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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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Governor Umo Eno Dissolves Akwa Ibom State Executive Council

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah.

The dissolution affects all commissioners and special advisers, who are instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. In ministries lacking permanent secretaries, the most senior director is to assume responsibility.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the outgoing council members for their service and contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Eno inherited the executive council members from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, nearly 19 months ago.

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PDP Welcomes Founding Fathers Back to Party in Akwa Ibom State

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the return of two prominent founding members, Chief Edet Isong and Prince Emmanuel Isong, to the party.

The Ward 2 branch of the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko formally welcomed the returnees at a grand ceremony in Uyo, marking their reintegration into the party.

Chief Edet Isong, a former Transition Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko, expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the PDP, describing it as “coming back home to contribute, support, and work for my family, the PDP.” He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership and the state’s developmental strides, citing projects like the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as evidence of progress under the administration.

Prince Emmanuel Isong, a retired Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also returned to the PDP, bolstering the party’s presence in Ward 2 and the Urue-Offong/Oruko community.

The Deputy Ward Chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Unanaonwi, expressed joy at the return of the two stalwarts, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the party and community. “Their return is a big win for our party,” she noted.

Goodwill messages flowed from stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Amah, Chief Daniel Afiakurue, and Comrade Clement Walter, who celebrated the reunion as a significant boost for the PDP.

Chief Isong, previously affiliated with the Young People’s Party (YPP) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his decision was influenced by the steadfast leadership in the PDP and Governor Umo Eno’s people-focused agenda.

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko, as members expressed optimism about the party’s future strengthened by the return of its founding fathers.

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Akwa Ibom PDP Declares Governor Umo Eno Sole Candidate for 2027 Governorship Election

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Governor Umo Eno as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, despite the general election being over two years away.

The decision, announced at the PDP Enlarged State Executive Council Meeting on 6 January 2025, was formalized in a communiqué signed by the party’s state chairperson, Aniekan Akpan. The party cited Governor Eno’s “outstanding performance” and “exemplary leadership” under his Arise Agenda as reasons for the endorsement.

“His vision has delivered significant dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom State,” the communiqué stated.

This move effectively excludes other aspirants within the party, consolidating Governor Eno’s position as the PDP’s flagbearer in a state that has remained a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Governor Eno, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, dissolved his cabinet hours before visiting the PDP state secretariat in Uyo on Saturday.

With opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress currently weak in the state, Governor Eno appears well-positioned for a second term in 2027.

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