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National Geographic Explorer and Basic Right Counsel Initiative Advocate for Psychosocial Support for Witchcraft Branding Survivors in Cross River, Akwa Ibom States

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Etinosa Yyvone, a National Geographic explorer and documentary photographer, along with the Basic Right Counsel Initiative (BRCI), have jointly called for immediate psychosocial support for survivors of witchcraft branding in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

This appeal was made during a multimedia art exhibition, “It’s All In My Head,” held at the National Museum in Calabar from November 8 to 14. The exhibition showcased stories of survivors and victims, emphasizing the urgent need for measures to address this issue in the two pilot states.

The project, spearheaded by Yyvone, focused on examining the mental health impact of false accusations of witchcraft on children, women, and elderly individuals in society. The groups emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts among relevant authorities, mental health professionals, and the public to establish accessible and comprehensive support networks. They stressed the importance of creating a safe space for survivors to share their experiences, heal, and rebuild their lives.

The recommended psycho-social support programs include survivor-centered care, encompassing counseling, trauma-informed therapy, and community support networks. Yyvone highlighted her research, revealing that Cross River has the highest incidence of witchcraft branding in the country, prompting the need for awareness through art exhibitions.

Yyvone explained that survivors often endure severe emotional trauma, leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She urged the Cross River State government to enforce laws that punish perpetrators of witchcraft hunts and emphasized the importance of education to prevent such incidents.

James Ibor, co-founder of BRCI and an activist in Cross River, commended the project as a step in the right direction, expressing optimism that it would contribute to justice for the deprived individuals affected by false accusations of witchcraft.

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18-storey Ibom Towers ready in 24 months – AKSG

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…SANWO-OLU, ATTAH, OBA EULOGISE PROJECT

As measures towards economic diversification, Akwa Ibom State Government has flagged off an 18-storey Ibom Towers, today, in Lagos with a promise that the project will be completed in 24 months.

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo- Olu, to the admiration of former Akwa Ibom Governors, Udom Emmanuel and Obong Victor Attah, among eminent Nigerians.

The project expected to drive substantial revenue and GDP growth for both states, providing much-needed economic diversification amid Nigeria’s current financial challenges.

Governor Umo Eno explained that the project was meant to generate income and create job opportunities for the State.

“Anytime leaders invest in forward-looking projects like this, there are challenges,but a leader must look into the future.”

“With Ibom Towers, both Akwa Ibom and Lagos are demonstrating how unity and vision can drive prosperity, marking a new era of economic innovation amid national economic downturn”.

He further expressed gratitude for the partnership and his ties to Lagos, underscoring that the project represents the power of bipartisanship.

“This is the essence of bipartisanship; it should not be coloured by political affiliations,” he noted.

Governor Eno expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was once the Governor of Lagos State for his significant contributions to the development of Lagos, emphasising the importance of patience during this period of reforms in Nigeria.

“These changes may be painstaking, but they will bear fruit,” he assured.

Located in the heart of Victoria Island, Ibom Towers will serve as an iconic structure aimed at boosting investments and economic ties, directly benefiting Lagos and Akwa Ibom.

Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the development, highlighting Lagos’ longstanding role as Nigeria’s centre for commerce.

He remarked, “I look forward to seeing this relationship deepen, and who knows, maybe I’ll also invest in an oil well in Akwa Ibom,” adding a light-hearted touch that underscored the states’ shared economic aspirations.

The Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP),Imo-Abasi Jacob, provided a detailed overview of Ibom Towers, describing it as a premium project designed to attract urban professionals.

“Featuring upscale apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology, the tower will serve as both a luxury residence and a revenue generator, with income from property leases and tourism expected to enhance GDP growth for both states”, Pastor Jacob said.

In their separate goodwill messages, leaders from both states celebrated the impact of Ibom Towers on revenue and employment.

The Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, expressed satisfaction in the project, assuring his support and seeing it as a legacy of Lagos-Akwa Ibom cooperation.

Similarly, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, stressed the value of the initiative in uplifting Akwa Ibom’s profile internationally and encouraged the involvement of young engineers from the state to gain hands-on experience.

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, pledged legislative support, asserting that landmark projects like Ibom Towers elevate Akwa Ibom’s standing nationally.

Former Governor, Obong Victor Attah commended the achievement, viewing it as the realisation of a vision to make Akwa Ibom a key player in real estate and economic growth. “This project represents the fulfillment of long-held aspirations for our state’s prosperity,” he said.

The Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah who said the tone for the event, said the State has been blessed with good leaders, adding that Governor Eno is expanding on the legacies of his predecessors.

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Bandits Kill Four Farmers in Isa Local Government Area

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Suspected bandits have reportedly killed four farmers in the Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with several others still unaccounted for.

The incident occurred at Maridi village around 8 a.m. on Monday, as confirmed by local resident Surajo Isa. He stated that the farmers were ambushed while en route to their fields. “The bandits laid in wait for them, slaughtering four and abducting another four. Some individuals are still missing, and we do not know if they fled into the bush or were also kidnapped,” Isa explained.

He added that two of the deceased farmers were buried the same morning, with preparations underway for the burial of the remaining two. Isa also recounted a previous attack, in which bandits shot two community members—a father and son—last week. The son died instantly, while the father is currently recovering in the hospital.

Alhaji Sharifu Kamarawa, the chairman of the Isa Local Government Area, confirmed the attack to reporters.

When approached for comment, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, spokesman for the Sokoto Police Command, stated that he had not yet been briefed on the incident but promised to reach out to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area. However, no further updates were provided by the time of this report.

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Akwa Ibom State Launches ‘Ibom Utility’ Power Distribution Company Under New Electricity Act

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In a strategic move following the new Electricity Act 2023, Akwa Ibom State has established its own power distribution company, named Ibom Utility.

This company is mandated to purchase and distribute electricity throughout the state.

This development comes on the heels of Enugu State’s recent establishment of a similar distribution company, marking a significant shift in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as it transitions into a new market regime focused on bilateral trading and cost-reflective tariffs.

According to a senior source at Ibom Power, one of Nigeria’s first Independent Power Plants (IPPs), the establishment of Ibom Utility will allow it to compete directly with the Port Harcourt Distribution Company (PHDC), which currently serves Akwa Ibom as well as Rivers, Cross River, and Bayelsa states.

“The new Electricity Act has given us the opportunity to sell our power to other distribution companies. One of the challenges we face is that the existing distribution company often does not take sufficient load. With the establishment of Ibom Utility, if PHDC fails to meet its obligations, our state company can step in to manage the load,” the source explained.

Additionally, the new Electricity Act has positioned Ibom Power to engage in bilateral agreements with nearby distribution companies, including Edo, Ibadan, and Eko, to offtake its available generation capacity of approximately 150 megawatts. This strategic move aims to enhance electricity distribution and reliability in Akwa Ibom State.

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