Akwa Ibom

By Engr. Alkasim Auwal

There was a time, not so long ago, when Kano stood tall as the industrial heart of Northern Nigeria. It was a vibrant, thriving city, neck and neck with Lagos, vying for economic supremacy in the country. Kano’s industries were buzzing, its economy flourishing, and its future seemed limitless. But today, that promise has faded. Kano has fallen behind — not just behind Lagos, but even smaller states like Ogun. How did we lose our way?

Nowadays, the only thing Kano can confidently claim is its large population. Economic stagnation, crumbling infrastructure, and leadership failures have become the sad reality of a state that once had so much potential. Since 1999, our leaders have come and gone — Kwankwaso, Shekarau, Ganduje, and now Abba — but none have been able to provide the clear vision and roadmap Kano so desperately needs. Their methods may have differed, but the results have been the same: little progress and missed opportunities.

Think about it — in 2024, we’re still talking about rehabilitating primary schools and constructing 5-kilometer roads. If we had a genuinely functional system, these tasks should be handled by local government chairmen, not state governors. We’re still facing water shortages, and our roads in the city and the rural areas remain in disrepair. These are problems that should have been fixed decades ago, yet here we are, still grappling with them.

Meanwhile, Lagos has moved forward. They now have a functioning metro train system, and traffic jams — once a defining feature of the city — have been significantly reduced. Lagos is not just growing; it’s thriving. It’s what happens when a state follows a clear and focused plan. While Kano should implement advanced transportation systems like Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or Light Rail Transit (LRT), we’re still debating basic infrastructure. We should be pioneering new ventures like our state airline, much like Akwa Ibom did with Ibom Air. 

Then there’s agriculture. Kano is blessed with vast, fertile land that could revolutionise our economy. We could lead Nigeria in mechanised farming, feeding our state and the nation. Just look at what Niger State’s governor is doing with their agricultural reforms. Why aren’t we doing the same? Why are we letting such immense potential go to waste?

The neglect of Kano’s importance became painfully clear when the federal government launched CNG-free conversion centres in several states. Yet, Kano—the most populous state in Nigeria—wasn’t even considered. It’s a glaring omission that reflects how far we’ve fallen off the radar. Our leaders don’t seem to care. They’re more concerned with playing politics instead of pushing for development and innovation.

So, where did we get it wrong?

We got it wrong when we lost sight of long-term development, when our leaders prioritised political games over real progress, and when they abandoned the people’s needs for short-term gains. Kano’s downfall is not inevitable; it results from poor planning, lack of foresight, and a failure to act on the opportunities available.

The solution isn’t impossible. It requires leadership that listens to the people, plans for the future, and invests in infrastructure, education, and industries. Kano can rise again, but only if we recognise our mistakes and demand better from those who lead us. We need a vision for the future that builds on our strengths and addresses our weaknesses.

Until then, we will continue to watch as other states, big and small, leave us behind. Kano’s story doesn’t have to be one of decline. But to change the narrative, we need bold, forward-thinking leadership that understands the power of a clear and actionable blueprint for development. The choice is ours, and it starts now.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has expressed deep sympathy and commiserated with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, over the demise of his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the 19 Northern Governors, Governor Inuwa Yahaya conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of Akwa Ibom State during this period of immense grief.

He described the Akwa Ibom First Lady as a woman of great virtue, a loving mother, and a pillar of strength to her family and the state.

Her loss, he noted, has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill, not only within her immediate family but across the state where her influence was deeply felt.

The NSGF Chairman consoled Governor Umo Eno to take solace in the divine will of God and the cherished memories of his late wife.

He prayed God Almighty to grant the bereaved family and the entire Akwa Ibom people the fortitude to bear this great loss, and for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolence to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state on the shocking passing of his beloved wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the President commiserates with the Eno family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom state during this grim time.

The President joins them in mourning the painful and profound loss of the state’s First Lady, who has supported Governor Eno’s administration.

The President affirms that Patience Eno, as the wife to a visionary governor and an ordained gospel minister, embodied humility, resilience, and loyalty.

President Tinubu acknowledges that through her ‘Golden Initiative for All,’ she demonstrated her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom state with love, honesty, and dedication, leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire future generations.

