Double Celebration for the Chancellor

The St John the Baptist Anglican church, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, South-south, Nigeria was the center of attraction last Sunday, as she witnessed the congregation of men and women from all works of life and associations, who all congregated to registered their presence to celebrate with Dame. Bar Helene Egube (JP) and her husband, Dr. (Sir) Emma Egube, who were commemorating the event of her sixtieth birthday and their thirty forth marriage anniversary.

It was indeed a worthy double Celebration that lived up to expectation for the Egubes, as professional colleagues, and associates were all out to honour a woman, whom many regard as a beacon of encouragement to everyone that ever cross her path. Dame. Bar. Helene Egube, a successful legal practitioner, is also the Chancellor of the Diosese of Uyo, Anglican communion, the vice President of the council of Knights, a wife, mother, and many lofty accomplishments and positions in life endeavour is a woman described by many as a diamond that shines in the galaxy. 

The event, which had in attendance the Bishop of Uyo Diosese of the Anglican communion, His Lordship, Bishop: Rt. Rev'd Owen Amos Ukafia (JP), saw the, homily taken by Ven. Dr. John Uzoma PhD, was celebrated by the celebrant, Rev'd. Cannon. (Barr) Zach Nglas, and not forgetting the Vicar, Rev'd Mossy Agu. The event offered a moment of reflection for the Chancellor, who looked back and chronicled the stages of her life journey, and how faithful God has been towards her. 

In expressing her gratitudes to God,she offered herself to the service of ber God and humanity, and urged all who came to celebrate with her to key into the making of a befitting place of worship of the St. John Anglican church, Ikot Ekpene,where she worships a reality. 

Respected members of her profession, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ikot Ekpene chapter, the council of Knights of the Uyo Diosese of the Anglican communion, led by her President, Dr. Carter, The Pharmaceutical body, Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA), members of the St John Anglican church, Ikot Ekpene and many others were all on ground to felicitate with the Dame. 

The fun went on to the reception for item number seven, where documentary of their life and many accomplishments and many more were showcased to entertained educate, inform and encouraged guests, The hallmarks of the day was the cutting of the wedding anniversary and birthday cake.We from IKPNews also join in felicitations, and wish the Dame and Chancellor a happy birthday celebration, and wedding anniversary. We wish her and her family many more fruitful, happy years. Congratulations Ma.

Army Promotion Exam, TRADOC Boss Warn Candidates to Shun Examination Malpractices or face Sanctions

 Army.

Examination President and Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army  (TRADOC NA),  Major General Kevin Aligbe has reiterated zero tolerance to Examination malpractices in the on-going 2024   Lieutenant  to  Captain  Practical Promotion Examination (LCPPE) , holding in  Maxwell Khobe Cantonment,   3  Armoured Division Nigerian  Army Area of Responsibility,  Jos Plateau State. 

General Aligbe made the pronouncement on  Sunday 11 February 2024 during  his address  to the  candidates of 2024 Lieutenant to Captain Practical Promotion Examination (LCPPE )  held at Diamond Hall  Crispan Suites and  Events Centre , Jos Plateau State. 

 He warned the candidates to  shun sharp examination practices pointing out that the  consequencies of such offences is heavy sanction that will alter their progression in the Nigerian Army.  

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 He  reminded the candidates that  the examination  is one of the series of professional military education designed to enhance their proficiency and junior leadership capabilities.  Additionally,  to inculcate the core values of the Nigerian Army on the young officers.  

He disclosed that the examination will  also  test the  discipline and  courage of the young officers  that will define their  career progression in the Nigerian Army. He  added that  the examination is intandem with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja which is "To Tranform Nigerian Army into well trained, Equipped and Highly motivated Force towards achieving its Constitutiinal Responsibilities In a Joint Environment".

General Aligbe assured the candidates of fairness and openness in the conduct of the examination by the Panelists and the Directing Staff. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3  Division and Commander Special Task Force , Operation Safe Haven,  Major General AE Abubakar urged the candidates to put in thier best and maintain decorum and discipline adding that the examination is a catalyst in shaping their career progression, expand knowledge and understanding of various aspects of military Operations that will enhace their performance on the ongoing  counter Terrorism and counter Insurgency Operation across the country.

"Your performance in this examination is crutial for your career development. It become essential that you approach it with utmost seriousness and determination. I have keenly followed your activities in the last couple of days and i see an array of physical fit sulbaltern in the Nigerian Army", he concluded. 

The event was  attended by observers from Army Headquarters , Headquarters,  3 Armoured  Division Nigerian Army, Principal Staff officers from  Headquarters TRADOC, Nigerian Army, Examination Panelists and the Directing Staff for 2024 Lieutenant to Captain Practical Promotion Examination.

