A Philanthropist @ 60

Many people have defined philanthropy in different ways and  some according to their understanding and testimonies. For instance, Timothy Pina in one of his quotes said that "Philanthropy is not about money, it’s about feeling the pain of others and caring enough about their needs to help.”

The best synonym for philanthropy, according my research, is Engr. Meyen Etukudo.

Engr. Meyen Etukudo can easily be defined  as an altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement manifested by donations of money, property or work to persons in need, by endowment of institutions of learning and hospitals, and by generosity to other socially useful purposes.

Until his elevation, I was forced to limit my horizon to a popular deceitful quote of "Charity begins at home", but he changed the narrative and successfully redefined life and leadership by confirming the thought of Warren Buffet who said "...If you’re in the luckiest 1% of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99%.”

Through his magnanimity, Village Halls in the five Villages of Ukpum Minya Ward 3 have been revamped. He has generously and graciously repaired public Schools in Mkpat Enin local government area, provided Borehole Water to Villages, electricity to mention but a few.

In the area of education, Engr Meyen Etukudo has fixed and equipped Libraries in few Secondary Schools in Mkpat Enin as well as sponsoring numerous Students in and outside his locality in Degree and Postgraduate Degree programmes.


Evidentially , Engr Etukudo was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth but has struggled to reposition individuals, families and communities to breed children with wealthy background.

I am deeply sorry for singing your praises and telling the public how good you have been. It's against your philosophy but it is said, that philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by mankind. Sir, I don't value the Sun for its height, but for its use.

Philanthropic gesture is just a little part of him. Physically, spiritually and otherwise, he is very useful to humanity.

Today, on behalf of my amiable family and The Eyes Newspaper Crew, I celebrate the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Power & MD Ibom Power Company, Engr Meyen Etukudo FNSE FNATE FNIPE as he clocks 60 on Earth.

Sir, your 60 years on earth has been useful, beneficial, profitable, enchanting, enthusiastic, great and beautiful. I pray you live more to see the world of your dream, Amen.

My Advice to Leaders and Political Office holders :

'No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” Charles Dickens

“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Life is a gift, and it offers the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. Anonymous

 “Philanthropy is not about money. It’s about using whatever resources you have at your fingertips and applying them to improving the world.” Melina Gates

“Philanthropic innovation is not just about creating something new. It also means applying new thinking to old problems, processes, and systems.” Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen

May this definations inspire you to live a philanthropic life.

Happy 60th birthday to Engr. Meyen Etukudo FNSE FNATE FNIPE.

Ibom Power MD, Meyen Etukudo Thanks God for his 4th year in A'Ibom

'Political Parties have failed in their core mandates' - Igini says ...As IPAC holds first General Assembly Meeting

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Mike Igini has listed poor voters' education, untraceable party Secretariats and gender insensitivity as major problems militating against the cordial relationship between Political Parties and INEC in the State.

Mr Igini stated this during the General Assembly Meeting of Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) held at INEC Headquarters, Uyo, weekend.

He mentioned that Political Parties have failed in the area of voters' education which according to him, is one of the duties of the party as they are rooted in the grassroots.

The INEC Commissioner who was represented by the Administrative Secretary of the Commission, Mr Anthony Patta, expressed worry over the inabilities of Political Parties to secure traceable Party Secretariats at the State Capital, stressing that the gesture has caused ineffective communication between INEC and Political Parties in the State.

Mr Igini while describing Political Parties as critical Stakeholders who has major roles to play in the development of the State, urged them to aggregate their party manifestoes into the development of the State, as well as supporting governance for peace and unity.

In his welcome speech, the State Chairman of IPAC, Pastor Ekomobong Akpan thanked the party Chairmen for their support and cooperation toward the success of his administration in the last one year.

He applauded the INEC REC who according to him has walked the talk during the election, by delivering on his preelection promises he made to Political Parties and other Stakeholders.