He trusts that her selfless service to improve the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable will forever remain an important part of Akwa Ibom’s history, a legacy that will continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.

President Tinubu commits the grieving family, friends, and relatives to the comfort of the eternal God, who is the source of life and holds the future of all creation in his hands.

He expresses his trust in their resilience and strength during this challenging time, offering reassurance and support.

 By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

A 23-year-old, Akaninyene Sunday Isaac, has been accused of the murder of his 55-year-old mother, Christiana Sunday Isaac. 

The incident happened at Oruk Uso Otoro village in Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom State. 

Confirming the incident, police spokesman in the state, SP Odiko Macdon, said the suspect, who was arrested on October 11, 2023, confessed to the crime and would soon be arraigned in court. 

According to family sources, food was the cause of the altercation between the mother and the child, resulting in the death of the former.

The deceased was said to have starved the young man for three days. 

Isaac usually requested money from his mother, who always granted his request, but on that fateful day, she denied him his request, saying there was no money. 

A relative explained that the mother’s refusal infuriated Isaac, who used a machete to attack her, which led to her death before she could get medical attention, adding that the corpse had been deposited in the mortuary.

By Uzair Adam Imam

There was growing tension among the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members when bandits attacked them on their way to the orientation camp in Zamfara State, killing eleven persons among them.

The bandits also kidnapped no fewer than eight corps members to an unknown destination and reportedly demanded a ransom of over 4 million naira.

Our reporters learned that the corps members were travelling in Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the one-year mandatory national service, when their vehicle was intercepted by the bandits.

It was also gathered that their driver, who was among the persons abducted, almost lost his life during the atrocious killing by the bandits.

However, three of the corps members were reported to have escaped during the terrorist attack.

Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo were among the young graduates that were kidnapped by the terrorists.

A source, who noted to be privy to the situation, revealed that the terrorists had contacted the family of one of the victims and demanded a ransom of N4 million.

He said, “Sad to hear that young graduates going for their National Service year in Sokoto have been kidnapped by bandits.

“Both the Federal Government and various State governments should do everything possible to rescue the eight NYSC members.

“Nothing must happen to them oh!!!Some of them included Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate of [sic] Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University and Victoria Udoka, a graduate of [sic] Mass Communication from University of Uyo.

“At the moment, one of the families, it was learnt have been contacted to pay N4m. Please, this is [a] Federal government matter not the family and should be taking [sic] seriously to save these children from been [sic] tormented further by the wicked kidnappers.

“This is another challenge to the federal government to review deployment of NYSC [members] to nearby states where they schooled due to insecurity rather than posting them across the country.

“May the Almighty God rescue them and let those wicked kidnappers be arrested and brought to book. Their crimes must not go unpunished.”

The National Youth Service Corps has denied reports that 21 female corps members were raped during a robbery on Wednesday.

The scheme confirmed that, contrary to the reports, no physical harm was inflicted on them, and no corps member was raped.

In a statement obtained by journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Chinyere Ekwe, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NYSC, clarified the matter.

She was quoted as saying, “In the said story making the rounds, it was alleged that gunmen attacked, raped, robbed and dispossessed Corps Members of their valuables at Udo Ekong Ekwere Street, off Information Drive, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where they reside.

“To put the unfortunate incident in proper perspective, the State Coordinator, NYSC Akwa Ibom State, Chinyere Ekwe in the company of the State Police Commissioner, Olatoye Durosinmi, visited the Corps Members for an on-the-spot assessment.

“While there, it was confirmed that 21 corps members occupy the said property. The interaction with the corps members further revealed that an attack on them was actually carried out by thieves at about 1 am this morning.

“In the process, the invaders took their valuables including phones, laptops and some cash. They confirmed that no bodily harm was meted on them, and no corps member was raped.”

Violent attacks are not only quotidian in the Northern part of the country; the South also suffer from activities of hoodlums and terrorist organisations like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast.

By Engr. Ibrahim Nasidi Saal

An Akwa Ibom State High Court has ordered Polaris Bank to pay a customer N500,000 as damages for the bank’s failure to reverse a failed Point of Sales (POS) transaction within 72 hours as provided by law.

The plaintiff, Idongesit Nwoko, is a civil servant in Akwa Ibom and a Polaris Bank customer. She made a withdrawal of N61,000 via POS on December 24, 2020, but was debited without payment.