This news is from the desk of the deputy director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba

Army Public Relations

Esa Atan, Uruk USO, How sure are we with the quality of Road being Constructed?

When respite eventually came to the people of Uruk USO, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State toward the end of last year, after several years of being threatened and evicted  by gully erosion, as people deserted their ancestral lands and homes, many had heaved a sigh of relief, as the elusive light at the end of the tunnel finally shun from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) intervention program to the people.

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Months after the job had commenced, and almost at its completion stage, many stake holders are begining to expressed concern over the quality of jobs being executed and it's durability. Many fear that the road, which has given the Esa Atan road a befitting face  lift so far may just be one of such haphazardly work of the NDDC, which doesn't usually stand durability and quality test. Yesterday, COREN, the  is the council for the regulation of Engineers in Nigeria was sighted at the sight. And whether they are satisfied so far with the quality of job being carried out by NDDC at Esa Atan or not,it's left for them to come out and assured the people. 

And whether NDDC is carrying out a substandard and shady job or standard and quality job, one thing is sure, and that's the fact that it is no longer going to be business as usual, where individuals would collect government contract, only to abandoned them or execute half and substandard job, only to smile home with so much stolen money and be bragging about as a rich and successful man or woman in their respective communities.  Nigerians are wiser, and they are now involved, and know where to go to table their dissatisfaction in issues bothering oñ public works.

St Columbanus Secondary School, Ikwen @65, School Announced Scholarship and other inscentives for categories of students and referrals.

 NEWS

As St. Columbanus Secondary school, Ikwen, turns 65 this year, The Management of this unique school, in gratitude to God and forebears, marks this attainment by granting more people the privileged and opportunity to study in this seat of wisdom and benefit from her rich heritage in child formation.

 In a press release in the school, the Principal, Rev. FR. Emem Umoren announced a series of Discounts and scholarship opportunities tied to the Entrance Examination coming up on Saturday, 24th February 2024.

The School announced the categories of discounts and scholarship opportunities to include:

1. For the first 50 people to be admitted this year: 

THE VERY FIRST 50 PEOPLE TO GAIN ADMISSION INTO SCOSSI ON 24TH FEBRUARY 2024 WOULD ONLY PAY FOR THE ACCEPTANCE FEE, BUT WOULD WILL BE GIVEN A ONE-TIME DISCOUNT OF 50% OFF BOARDING FEES FOR THE INITIAL TERM.

2. For SCOSSI parents/students who make referrals or bring a new ward; and parents with multiple wards: THEY WILL BE GIVEN A ONE-TIME DISCOUNT, AS  REFERAL/MULTIPLE WARD  BONUS, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF N50,000

3. Scholarships: We have academic and need-based scholarships (Full and Partial) for children - Catholics from Ikot Ekpene diocese and,  non- Catholics and all others, who are financially challenged but who demonstrate exceptional brilliance and are eligible for the offer.  

Yes. It’s too good? But it’s real! Go for it. All the above Discounts and scholarships will be accessed by registering, taking, and passing the Entrance/Qualifying Examination into St. Columbanus Secondary school, Ikwen as follows:

Exam Date: Saturday, 24th February 2024

Time: 9am

Venue: School Premises

Deadline for registration: Saturday, 18th February 2024

Registration is online and by phone. Go online immediately @ www.scossi.sch.ng to register your ward OR Call the school @ 07037809022; 08081920128; 07034195785 for assistance on registration. RUSH NOW AND REGISTER BEFORE THE 18TH FEB DEADLINE‼️

In a related development, the Principal, Rev. FR. EMEM Umoren, used this opportunity to appreciate all who made the THE 2024 SCOSSI OPEN DAY FOR EMERGING STARS (SODES ‘24) A VERY UNIQUE OUTING. WITH 15 NURSERY SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE WIELDING ALMOST 200 PUPILS IN ATTENDANCE , FR. EMEM REPORTED THAT ST COLUMBANUS ACTIVATED THE ‘SCOSSI CHARM’ AND THEREBY CREATED A PLATFORM UNTO STARDOM FOR THE VISITING KIDS WHO OBVIOUSLY DID NOT ONLY ENJOY THEMSELVES BUT WENT HOME WITH SCOSSI AS THEIR DREAM SCHOOL. AT THE END OF THE COMPETITION, HOLY CHILD

INTERNATIONAL NURSERY SCHOOL, IKOT EKPENE EMERGED OVERALL FIRST, AVE MARIA NURSERY SCHOOL, IKWEN CAME SECOND AND MONIKA KINDERGARTEN, IKOT EKPENE CAME THIRD. THE OPEN DAY ENDED WITH A NOVELTY FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN THE AVE MARIA NURSERY SCHOOL GIRLS AND THE JS1 GIRLS OF SCOSSI, WITH SCOSSI SMILING HOME WITH A 1-0 VICTORY. 

