Sterling Global has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to economic development and industry support in Akwa Ibom State. The company was honoured with the “Pillar of Industry” Award by the Petroleum Products Retailers Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
The prestigious award was presented by DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Akwa Ibom State Police Command during the association’s annual recognition ceremony held over the weekend.
It highlights Sterling Global’s significant contributions to the growth of the petroleum retail sector, its consistent support to operators, and the company’s strong commitment to building positive relationships, strengthening local businesses, fostering collaboration, and supporting the growth of the downstream sector across Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, PETROAN leaders commended Sterling Global for its professionalism, transparency, and dedication to strengthening the downstream value chain. They noted that the company’s approach to collaboration has helped create a more supportive environment for promoting a safer, more efficient business environment for operators in the sector.
In addition to the company award, Dr. Sam Osung, Protocol Officer at Sterling Global, was honoured with an Award of Recognition in Dispute Management. This award acknowledges his exceptional professionalism, calm diplomacy, and effective resolution of sensitive issues involving stakeholders, regulators, and community representatives.
Responding to the double honour, Dr. Sam Osung expressed appreciation to PETROAN for the recognition, noting that both awards reinforce the company’s commitment to building strong partnerships, supporting local capacity, and upholding excellence in service delivery.
Sterling Global remains committed to supporting economic development in Akwa Ibom State, deepening collaboration with industry stakeholders, and contributing to a more sustainable and collaborative downstream industry.
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has announced a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) aimed at empowering youths across the region through education financing and clean energy initiatives.
During an engagement with NELFUND’s management in Abuja, the Managing Director of SSDC Usoro Akpabio underscored the synergy between both agencies, emphasizing that youth empowerment and education are central to the region’s development strategy.
“Our power revolution in the South-South depends on more than just infrastructure, it depends on our people,” she stated. “We are ensuring our youths are financially empowered by linking skills acquisition in the renewable energy sector with the financial support provided by NELFUND.”
The SSDC boss commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritizing youth-centered development, noting that the collaboration will enable young people to access affordable loans for education and skills trainingparticularly in renewable energy and digital innovation.
In his remarks, NELFUND’s Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the Fund’s readiness to partner with SSDC, clarifying that the student loan scheme currently applies to undergraduates in public tertiary institutions. He explained that funds are disbursed through schools after verification, with ₦20,000 monthly welfare stipends paid to eligible students.
Sawyer added that NELFUND welcomes collaborations for scholarship and empowerment initiatives, hinting at future privatization to expand its reach while maintaining its core mission of supporting Nigerian students.
The SSDC had earlier unveiled plans to electrify all rural communities in the South-South through renewable energy projects in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The initiative aims to bridge the region’s energy gap and stimulate economic growth by powering agricultural clusters, schools, and health centers.
Together, SSDC and NELFUND are positioning the South-South region as a hub for clean energy, education-driven growth, and sustainable youth empowerment.
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has announced plans to bring electricity to all rural communities within the region.
The announcement was made by the SSDC Managing Director, Ms Usoro Akpabio following a meeting with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Managing Director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu in Abuja on Tuesday.
The SSDC MD stated the initiative aims to empower the people bridging the energy gap and creating an economic revolution using clean energy solutions.
The Managing Director of SSDC expressed appreciation for Engr. Aliyu’s leadership and pledged the Commission’s readiness to work closely with REA to deliver transformative energy projects. She said her plans included electrification of rural and riverine communities, powering agricultural and processing clusters, renewable energy solutions for schools, health centres, and SMEs, youth training and job creation in the clean energy sector.
The REA’s Managing Director, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, pledged the agency’s full support, highlighting existing projects in the region as a foundation.
Engr. Aliyu commended the SSDC for its vision and commitment to advancing regional development.
He highlighted several ongoing and completed REA projects in the South-South, including solar hybrid mini-grids, electrification of schools and healthcare facilities, as well as market electrification projects. He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region through stronger collaboration with SSDC.
Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group to accelerate the project’s implementation, which also includes a focus on youth training and job creation in the clean energy sector.
The Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Ms. Usoro Akpabio, has called for collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that the financial activties of the Commision are properly guided by compliance with extant financial laws.
Ms Usoro made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on establishing common ground to ensure SSDC’s operations adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency from inception. Akpabio praised the EFCC’s vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and acknowledged the significant reforms under Olukoyede’s leadership.