The IPAC Chairman mentioned some his administration achievements to include acquisition of a befitting State Secretariat for IPAC, reconciliation of intra and Inter-Party crises as well as conducting credible and violence free elections in collaboration with INEC, amongst others.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the IPAC Publicity Secretary, Rev Aniebiet Emmanuel said that the General Assembly Meeting was a way of bringing all the State Chairmen together after the 2019 elections.

He expressed joy that non of their members lose life during and after the Electoral process, thanking God for his faithfulness and love for the State.

Rev Emmanuel warned aggrieved person who felt dissatisfied about the outcome of the 2019 election results to approach the Court rather than distracting government from delivering dividends of democracy to the teaming populace.

Money laundering: EFCC arraigns Atiku’s son-in-law

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Abdullahi Babalele, son-in-law of Atiku Abubakar, for allegedly laundering $140,000 in the build up to the 2019 general election.

Uyiekpen Osagie-Giwa, Atiku’s lawyer, was also arraigned for allegedly laundering $2 million in connection with the elections.

The duo were arraigned before the federal high court in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Osagie and Babalele were arrested after they honoured an invitation of the anti-graft agency in Lagos on Thursday.

The EFCC had said Osagie made a payment of $2 million without going through any financial institution.

The anti-graft agency said the amount exceeded what is authorised by law.

Osita Chidoka, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, had accused the EFCC of frustrating Osagie and Babalele by inviting them shortly before the August 12 and August 13 public holidays for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Chidoka had asked why the agency invited them and asked him to wait till after the holidays.

“A Govt Agency arrests you for laundering your money, grants bail, seizes your passport and ask you to report regularly,” Chidoka had written on Facebook.

“Decides to charge you to court. Invites you on a Friday, aware Mon & Tues are holidays, detains you to wait for Wednesday. Why the wickedness? Why dehumanize?”

Gov. Babagana donates Sambisa forest for RUGA Settlement

Professor Babagana Umara, Governor of Borno State

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara, has donated some parts of the enclave of the Boko Haram, Sambisa forest, for the controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) programme.

The governor also mobilised the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Agro Rangers and hunters to secure the large expanse of the forest and make it safe for the scheme.

The allocated area (forest) covers six council areas of Konduga, Bama, Gwoza, Chibok, Damboa and Askira/Uba.

The governor made the decision public last Monday when he hosted the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Garbai El-Kanemi, who paid him Sallah homage.

He said the deployment of agro rangers, vigilantes and hunters are to protect farmers and herders in their respective communities.

Umara told the monarch that the state government would also deploy an Emergency Rapid Response Team (ERRT), comprising of security personnel, to protect commuters and rural dwellers against Boko Haram insurgents and bandits.

According to the governor, “This administration is determined to strengthen the security architecture to encourage farming and herding activities across the state.

“We’re also distributing 80 patrol vehicles to the response team so that farmers, herders and commuters could move as well as travel within a radius of 30-40 kilometres of Maiduguri metropolis.”

Umaru said the security response team, comprises 500 troops and hunters that know the terrain of the forest.

On RUGA implementation, he said: “About 75 trained agro rangers and 300 hunters will also be mobilised next week to enable farmers cultivate their farmlands that were prevented by terrorists’ activities.

“The state government is determined to address the root causes of insurgency through improved security; fight against drug abuse and enhance food security with increased job creation among unemployed youths.”

He revealed that the state government had also embarked on vegetation and bush clearance of 187-kilometre Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road, noting that the exercise would ensure safety of travelers and motorists to ease movements of goods and services in the state.

The governor also directed the immediate demolition of illegal structures in the metropolis, adding that the structures are suspected to be used by prostitutes and illicit drug dealers, and must be checked to sanitise the state capital.

In his response, the monarch, who commended the governor, called for an effective security measures along with the demolition of illegal hotels in Maiduguri.

