for giving her a sense of service and discipline. Usoro dey balance her busy schedule wit personal hobbies. She love African dance and traditional drumming, activities she say dey keep her connected to her heritage. She also like to read biographies of women leaders around di world, to draw lessons from dia perseverance. Close friends note say her ability to listen deeply and offer thoughtful advice, make her a valued confidante. Even amid demanding work, she still get time for quiet reflection and community volunteering, weda na to mentor young women wey get interest in politics or to support local health awareness campaigns. Wetin be SSDC? Di South South Development Commission (SSDC) na one of di newly established bodies wey dia aim na to drive infrastructure improvements, social services, and economic opportunities across di six states of Nigeria oil-rich South South region, wit headquarters for Uyo, di Akwa Ibom State capital. Di SSDC represent ogbonge effort by di Nigerian goment to address long-standing development gaps and to ensure say resource revenues translate into real progress for local communities. Di Senate go review her nomination bifor dem go give di final confamation. If approved, she go lead an eighteen-member board wey get four core priorities: 1. Improve roads and power supply. 2. Empower youths and women through skills training. 3. Foster sustainable economic ventures such as local agriculture and tourism. 4. Partner wit both local agencies and international organisations to secure funding and expertise. Her role go involve coordinating wit state govnors, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to design projects wey reflect local aspirations. She go also oversee project selection, budget management, and performance monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability. As di SSDC first Managing Director, she dey face di challenge of turning an ambitious regional blueprint into tangible improvements like paved roads, reliable schools, accessible healthcare, and thriving small businesses.
