Enormous FACTS

MEET THE NEW CEO, SEPLAT ENERGY PLC, EFFIONG OKON


Effiong Okon joined Seplat in 2018 as Executive/Operations Director during which he was accountable for the company operational performance and championed several business improvement initiatives geared towards operational excellence.

He was appointed Director New Energy in July 2022 to drive growth in midstream gas business, develop the new power business using gas and renewable energy, thereby displacing diesel/petrol electricity sources, these are strategic initiatives for delivering the energy transition. .

Effy who started his career as a Petroleum Reservoir Engineer in 1992 with Shell, has over 32 years extensive experience in the upstream, integrated oil and gas operations across Africa, Europe, USA, Middle East, and Nigeria.

His experience spans across all aspects of the Exploration & Production business including Safety, Strategy, Leadership, Petroleum Engineering, Exploration, Front End Development Studies, Project Ex*****on, Operational Excellence, Production, Cost Leadership, Field Development, Full Life Cycle Management of Complex Oil and Gas Assets (Upstream and Midstream), Onshore and Offshore, diverse geographies and cultures, successfully leading multi-disciplinary teams, leading change, and innovation. Leadership roles held in Shell (Nigeria and International) include Chief Reservoir Engineer, Deputy Vice President Technical, GM Offshore Assets, GM Deepwater Production and VP Cost Leadership and Continuous Improvement.

Effy is Alumni of University of Benin, Nigeria, IMD Business School, Lausanne, Switzerland and Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He is a Member of The Society of Petroleum Engineer (SPE) and Fellow Nigeria Society of Engineers (FNSE).

IBOM DEEP SEAPORT COMMITTEE RETURNS FROM FRANCE, VISITS PROJECT SITE

The Akwa Ibom State Government is steadily advancing with prospective partners toward full commencement of the Ibom Deep Seaport project.

Yesterday, the Technical Committee led by Chairperson, Barr. Mfon Ekong Usoro, visited the port area alongside the Master Planners, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, and the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga. The visit focused on accessibility plans in view of the projected traffic to the proposed port.

The session began at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Works, Uyo, before the team moved to Unyenge and neighbouring communities for an on-the-spot assessment of progress.

Also on the tour were former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Member of the Technical Committee; Mr. Rabah Ait Ali, Principal Consultant, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, Master Planners of IDSP; and Engr. Prof. Akaninyene Ekong, SSA Projects to the Governor/Director of Projects, Technical Committee.

The Commissioner for Works, his Permanent Secretary, directors of the Ministry, Managing Director of Amitec Construction, Engr. Aiman Samua, and aides of the Governor, Dr. Essien Ndueso and Engr. Solomon Eyo, were also part of the inspection.

This follows a high-level technical session last weekend in Paris, France, between Governor Umo Eno, the Ibom Deep Seaport Implementation Committee, and Africa Global Logistics, AGL Group.

MORE FOR GOD

"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more." - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NIV)

As believers, God never calls us into spiritual stagnation. No matter how far we have come in our walk with Him, there is always a deeper place of devotion, surrender, and service. The Apostle Paul commended the Thessalonian believers for living lives that pleased God, yet encouraged them to abound even more. This remains God's desire for us today.

The Christian life is a journey of continual growth. More worship, more prayer, more obedience, more love, and more commitment to God's purpose should characterize our daily walk. Every act of faithfulness, every sacrifice made for His kingdom, and every soul reached for Christ is precious in His sight. Truly, our labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Do not settle for spiritual convenience. Yield yourself afresh to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to deepen your passion for God. As you give Him more of your heart, He will reveal more of His grace, power, and glory in your life.

Be Enormous!

In 1871, a child was born who would one day leave the world speechless, not through tragedy, but through triumph.

Prince Randian came into the world with Tetra-Amelia Syndrome, a rare congenital condition that meant he had no arms and no legs. In an era when people with disabilities were largely hidden from public life, quietly tucked away from the eyes of society, the odds against him were staggering. Most people who heard of his condition assumed his story was already written, and that it was a short one.

They were wrong.

Randian refused to accept the narrative the world had prepared for him. With nothing but his mouth, his shoulders, and a will that defied every expectation, he taught himself to write, to paint, to shave himself, and to roll and light a cigarette, unaided and unhurried. Each skill was not merely a personal achievement. It was a quiet, deliberate argument against every assumption ever made about him.

Word spread. Audiences came. And then the world took notice.

In 1932, Prince Randian appeared in the now-legendary film Freaks, and delivered what became one of cinema's most unforgettable moments. Before a live camera, with no assistance, no special effects, and no tricks, he calmly rolled a cigarette using only his mouth and lit it himself. The audience sat in stunned silence, not out of pity, but out of pure, undeniable awe.

Yet the stage was never the full measure of the man.