INEC REC In Cross River Resigns, Joins APC

 

*To Contest Bayelsa Governorship Election

Frankland Briyai, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River, has resigned his appointment to contest the November 16 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state.

Briyai, a native of Bayelsa, had announced in June that he might contest in the election due to “pressure” from his people.

Briyai announced his resignation and made his intentions known on Thursday while addressing journalists at the INEC headquarters in Calabar, Cross River capital.

He disclosed that he would be contesting the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“On Saturday, the 21st of July, 2019, a mammoth crowd of Bayelsans held a peaceful rally in Yenagoa, calling my humble self to contest the November 16, 2019 gubernatorial election,” Briyai said.

“I was called upon by my people; my people believe in my ability and capacity to lead. They are impressed and also believe that I have what it takes to take Bayelsa and its people to a higher ground and next level.

“They understand that I can bring back the lost glory of the state; I have to answer the clarion call by resigning today the 8th of August so that I can formerly go back to Bayelsa and register as a party member.

“I am progressive. I believe in being pragmatic and proactive and I want to contest for the governorship position under APC in Bayelsa state. The people of Bayelsa are more interested in the integrity and character of the person. My people have grown and they are now after men with credibility, with capacity.

“All politicians are not dirty; there are still many honest person involved in politics. We have a master plan that will ensure that all graduates who are from Bayelsa become gainfully employed.

“Youth restiveness will become a thing of the past; we will take young people off the streets. We have plans for agriculture, ICT and other skill and profession and a lot more. We urge the youths to eschew violence and thuggery. But when you eliminate idleness, restiveness will automatically stop.”

The development comes six days after Attahiru Jega, former INEC chairman, announced that he had joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Ibom Specialist Hospital gets new Management

-Slashes Prices of Services

Following the appointment of Professor Emmanuel Eyo Ekanem as the new Chief Medical Director,CMD, of Ibom Specialist Hospital, new management team has begun in earnest the running of the hospital.

In a release signed by the management and made available to newsmen, the new CMD assured His Excellency, the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the Global Community that international best practices and best global standards will be rapidly and sustainable attained.

The management listed services available in their bouquet to include: 24 hours Accident and Emergency Service, Specialized Outpatient Services, Dialysis Services , Gynecology, Antenatal and Obstetrics services, Neuro-Surgical and other surgical services, Physiotherapy.

 

The hospital added that laboratory and other investigational services have also resumed including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) X-Ray, Ultrasound, revealing that 640 slice CT scan will resume soon.

The management revealed that charges on all service have been drastically reduced to reflect present economic realities and enhance access.

The hospital said  with direct flight easily obtainable from Lagos, Abuja to Uyo by Ibom Air, services can be easily accessed, and urged Nigerians and global communities to make use of the state of the art equipment in the hospital.

A'Ibom 2020 Budget set for Approval Dec 2019

.As Govt Inaugurates 11 Man MTEF Committee 

Michael Ufot

The 2020 Budget of Akwa Ibom State government may get approval of the State Assembly between November and December this year, The Eyes Newspaper authoritatively gathered.

This was made known by the Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon during the Inauguration of the 2020 Capital Estimates/2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) Bilateral Discission Coordination Committee held at the Ministry Conference Room, Uyo on Monday.

Inaugurating the 11 man Committee, Mr Okon mentioned that the 2020 Budget will concentrate on the citizens' immediate needs as research will be carried out on the basic needs of both the citizens, Stakeholders and major players before finalising on the 2020 Budget.

His word, "we have to follow the dateline set for the preparation of the Budget. We are targeting November or latest December 2019 for the approval of the 2020 Budget by the State House of Assembly, hence we have to put our very best to get the best result."

"The issue of budgetting is taking a new dimension. The budgeting process is no more seen as a ritual. Stakeholders, beneficiaries of the Budget are expected to be carried along in every stage in budgeting preparation. The 2020 Budget will take care of their immediate needs ." He added.