She declared SSDC’s zero-tolerance policy towards financial crimes, leakages, and malpractices, stating that at the SSDC, the watchwords are accountability, integrity, and transparency. “We are committed to aligning our activities with the EFCC’s stringent standards for financial compliance right from the outset,” she said.
After outlining SSDC’s mandate to drive economic development across the South-South, Akpabio formally sought collaborative support to ensure all internal and external financial activities comply with national laws. She specifically requested specialized cybercrime training for staff and partnership on public awareness campaigns against financial crimes.
In his response, EFCC Chairman Olukoyede welcomed SSDC’s proactive approach and pledged the agency’s full support. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to financial regulations and anti-corruption frameworks, announcing partnership in fraud risk assessments, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns.
Olukoyede highlighted the EFCC Academy’s certification to provide nationwide training and urged SSDC to remain committed to uplifting lives and entrenching good governance in the South-South region.
The Federal College of Education, Ididep, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area has fully commenced academic activities. This comes two years after approval was given by the federal government for the college’s operation.
With over 300 students who assumed studies, the Provost of the college, Dr Edem Ntuk, as well as the Registrar, Mr Nsemeke Udoakpan, expressed their delight for the commencement of activities in the college.
Dr Ntuk, who recalled that the college was established in 2023 by the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, explained that activities had ranged from securing the expanse of land where the institution is situated, alongside other paper works that were required for their full operation.
According to the Rector, the National Commission for Colleges of Education, after resource verification in April 2024, consequently approved twenty programmes across six schools, an equivalent of facilities in universities, even as the college is now registered with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
On his part, the Registrar told newsmen that over 140 academic staff and over 100 non-academic staff were on stream as of the date of resumption. He further disclosed that the schools include education, languages, arts and science, vocational and technical education, and the school of early childhood education, as well as the school of science.
While thanking the federal government for giving the college approvals for recruitment, he described the relationship with the community as welcoming, and encouraged parents to send their wards to the college.
Similarly, while the College Librarian, Dr Celina Nongo, said she had the full assurance of the Provost, other management staff and the community to achieve the objectives of the federal government for establishing the college, students, including Uwakmfon Shedrack and Isaac Solomon, described their first classes as interactive and expressed their optimism for a rewarding stay on campus.
Meanwhile, staff and students from various parts of Nigeria also assumed activities in the college today.
Days after the Executive Director Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Victor Antai released an infamous album to show the world his real self, I am still searching for any scintilla of justification for him to undertaken such a show of shame by insulting the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.
Although a detailed assessment of his uncoordinated behaviour in the video suggests a man who was not totally in control of hs mental faculty, I still feel Mr. Antai should not have listened to stirrings of the chemical reactions of the compounds he willingly handed himself over to. At least, he should know the expected result of the binges he regularly indulges himself on.
From his mannerisms to comments, one could make a case for Mr. Antai that foreign substances took charge of his actions. But how can he be exonerated when he consciously consumed them? If he is still suffering from incurable stage fright, he should not have resorted to elements he is not totally in control of so that they do not put him into serious trouble like the one he is already immersed in.
Imagine the kind of audience he was performing for, and entertaining. People are yet to categorise the gathering whether it was a church programme, a campaign rally or a town hall meeting. Sad that the chief comedian is someone who occupies such an esteemed office as Executive Director Projects of the NDDC.
It would have even been expected of Mr. Antai that since his sermon on the field took place during the Easter period, it would have been a good platform for him to present his scorecard so. It would have been a time to tell the people what he has done so far, and hnt them of what is expected.
Very importantly, such a season of love should have been utilised by Mr. Antai to give hope to the people through various empowerment packages ranging from food to announcement of training programmes and skills acquisition.
Disappointedly, he rather chose to destroy the people with wrong information, thinking he is destroying the governor. Mr. Antai goofed greatly by attacking a performing Governor like Pastor Umo Eno. Instead of praising the governor, he preferred to insult him. Antai ended up making a mockery of himself because people know the truth about the governor and the State.
Does a man with the quantum leap of development deserve such a deliberate misinformation about his effort at developing the State and making the people happy?
What could have washed facts away from Mr. Antai’s “good head”? Such that he forgot that Governor Eno has given nearly 15 billion Naira for the payment of gratuities to retirees in Akwa Ibom State?
That same Governor Umo Eno that Antai stood facts on its head is currently embarking on about 80 road construction projects across the State, with over 100 billion Naira released so far.