Announcing various Admission discounts to pupils who attended and distinguished themselves during the SODES meet, FR. EMEM used that opportunity to advise all parents to explore the gainful possibility of registering their wards in SCOSSI especially with all the juicy incentives available this year.

I have not stepped Down For Akpabio, it is the Turn of Abak Federal Constituency to Produce the Next Senator--- Emman Ekon

 I have not stepped down for Akpabio, it is the Turn of Abak Federal Constituency to Produce the Next Senator, and i am the most qualified. 

The Akwa Ibom West Senatorial candidate for the YPP, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Emman Ekon has come out to debunk the rumor-making round that he has stepped down for Senator Godswil Obot Akpabio of the All Progressive Party (APC) in the ongoing contest for who would represent the senatorial district at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly come 2023 as a Senator.

Rt. Hon. Ekon, who was speaking at the YPP Senate, House of Rep, and State House members’ campaign flagged off last Monday at Eket, unequivocally stated that he hasn’t, and cannot step down for the former Governor and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godwil Akpabio, revealing further that it is the turn of the Abak, Ikah, and Etim Ekpo Federal constituency to produced the next senator representing Ikot Ekpene senatorial district at the Red Chamber, since all the other nine constituencies that made the senatorial district have done so, some even more down twice.

The two-time Green Chamber member further revealed that he is the most experienced and qualified person to clinch the position come next year. Ekon as if echoing what former Minister of Petroleum and elder statesman Chief Don Etiebet posited when he called on Akpabio to jettison his dream for Senate, and allow DIG Ekpoudom, who is of the Abak federal constituency extraction, to go as the federal constituency that hasn’t produced any senator in the ikot Ekpene federal constituency before in a press release over last weekend.

Rt. Hon. Ekon, who didn't hide the fact that Akpabio is his Boss, reiterating that he will not trade his people’s mandate on the platform of  who his boss is. He assured the people of his victory at the poll, and of a better representation.

 

   

Ekem, the Myth, The Rising Star and the Prophecy of our Time

  “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

With everything now in place, Nigeria's electoral history is about giving us yet another new record, as King Ekemini Austine Mbeh defiles all odds and permutations to emerge as the candidate of Nigeria’s oldest federal constituency and number one city in the ongoing electoral contest that would elect new leaders in each category of the country’s political leadership and democracy.

A budding, young and dynamic vibrant star who had to brace himself after losing his father, a political colossus in 2016 at almost his pre-teen age could have given up, and signed off of life goals and pursuit, but eight years after, like a thunder bold shooting out from its prime, Ekem is now the dream, stepping into the shoe of his father, though now a lager shoe than his father left to the consternation of everyone.

In the seemingly difficult to comprehend mystery behind his rise and the history accomplished, many have tried shooting down the star to prevent it from rising and shining. They now describe his confidence and rise as arrogance, pride, and all sorts of hate-induced criticism, jealousy, envy, and the display of some of their family witchcraft trademarks. While they are still trying to unmasked the mystery by denying it reality, I have a warning to these people that can't come to terms with the unfolding of the age but stays criticizing, “Woe betide the man or woman who tries to stand in the way of God’s act at its appointed time!”,

The myth of Ekemini Mbeh’s rising is its invincibility. Ekem is invisible like John Ceener of the world wide wrestling entertainment, the more you look, the less you see. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”Ekem will keep rising and shining to the perfect day. we should all be proud of and identify with this new historical event of our time as people. Most people can't understand the unfolding of this time and Ekem’s place in history, in trying to discredit what they don't just grasp, they conclude that he is arrogant, proud, he is this and that, HOW?

Excuse me, are you his father, how much of Ekem do you know? Ekem was just a young lad blossoming from his parental protection and the custody of his father before death scored a devastating goal against him, a life knock that can make many his age lose completely the contour of life. Since then, the courageous, brave, and onward-looking lad has been in the fiercest battle of keeping up with the durable legacy of his late father, Late Bar. Austine Udoh Mbeh, and you are here churning out reasons untenable just to find loopholes. what do you know about Ekem?

Ekem is the dream, the rising star, the storm in evil men's tea cup.

Ekem is the myth, the rising star, and the prophecy of our time.

#EmbraceIt

Toney Etido is the Publicity Secretary of the Youth Progressive Party (YPP) Obot Akara Chapter, Akwa Ibom State.