The Commissioner who is the Chairman of the Budget Committee, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for his commitment to transparency and accountability in the business of governance in the State, reiterating that citizens in the State must be fully involved in the budgeting process in line with international best practices and best global standards.

Expatiating on the numerous benefits of the "2020 Citizens Budget", Mr Okon said that $3m is readily available for State government that would adhere to the Citizens' Budget process a published same, disclosing that some States in Nigeria has long embarked on the implementation of the Budget.

Members of the committee are:

Mr Akan Okon- Chairman

Mr Linus Nkan

Dr Glory Edet

Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien

Mr Effiong Ekpenyong perm sec

Budget officer Mr Otu Asuquo

Mrs Enobong Okpongpong - Dir Economic planning

Dir of Statistics - Mr Peter Akpan

Dr Mrs Uduak Ekong- Head, Int'l Corporation

Mrs Idongesit Asuquo (Economic planning) Member/Secretary

FG: Why New Minimum Wage Implementation Is Delayed

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita has described as unrealistic the percentage increase being demanded by workers’ representatives in the Joint National Public Negotiation Council (JNPNC).

The HoCSF blamed the delay in the payment of the 30,000 new minimum wage to workers of the payroll of the Federal Government on the rejection of the staggered increment being proposed by the federal team.

She feared the kickoff in the payment might be delayed further if senior civil servants refuse to back down on their demand.

President Muhammadu Buhari directed the implementation of the new wage for civil servants, earning below N30, 000 before the signing of the minimum wage bill into law on April 18.

Negotiation between the Federal Government and the JNPNC broke down two weeks ago because of differences in the method to adopt for the consequential adjustment for civil servants on grade level seven and above.

The federal team in the technical committee is proposing 9.5 per cent increase for workers on levels 07 to 14 and five per cent for those on levels 15 to 17 but labour is demanding a 30 per cent salary increase for workers on levels 07 to 14 and 25 per cent for workers on levels 15 to 17.

Mrs. Oyo-Ita said in Abuja yesterday that the President Buhari-led government remained committed to the implementation of the new minimum wage

Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Monday, that HoCSF urged Labour to review its demands.

She said: “President Buhari is keen on the implementation of new minimum wage and that is why the committee set up on the consequential adjustment arising from the new minimum wage has been meeting unions within Labour unions and public service to arrive at a consequential adjustment.

“There were a few, not very realistic demands, from the unions and so as not to continue delaying the implementation of the well thought out and dear policy of the President, we have to go ahead and seek his approval for the implementation while we continue discussion on the consequential adjustment.”

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the umbrella body for senior civil servants has said that its members would not accept the government circular on the implementation.

It insisted that it will be left with no choice than to call its members out on a national strike if the government failed to meet their demand.

God's blessings is never grouped - Pastor Ibout

....Set Tone for  New Beginning

The Special Adviser Bureau of Political, Legislative Affairs Pst. (Hon) Sunny Ibuot interacting with the Staff of the Bureau in a meeting charged the staff to sit-up and work diligently for the betterment of the Bureau, he added that they should not follow bad example but emulate good characters and attitudes for it is the seed that we sow that we shall reap in due process.
In his speech he said 'God does not bless in group, He bless individualy according to the works of your hands - Sunny Ibuot.

He further state that with commitment and dedication to duties the Bureau will be reinvented and it shall be a watered garden for all.

The Permanent Secretary Mr. Nse Edem in his speech captured the scripture from the book of Heb. 13:17, which emphasized on the need to obey those who are in authority. He added that this is a new era which call for change in character and turning a new live in other to achieve the set goals of the Bureau.

Nsidibe Edet an area officer who responded express happiness for the reappointment of the Special Adviser and pledge for commitment towards the success and betterment of the Bureau.

The Director of Admin Mr Sam Umiom, thank all the management staff and the entire staff for their effort and support in making the meeting a success.