Is Antai not also aware of the education trust fund the governor has instituted for persons living with disabilities who are studying in any higher institution in Akwa Ibom State irrespective of the students State of origin?
A man passionate about rural development and agricultural revolution like Governor Umo Eno should be presented in a better way, not what Antai did and ended up embarrassing himself.
For Antai to see development and performance through the prism of party politics shows clearly that he is still immersed in politics of personal destruction as opposed to politics of civility which is truly sad, given the fact that Governor Eno, has been an apostle of working across party lines in all his engagements.
Antai should grow above the pettiness of party sentiments and share the views of lovers of development to thank God for the gift of Pastor Umo Eno as governor of Akwa Ibom State. Good enough, so far the governor has not disappointed Akwa Ibom people and they have shown their love and unalloyed support to him, correspondingly.
Governor Umo Eno is not to be blamed for Antai’s failure in the last governorship election where he had the tall ambition of becoming a deputy governor. He was roundly defeated, and as it is now, he lacks the moral compass and capacity of occupying a serious public office.
Those who love him should remind him of the history of those who occupied one office or the other in NDDC, but rather than concentrate on their appointments, they began to fight Governors of their State. None of them succeeded, and Antai’s case will not be different.
What Antai should tell Akwa Ibom people is what he is bringing to the entire State through the NDDC. He should be grateful for a governor who is passionate and compassionate in the development of the State, beginning from Victor Antai’s community.
Or has he not also heard that Governor Eno has decided to reaward the contract for the Nsit Atai – Okobo – Oron Road because he loves every part of the State, and wants them to be on the same page of development?
Next time, Antai should resist the temptation of insulting Governor Umo Eno stirrings of the substances in his head.
What he cannot do, he should thank the governor who is doing it well.
Of the truth, Antai messed up and he should be ashamed of himself.
Richard Peters is a good governance advocate and writes from Uyo.
… felicitates Archbishop Udeme Simon on multiple anniversaries
Leaders of faith-based organisations have been urged to exemplify the virtue of humility in their services to God and humanity, by glorifying Christ above themselves while carrying out their responsibilities.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, gave the advice while addressing congregants at the grand finale of the 29th Anniversary Convention of Great Faith Ministries Int’l, Uyo.
Governor Eno, who was special guest at the event which also marked the 66th birthday, 35th marriage anniversary and 6th Archbishopric anniversary of the Church’s General Overseer, Archbishop Udeme Simon, felicitated the Archbishop, his wife and the church on their elevation, resilience in service in the body of Christ and the series of anniversary celebrations.
He described Archbishop Simon as a model Christian leader who has exemplified humility in his service to God and humanity, noting that he has maintained a quiet disposition despite the huge impact he has created in Christendom.
This, the governor stressed, has been the distinguishing attribute for which he accords Archbishop Simon great respect, and therefore urged pastors and ministers of the gospel in the State to emulate Christ and give glory to God in their services and shun self glorification.
“We had to come here to honour you Sir. You’re one man that is quiet but achieving a lot for the Lord. This man is a humble man. That’s why I’m saying he operates silently but is making great impact.
“When we come to church, I believe that it is Christ we want to see and hear about not the number of things we have achieved, it is not very good to see some of our brothers indulge in self glorification. For this servant of God, he has my respect,” he stated.
Governor Eno acknowledged the strong support base created by the church to ensure his emergence and restated his commitment to delivering good governance for which he was voted into office.
He reassured everyone of his commitment to due diligence in keeping the common wealth of the people, expressing his administration’s willingness to embrace creative ideas and innovations that will add value to the state and not to yield to wasteful and unaccountable distribution of the State’s resources.
Archbishop Udeme Simon, in his thanksgiving speech, described the four-in-one celebration as a manifestation of God’s mercy for his 66-year sojourn on earth and grace to serve in His vineyard.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for gracing the event and described his emergence as an answered prayer and a blessing to the church and Akwa Ibom indigenes.
The Presiding Bishop of the Liberation Chapel, Port Harcourt, Bishop Samuel Akpan, who delivered a sermon on the theme “Unique Settlement,” with scriptural reference from 1st Peter 5:10, assured that God does not call people without a purpose and does not abandon those He calls, but settles them in due course.
The Cleric admonished believers to be steadfast, strategically positioned and show commitment in their service to God.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has declared readiness of the State government to partner with the Nigerian Army to provide affordable housing for personnel which they continue to use on retirement
The Governor made this known during a courtesy visit by a team of the Post-Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL), led by the MD/CEO, Major General J. D. Omali.
