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Oil-Rich Ibeno Community Laments Environmental Degradation and Loss of Livelihoods

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For the people of Ibeno, an oil-rich local government area in Akwa Ibom State, the promise of prosperity that came with the discovery of crude oil has turned into a nightmare due to the exploitative activities of oil companies.

The primary occupations of Ibeno people, farming and fishing, are on the verge of extinction due to persistent oil spills in their communities.

Before the arrival of oil companies decades ago, Ibeno was a land of abundance, with fertile soil and teeming aquatic life in its waters. Clean water sources, abundant food, and thriving farming and fishing activities characterized the community.

However, the arrival of oil companies, which promised development and prosperity, has turned out to be a poisoned chalice for the people of Ibeno. The effects of oil spills have left their land infertile and their waters toxic, making farming and fishing nearly impossible.

Chief Thomas Atanwa, Chairman of Okoro-Utip village council, vividly remembers the prosperous days when food and fish were abundant. He expressed deep regret over the current state of Ibeno, where clean water is scarce, soil is infertile, and traditional livelihoods are vanishing.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ifum, Women Leader of Opolum Community, echoed these sentiments, recalling a time when she only needed to buy salt and seasoning cubes, as everything else was available from her farm and the river. Today, she laments the scarcity of fish and other food sources.

Fishermen like Elijah Abraham have abandoned their once-thriving trade due to diminishing fish populations. Despite substantial investments in fuel and effort, their catch is meager and often insufficient to cover costs.

Pastor AbasiUbong John, a farmer in the community, revealed that the presence of oil spills in his farm has rendered his cassava plants unproductive for over a year.

The people of Ibeno have also lost ancestral lands to government land grabs, with promised industrial developments failing to materialize. Land intended for projects like a refinery, skill acquisition centers, and schools has been taken over but left abandoned.

The situation in Ibeno reflects a dire need for environmental and economic intervention. The government’s role in facilitating sustainable development and addressing the adverse effects of oil exploration cannot be overstated.

In response to these challenges, environmental organizations like the Health Of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) are working to advocate for the rights and well-being of communities affected by extractive industries. They aim to bridge the gap between grassroots needs and government policies.

In the face of environmental degradation and livelihood loss, the people of Ibeno hope for justice, support, and a brighter future.

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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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