Behind the performances and the applause was a life richly and deliberately lived. Prince Randian fell in love, married, and raised children. He crossed borders, performed internationally, and carried himself with a dignity that commanded respect in every room he entered.

More than a century after his birth, his story endures because it dismantles one of humanity's most stubborn assumptions: that the body sets the ceiling on human potential.

For Prince Randian, it did not.

He turned curiosity into admiration, obstacles into achievements, and a condition the world thought would define him into just one chapter of a far greater story. He is not remembered as "The Human Caterpillar," the stage name that once followed him.

He is remembered as a man who proved, with quiet and unshakeable resolve, that resilience does not live in the limbs. It lives in the will, the fierce, unbreakable will to keep moving forward, no matter what life withholds.

2,000 NEW TEACHERS; 2,000 REASONS TO HOPE : GOVERNOR UMO ENO'S MASS RECRUITMENT REVITALISES AKWA IBOM'S CLASSROOMS
(Series 092)

By Emmanuel Ndon

Imagine a classroom where every student has access to a teacher who is present, motivated and fully committed to their success.

In Akwa Ibom State, that vision is moving closer to reality following Governor Umo Eno's approval of the recruitment of 2,000 teachers into the state's public school system. The initiative is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges confronting education in many parts of the country: the shortage of qualified teachers needed to deliver quality instruction to every child. By embarking on this major recruitment exercise, Governor Eno has demonstrated that education is not only about infrastructure but also about investing in the people who make learning possible.

The planned recruitment represents one of the largest teacher-employment exercises in the state's recent history. When concluded, it is expected to provide a significant boost to both primary and secondary schools across Akwa Ibom, helping to fill longstanding vacancies and improve staffing levels in many public schools. In numerous communities, existing teachers have had to manage heavy workloads and large student populations. The recruitment is expected to ease these pressures and create a more conducive learning environment for both teachers and students.

The initiative also sends a strong message of hope to Akwa Ibom's young graduates. Many of the prospective beneficiaries are qualified individuals who have struggled to secure employment opportunities despite years of academic preparation. Through this programme, the administration is creating pathways for meaningful employment while strengthening the education sector. For many families, the exercise represents an opportunity for their children to apply their knowledge and skills in service to society.

For students, the recruitment holds the promise of improved learning outcomes. Education experts have consistently linked adequate teacher staffing to better classroom engagement, more effective lesson delivery and improved academic performance. As more teachers are deployed upon completion of the exercise, schools across the state are expected to benefit from lower student-teacher ratios and increased instructional capacity.

The recruitment is equally significant for serving teachers. Many educators currently contend with overcrowded classrooms, multiple teaching assignments and workloads that limit opportunities for professional development. The addition of new personnel is expected to improve workload distribution, encourage greater specialisation and create a healthier working environment across the school system.

Importantly, the exercise is designed to benefit schools in all 31 local government areas of the state. By ensuring broad geographic coverage, the administration seeks to improve access to qualified teachers in both urban and rural communities. This reflects Governor Eno's commitment to inclusive development and his determination to ensure that no part of the state is left behind in educational advancement.

The ongoing recruitment process has also attracted public attention because of its emphasis on transparency and merit. Candidates are undergoing established procedures aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are selected. This approach helps to strengthen public confidence in the process and underscores the administration's commitment to fairness and accountability.

Beyond its educational objectives, the recruitment exercise is expected to generate important economic benefits. Upon completion, 2,000 newly employed teachers will contribute to household incomes, support local businesses and stimulate economic activity in communities across the state. The programme therefore represents both an investment in education and a contribution to broader socio-economic development.

The initiative aligns closely with the goals of the ARISE Agenda, which places significant emphasis on human capital development. A strong educational foundation remains essential for sustainable economic growth, innovation and competitiveness. By expanding the teaching workforce, Governor Eno is investing in the next generation of professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders who will shape Akwa Ibom's future.

Across the state, parents and stakeholders have welcomed the recruitment exercise, expressing optimism about its potential impact on educational quality. Many see the initiative as a timely intervention that will help strengthen public education and improve learning opportunities for children.

The recruitment drive further demonstrates Governor Eno's commitment to translating policy into practical action. By identifying a critical need within the education sector and allocating resources to address it, the administration has taken an important step toward improving educational outcomes across the state.

The exercise also reflects a deep appreciation for the teaching profession. By creating opportunities for more educators to serve, the government is reaffirming the central role teachers play in shaping society and nurturing future generations.

As the recruitment process progresses, Akwa Ibom continues to position itself as a state committed to educational development. While many jurisdictions continue to grapple with teacher shortages, the state's proactive effort to strengthen its teaching workforce offers a positive example of responsive governance.