Governor Eno commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Taoreed Lagbaja, for the initiative which he described as laudable adding that it was necessary to provide such facility for post-service retirement given the nature of tremendous service they render to the nation.
According to him, “I am a security-conscious person. I belong to the security community and I am always worried when I see our people go through all they go through and when they retire, within three months of exit, they are given three months to leave the barracks, and the question is always, “to where?”
“This is a very laudable project and we believe our State should be able to key into this. The process of acquiring the land itself, 200 hectares is a huge commitment for the State, and I believe that if we can do that, we have contributed our quota to the project, and it will also show that we care for our service men.
“We will do all we can to help you achieve this. It may not be in one location, but we will do our best to find you land,” he said.
Speaking further, the Governor said, “the beauty of Akwa Ibom is that wherever you have a land, you can reach Uyo within one hour. We have one of the best road networks in this country and so, there is no place you can say is local anymore in our state. We are doing the best we can to integrate all our local governments areas with the centre”
Earlier in his remarks, the MD/CEO, Major General J. D. Omali said PHDL was established to alleviate the hardship faced by officers and soldiers in securing decent housing after retiring or being discharged from service.
He noted that the body was established in1996 as a welfare scheme with the primary objective of providing houses or plots of land for officers and soldiers on retirement.
Omali maintained that since its establishment, the company now has 34 estates across the country designed to accommodate both military and civilian subscribers in the ratio of 60:40 so as not to have a repeat of the army barracks.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for his laudable development strides since inception, and appealed to the State to partner with PHDL especially through the provision of land to enable it achieve its objective in the State.
The MD/CEO was accompanied by Lt. Col. S. Eche (DMD), Barr Paul Edeh (Company Secretary), Dr. Kayode Akinade and Col. K.A Umoh, Retd.
_. . . releases another N100M for continuation of payment_
By Ubon Marcus
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has released an additional sum of N100M for the next phase of the ongoing payment of bursaries to undergraduate students of Akwa Ibom origin studying in tertiary institutions across the country.
This tranch, as explained by the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Comrade Wisdom Emmanuel, is a continuation of the bursary payment process that began on November 20, 2023, for the 2023/2024 academic session.
According to information on the State Bursary Portal obtained on March 3, 2024, 9,980 students have so far been paid since the commencement of the exercise, making it a total of Ninety Nine Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N99,800,000.00) so far disbursed for the payment of bursaries to undergraduates by the Umo Eno administration.
This is in fulfilment of Pastor Umo Eno’s promise to the Akwa Ibom Students’ community during his electioneering days and also in furtherance of his educational goals in the ARISE Agenda.
A unique feature of the ongoing bursary payment exercise is the digitalization of the process—a novel initiative that has brought enhanced transparency to bursary payment in the state, exempted beneficiaries from meddlesome interlopers, and saved them from the inconveniences of travelling long distances down home to queue for days on end so as to present their documents for verification and screening before getting paid.
All they are required to do is visit the State Bursary Portal at http://www.bursary.akwaibomstate.gov.ng, register for a bursary, input their details, proceed to create a log-in account, and upload their documents to the online portal for verification.
Once verified, the student’s bank account will be credited. It is that simple.
The Directorate of ICT and Digital Services, domiciled in the Office of the Governor, is saddled with the responsibility of managing the bursary portal, and so far, they have done a good job.
However, it must be noted that the bursary payment exercise will not run ad-infinitum as it is scheduled to close at midnight on April 30, 2024. Eligible students who have yet to register have ample time to do so before the portal closes on the aforementioned date.
Gov. Umo Eno’s monetary intervention in education goes beyond the payment of bursaries. Recall that upon assumption of office, he instituted a N100M educational trust fund for persons living with disabilities in the state. Payment has since commenced in the sums of N250,000.00 and N300,000.00 each, which have been paid to undergraduate and postgraduate physically challenged students, respectively.
A N10M scholarship to the winner of the 2023 Heirs Life National Essay Competition, N5M law school grant to a physically challenged Uniuyo Law student, etc. also stand to the Governor’s credit.
As the bursary payment progresses, students must be weary of mischief-makers who may attempt to defraud them; therefore, it is pertinent to emphasise that they can only apply for, and receive their bursaries via the aforementioned state bursary portal.
They must maintain vigilance at all times, be wary of cloned websites claiming to handle bursary disbursements, and note that the state government will never request money or sensitive banking details from them; hence, they should avoid disclosing sensitive information on unauthorised platforms.