Eyes On The Ball, Pitfalls OBA Must Avoid

 YPP as presently constituted is headed by a true man of God, Apostle Nyeneime Andy. OBA must be seen to be walking in the path of justice, equity, and fairness to replicate what the man of God stands for, by so doing, his transducers will be heaping coal of fire on their own heads. OBA must know that it is God, who heard his prayers and secret cries, and has decided to vindicate him by offering him a fresh window to actualize his political ambition by choosing him as a tool for the liberation of Akwa Ibom State and her people.... Toney Etido

All is now set for the 2023 gubernatorial electoral cracker in the oil-rich Akwa Ibom State. All thanks to the Young Progressive Party (YPP) for making it possible for the people’s darling candidate, Sen. Obong Bassey Albert, popularly known as (OBA) to vie for the office of the governor of Akwa Ibom state in next year’s election as against the machinations of some few individuals who wanted to truncate the wish of the majority.

The recently conducted fresh primaries by YPP have put pay to what has all along been rumoured over the months, after Governor Udom decided to play god by imposing his preferred candidate, against Senator Obong Basey Albert, who appears to be the choice of the people.  What this means is that OBA is going to stand election, as the fresh primaries reaffirmed and gave him the legitimate and official platform to stand election in the 2023 governorship contest in Akwa Ibom State, an opportunity he sought, and was ready to pay “above the roof” to secure from his previous party, the PDP, “the acclaimed religion and god of Akwa Ibom State.

Now knowing that he, (OBA) is the desired and preferred choice of the people of Akwa Ibom State, “from top to bottom”, as against the unpopular choice of some few selfish enemies who are only interested in continuing to perpetrate the anti-people and anti-progress policy which they have been practicing, policies and system that have completely rendered our people, paupers. The Senator and governorship hopeful must consciously watch out for and avoid the pitfalls that characterized his former party, the PDP, the party which the people now absorb/detest and are ready to revolt against in the coming Ballot Revolution.

YPP under the leadership of Apostle Nyeneime Andy has Isaiah's 60:2 deliverance mandate for the people of Akwa Ibom State, a mission to tackle the pitfalls of PDP and bring shared prosperity and development to the people of Akwa Ibom State. OBA must acquaint himself with this heavenly vision of the YPP under the custody of Apostle Nyeneime Andy,  the mission to tackle these pitfalls that have plagued our people, over time.

OBA must avoid the usual practice of patronizing party elders and so-called political leaders. Give them their respect, but not at the expense of the people. This set of people in PDP constitutes a bottleneck that has hindered us from growing and developing as a people. These people circumvent justice, fairness, and equity in the polity. They stifle development with their selfishness and greed; they block the flow of government’s responsibility to the people and disrupt the righteous and equitable distribution of opportunities to everyone.

 OBA should know the fact that everyone has one vote and be at peace with himself. OBA must upturn this tide and practice and ensure that every resource meant for the people gets to the people; he should appoint only credible and non-greedy people to oversee, while he establishes a mechanism for periodic evaluation and assessment. He should not just dole out money, or any palliative, or delegate such an assignment to middlemen and think that’s all. OBA should know that some of these so-called “political leaders” he might want to patronize can cause him to lose the election. The fact remains that people who naturally would have wanted to vote for him out of sheer love, some on sympathy grounds could change their minds because of the evil meddling of those political leaders. Some so-called political leaders and “personalities” in some LGs, Wards, and Units are so hated by their people because of how they had shortchanged the people in time past, that the people wouldn’t mind throwing their votes away than to help that greedy politician to succeed.  It should not be lost on him that in the 2023 general election, votes are going to count now.

OBA must avoid the band Wagon effect, where he might be seeking to upset the existing party structure, and substituting the same with “HIS PEOPLE”, for all are now his people. The ones he inherited, and the ones he bigoted. The truth be told, YPP is a party that follows due process, it would, therefore, be ill-advised for him to think with the status quo in favor of “his people” as such action cannot augur well for the party at this crucial stage. YPP as presently constituted is headed by a true man of God, Apostle Andy. OBA must be seen to be walking in the path of justice, equity, and fairness to replicate what the man of God stands for: by doing so, his transducers will be heaping coal of fire on their heads. OBA must know that it is God who heard his prayers and secret cries, and has decided to vindicate him by offering him a fresh window to actualize his political ambition by choosing him as a tool for the liberation of Akwa Ibom State and her people. Strictly street, parallel, top to bottom, should be the designed pattern; using middlemen to filter the people should be systematically avoided at all costs.

Chapter party chairmen and other agents of the party must be compelled to follow suit in driving this new movement of people-centric order by ensuring that whatever is given and earmarked for the people gets to the people. We must start telling ourselves the truth, shunning deceits, lies, immediate gratification, cheating, stealing, and oppression. We must show our people by our behaviors, sincere words, and actions that we would truly and most definitely, lookout after them. We must not derail from the love of God, love for our neighbors, and of course, love for ourselves.  We must all do this to succeed.

OBA must watch out for these things!

Toney Etido is the Publicity Secretary, Young Progressive Party (YPP), Obot Akara Chapter.