Mrs Nwoko said she made several efforts, including several visits to the bank, but the debit was not reversed until after 28 days. Dissatisfied with the way she was treated by the bank, the woman, through her lawyer, Utibe Nwoko, sued Polaris Bank.

Mrs Nwoko asked the court to compel the bank to refund her N61,000. She also asked the court to compel the bank to pay her N100 million as damages and N1 million as cost of her legal action.

Justice Bennett Ilaumo, in her ruling, ordered the bank to pay N500,000 as damages to Mrs Nwoko for failing to reverse the transaction within the 72 hours as provided by the law.

The Defence lawyer Anthony Ebuk, told The daily reality source on Wednesday, that his client would appeal the ruling.

Mr Ebuk, who said the court cannot amend the pleadings of a party in a suit, argued that the plaintiff, in her prayers, asked the court to order the return of her money, pay her damages for her money that ‘was lost’ and pay her the cost of legal action.

He said the plaintiff did not ask for payment of damages for the delayed reversal which the court awarded to her.

He further said that his client returned the said money to the customer’s account within the 16 days allowed by the law for such transactions.

Mr Ebuk said the plaintiff later withdrew the money before approaching the court.

According to Mr Ebuk, the judgment was not based on the pleadings of the party, but on “a total misdirection of fact.”

“The judgment was not the true position of the law. It wasn’t the terms of agreement. There was no hearing in that matter. Everything was totally against the rule of practice and the law.

“The plaintiff tried to withdraw money with a Polaris Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, but she did not go to Polaris Bank. She went to another bank’s POS. Going to another bank’s POS, that bank debited her account from Polaris Bank but did not pay her.

“The law is if you come to Polaris Bank with its bank card it should be reversed immediately or within 24 hours, but when it has to do with a third party bank, you have to file an application before the money is reversed to the owner.

“The law allows for 16 days for the money to be reversed from the day the application was filed.

“The woman was debited on December 24, 2021 but she did not notify the bank until after the Christmas holidays about January 4, 2022. From the day she notified the bank we covered the period and returned her money within the 16 days in line with the law,” Mr Ebuk said.

The spokesperson for Polaris Bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa, described the N500,000 damage as disproportionate compared to the N60,000 that was ‘trapped.’

He said the bank was reviewing the judgment and would take ‘the necessary legal steps’ thereafter.

By Muhammad Sabiu

A National Youth Service Corps Member by the name Sani Umar Yakubu has on Thursday 25th November 2021, or in fulfillment of his community development service commissioned renovated twin toilet facility in Community High School Afaha Obong, Abak Local Government of Akwa Ibom State.

While commissioning the renovated toilets, Umar who hails from Dass Local Government Area of Bauchi State, said the facility represents his contribution to fight against open defecation, citing the United Nations Statistics of over 47 million individuals practicing Open defecation in the country.

He added that the gesture follows a successful sensitizations to about five schools namely: Government Technical College, Abak, Comprehensive Secondary School, Ediene; St. Mary’s Practicing School, Holy Family Secondary Schools, Church of Jesus Christ Atai Otoro, market etc on the negative implications of open defecation.

The corps member, who encourage other corps members to embark on similar project, said that it will ensure development of their host community for legacy during the service year and that the project was executed with support from his sponsors Engr. Inyeneowo Umanah of Lean On ME Nigeria and Muritala Mujjib, a business man in Abak market also commended the support of Elder Umah T. Udiong, principal Community High School Afaha Obong.

While commending the effort, the principal community high school Afaha Obong Elder Umah T. Udiong appreciated the corps member on the project, noting that their students will make adequate use of the facility and ensure cleanliness. “This project comes at a time that I was under pressure to provide a good toilet facility, most especially to the staff of the school.

“When the project manager walked into my office to indicate his interest to renovate the toilet facility, the joy inside me knew no bunds. I still do not understand why he chose this school for this project, given that this is not his place of primary assignment but one thing I know is that God works in a mysterious way”, he said.

The Honorable Commissioner for Education Akwa Ibom State Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet who was represented by Dr Aniete Ikot commended the corps member for his staginess and passion to the service for his fatherland stating that if every corps member is determined to execute a project that will impact their host community positively, the entire country will be a better place.