The AKS Bursary Support Team is available to attend to inquiries via email at bursary@akwaibomstate.gov.ng.
Under the bright night sky filled with the soothing harmattan-season breeze, and surrounded by 20 thousand sea of happy people, the 16th Edition of Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols came alive last night and lasted, into the early hours of today.
Held at the new 20-thousand-seater Amphitheatre, which was constructed within two months, located at the lush green Unity Park, Uyo, this year’s Carols was a celebration of home-based and home grown talents, alongside national and international gospel singers of Akwa Ibom extraction.
The Unity Park, also, serves as the venue for the ongoing Christmas Park, that has, in the last 15 days showcased the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the Akwa Ibom people, and has, put the state on the world map as the emerging tourism hub of the nation.
With the theme, “Arise, Shine; for thy, light is come” drawn from Isaiah 60: 1-3,(KJV) the event, brought together choirs from all segments of the Christian community in the State, and raised the roof with great renditions to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and season of great joy and good tidings to mankind.
From popular gospel star, Mercy Chinwo, who got everyone on their feet with beautiful renditions of her favorite Gospel songs, to Bobby Friga, to Aity Denis, to Moses Bliss and a host of other talented performers, the atmosphere was one of a grand God’s party and the mood was spiritually uplifting. It was a moment of unity, where the divisive impulses of politics gave way to an infectious feeling of camaraderie and bipartisanship, working and reveling across political lines. The Akwa Ibom spirit of love, unity, and brotherhood took centre stage and it was a great feeling to behold!
The State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno in a spiritually expansive mood, and obviously satisfied with the huge success of the event, was effusive in his praise for the Organizing Committee, headed by the Honourable Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh. “ it was a little under two months ago, at our EXCO Retreat in Lagos, that I gave the marching order to the Hononurable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism to ensure that we construct a permanent site for the 16th Edition of the Alwa Ibom Christmas Carols. 2023, at this location.
“It was indeed a tall order, given the fact that this place that has today been transformed into what is easily the best and most smart 20-Seater amphitheatre in the country was a virgin land. My belief was simple: When people are determined to ARISE and shine, nothing, and I mean nothing can stop their resolve and passion.
“Today, because Akwa Ibom people have Arisen, we are seated here in this magnificent 20-Seater Amphitheatre, singing praises to God, to herald the birth of God’s only begotten Son and the Saviour of mankind, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. So I want to commend the Honourable Commissioner, and his team, especially Engr,. Uwem Okoko of Hensek Integrated Services for rising to the occasion and delivering big for our people, in line with our vision.”
The Governor harped on the theme of unity, and thanked past leaders for conceptualizing, sustaining and even elevating the event to higher realms, which he is determined to deepen, maintaining that what unites Akwa Ibom people is “greater that what separates us,” and urged the people to use this season of joy to extend their hands of friendship to others who “may have fallen on hard times.”
He used the opportunity to talk about his passion to serve the people and thanked the immediate past Governor, H.E. Udom Emmanuel, CON, for seeing in him, what others may not have seen.
When he announced that the 13th- month salary he had promised, had been paid to workers in the State, the audience broke into thunderous applause, and continued , applauding when he tailed about the nearly 7 billion Naira he has, also, in under seven months paid to retirees, in fulfillment of his campaign promise to continue the payment of gratuities.
Governor Eno, informed the audience that a world-class theme park will be constructed at the same location to provide an avenue for relaxation for families, in line with what obtains in the developed world. “Our vision for tourism is deep and as you all know, tourism is a cash cow, and we intend to develop and further the growth of that sector for the benefit of our people.”
Bishop Emma Isong, gave a rousing sermon and the event came to a close at a little over 12 midnight.
In attendance were the Wife of the Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi and her spouse, Wife of the Immediate Past Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Martha Udom Emmanuel, who also represented the immediate past Governor, H.E. Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the two Senators representing Eket and Uyo Senatorial districts respectively, Distinguished Senators Ekong Sampson and Aniekan Bassey, the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas) the Rt. Honourable Ekperikpe Ekpo, who represented the Senate President, H.E., Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, past Military Governors, Members of the House of Representatives, political stakeholders across party lines, clergymen, captains of industry, pop culture figures among others. It was indeed a celebration of ingenuity, love, conviviality, love and kindred spirit in line with the spirit of the season.
Aktv News 