Comedian in court over alleged rape

 by Agency Reporter

 

 July 16, 2019

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A 24-year-old comedian, Iyanuloluwa Adejumobi, on Tuesday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly raping a woman.

However, when the case was mentioned, Magistrate B.O Osunsanmi, did not take the plea of Adejumobi, 26, who lives at Abesan Estate, Lagos.

Osunsanmi, however, following the defendant’s claim of being in court because of an ”amorous relationship gone sour with the complainant”, admitted the comedian to bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate ordered that one of the sureties must own landed property in Lagos and both must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She directed the police to forward the case file to the office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice and subsequently adjourned the case until Aug. 25 for mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 3 at his residence.

He said that the defendant allegedly lured the woman into his room on the pretext that his father had seen a vision regarding her and wished to see her.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendant beat up the complainant and raped her.

He said the case was reported at the police station and the comedian was arrested.

The offence, the prosecutor said, contravened the provisions of Section 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes life imprisonment for rape.

(NAN)

June 12: ‘Lots of what Abiola stood for yet to manifest in polity’ Agency Reporter Agency Reporter June 12, 2019

FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedInWThe Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW) on Wednesday in Lagos described President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration and celebration of June 12 as “Democracy Day” as a new dawn of hope.

The youth group, however, said that a lot of what Abiola stood for as a distinct democrat had yet to be manifested in the polity.

in a statement issued by its Founder and President, Aremo Oladotun Hassan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari on Monday signed into law the Public Holiday (Amendment) Bill which accommodates June 12 as the new Nigeria’s Democracy Day, replacing May 29.

Buhari had earlier on June 6, 2018, declared that June 12 would be the new Democracy Day.

The date is in commemoration of the presidential election of June 12, 1993, presumed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola.

The election, adjudged to be Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was, however, annulled by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida-led military administration.

Hassan said: “The celebration is a clarion call for sober reflection, that if we can jointly unite to achieve June 12 recognition as our National Democracy Day in Nigeria, then we can surmount all our ailing plights peacefully and unitedly.

“However, we must use this rear occasion of opportunity to examine how far we have progressed as a nation, for lots of what MKO Abiola stood for as a distinct democrat have yet to be manifested in the polity.

“He stood for social justice rights, democratic ethos, absolute welfare and rule of law, hence, the need for all our present and future politicians to learn from his fountain of deep-rooted knowledge and vision of administration intuitiveness and genuine heart of service.

“This we believe if half of his manifestoe and vision is rekindled and implemented by the Mohammadu Buhari-led government and all our new state governors, alongside the national and states legislative houses, then Nigerians will be better beneficiaries.”

According to him, such implementation will go a long way to immortalise Abiola in the heart of many beyond being the conferred Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

Hassan, a legal practitioner, urged government at all levels to think the people first in their policies and decisions.

He said that the rights and expectations of Nigerians must be granted and fulfilled in the areas of insecurity which, he noted had now become a big monster that needed permanent solution.

The youth leader advised the government to prioritise food security, welfare, rule of law, separation of powers and even infrastructure development.

Hassan called for the enactment of a new people’s National and Regional Constitution(s) to address Nigeria’s teething problems.

“MKO Abiola is a lover of education. He gave the highest scholarship grants to the needy and best performing students in his life time.

“This precipitates our demand from President Buhari to prioritise the declaration of state of emergency on the passage of an Executive Order on the Educational Rights Law and onward implementation of the 30 per cent budgetary allocation to the education sector at all levels of governments.

“Abiola was a farmer, so we must emulate his Hope 93′ vision on Agriculture and abundant food for all, hence, our appeal on the Establishment of National/Zonal and State Agricultural Development Commissions,” he said.

Hassan added that the fight for June 12 as Democracy Day would be meaningless without reform to Electoral Law.

According to him, to immortalise MKO Abiola as African pillar of Sport, sporting activities must be reviewed and transformed through adequate funding for youths engagement.

NAN