When completed, the impact of this recruitment is expected to be far-reaching. The teachers eventually deployed through this exercise will help shape the lives of thousands of students, strengthen human capital development and contribute to the long-term growth of Akwa Ibom State. More than a recruitment exercise, this initiative represents an investment in the future—a future in which quality education remains a cornerstone of progress and prosperity.

GOV ENO PRIORITIZING CHILDREN, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
— TOURISM COMMISSIONER

By Ima-Obong Akpantuen

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, has said Governor Umo Eno remains committed to nurturing the next generation through strategic investments in youth development, cultural education and heritage preservation, describing children and youths as central to the success of the ARISE Agenda.

Dr. Anieti Udofia, stated this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Children's Arts and Culture Summit in Uyo, where he said the Governor's commitment to young people is evident in ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering them and strengthening their connection to their cultural roots.

According to him, the recent commissioning of the first Youth Development Centre in Oron Local Government Area underscores the administration's resolve to create opportunities for children and youths across the state.

“What is happening today is in line with Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda. The Governor is interested in Akwa Ibom children and youths.

“This is evidenced by the recent commissioning of the Youth Development Centre in Oron, the first in the series of such centres across the 31 local government areas of the state.”

Speaking further, Dr. Udofia noted that the summit serves as a follow-up to activities marking World Heritage Day and stressed the need to sustain efforts aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State.

“We must continue to promote our culture, our dress sense, meals, songs and traditional games. Our culture is ours and we must constantly showcase it for the world to see.

The Commissioner also encouraged students from participating schools to learn, embrace and proudly share their cultural identity.

In his welcome address, the Head of Council, Dr. Unwana Joshua, said the summit was designed to create awareness among children on the importance of education and cultural values. He described children as sacred beings deserving protection and condemned the growing incidents of terrorism, child abduction and other forms of violence against children in the country.

Dr. Joshua commended Governor Umo Eno for his love and support for children and youths and urged stakeholders to invest more in their development.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Integration: The Torchbearer to Our Heritage,” he highlighted the need to address certain societal practices that pose challenges to cultural and social development, including lengthy marriage lists, excessive burial expenses and other anti-cultural practices.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Effiong Johnson, charged parents to deliberately nurture and guide their children towards greatness by instilling positive values and a strong sense of identity.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Ifure Uffot underscored the importance of cultural identity in child development, stressing that every child must be proud of their heritage.

According to her, children should be exposed to their culture from an early age as a means of understanding their identity and place in society.

“Every child must be proud of their culture, own their identity and know who they are.”

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Ekereobong Umoh, urged children not to abandon the values and paths established by their parents. She described culture as the foundation of societal existence, noting that a people without culture risk losing their identity.

“A people without culture is nothing because culture is life. Everyone must know their culture and share it for others to see.”

Mrs. Umoh further commended Dr. Joshua for his leadership of the Council since assuming office and described the summit as an important platform for reminding children that they are the torchbearers of Akwa Ibom’s cultural heritage.

Also, Mr. Ubong Ekpe appreciated the Council for Arts and Culture for organising the summit and sustaining efforts geared towards cultural preservation and youth engagement.

The event featured colourful match-pasts by pupils and students from participating primary and secondary schools, the unveiling of artworks and paintings, as well as cultural song and dance performances.

The Children’s Arts and Culture Summit is expected to run for three days, bringing together children, educators, cultural stakeholders and government officials to promote cultural consciousness, heritage preservation and youth development across the state.

IBOM AIR TO COMMENCE OPERATIONS FROM NEW ULTRAMODERN TERMINAL ON 14 JUNE 2026

Uyo, Nigeria – Ibom Air is pleased to announce that effective 14 June 2026, all its flight operations will be conducted from the new ultramodern terminal at Victor Attah International Airport.

The new terminal offers enhanced passenger comfort, improved operational efficiency, and modern facilities designed to provide a seamless travel experience from check-in to boarding and arrival.

Passengers are advised to take note of this change and ensure they proceed to the new terminal for all Ibom Air flights from the effective date.

This transition marks another significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance air travel and deliver world-class service to passengers.

For further information, passengers are encouraged to follow Ibom Air's official communication channels , for updates and travel advisories.

ABOUNDING MERCY

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103:11-12

Beloved, few passages reveal the immeasurable depth of God's mercy like this one.

The psalmist reaches for the grandest picture of the infinite heavens above us to describe the vastness of God's compassion toward those who love and reverence Him. His mercy is not limited, exhausted, or diminished; it continually reaches beyond what the human mind can comprehend.

Then comes an even more geographical assurance: as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our sins from us. East and west never meet, illustrating the complete separation between the believer and forgiven transgressions because the cross already settled the distance.

Jesus stretched His arms east to west on that cross and absorbed every charge. God's anger was exhausted there, not on you. What remains for you as a child of God is mercy - abounding, astronomical, irreversible and constantly expanding mercy from God.

Be Enormous!