Ibomplaza News Blog

AKSG’S CHILDREN ARTS AND CULTURE SUMMIT BEGINS, TUESDAY

As part of efforts to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and groom a new generation of cultural ambassadors, the Akwa Ibom State Government will host the 2026 Children's Arts and Culture Summit in Uyo from 9th to 11th June, 2026.

According to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, speaking during a radio interview in Uyo, the programme aligns directly with Governor Umo Eno's vision of positioning the state as a leading tourism and cultural destination.

Speaking further, Dr. Udofia described the summit as a strategic initiative aimed at introducing children to the values, traditions, language, dress culture and heritage of the state from an early age.

The summit, themed “Integration: The Torch Bearer to Our Heritage," will take place at the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture Auditorium, Abak Road, and is expected to attract participants from primary and secondary schools across the state.

The commissioner also revealed that the programme is a continuation of the state's cultural preservation drive and follows the successful World Heritage Day celebration held earlier this year.

"This is a follow-up to what we started during the World Heritage Day celebration. While that event largely targeted adults, this summit is specifically designed for children.

“We want our children to understand our values, culture, traditions and identity because cultural education must begin from childhood.”

Dr. Udofia further commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to cultural and tourism development through the ARISE Agenda, noting that culture remains the foundation upon which sustainable tourism thrives.

"Culture precedes tourism. Our goal is to add value to what the governor is doing in tourism and in the overall development of Akwa Ibom State.

“By teaching our children the importance of their heritage today, we are building the tourism ambassadors and cultural custodians of tomorrow.”

The commissioner disclosed that participation in the summit is open to schools across the 31 local government areas of the state, with registration provided free of charge through the Council for Arts and Culture.

Beyond the summit, Dr. Udofia said the ministry is working with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, to strengthen cultural education and ensure that indigenous values are continually promoted both in schools and through digital platforms.

He stressed the importance of parental involvement in sustaining cultural consciousness among children, adding that cultural orientation should not be limited to annual events but must be reinforced at home and within communities.

Speaking on the broader tourism development agenda of the state, Dr. Udofia highlighted several ongoing projects, including the ARISE Park and Resort and the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project, describing them as transformative investments that will boost visitor traffic, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

He reiterated Governor Eno's commitment to developing and promoting historical tourism assets such as the Amalgamation House, the Bridge of No Return, the Slave Memorial Boat and other heritage sites across the state.

According to him, plans are underway to create a comprehensive tourism ecosystem around these attractions, including hospitality and recreational facilities that will enhance visitor experience and encourage longer stays.

The commissioner also called on young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors, noting that the state's investments in tourism infrastructure would create employment opportunities for trained professionals in hospitality management, tour operations, creative arts, digital content creation and related fields.

He assured that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism would continue to partner with other government agencies to ensure that culture, creativity and tourism remain critical drivers of economic development under the ARISE Agenda.

The three-day Children's Arts and Culture Summit will feature lectures, cultural exhibitions, performances and competitions designed to deepen participants' appreciation of Akwa Ibom's rich cultural heritage while fostering creativity, leadership and cultural pride among young people.

CLARIFICATION ON MISLEADING REPORTS ON PARTY PRIMARIES CONCERNING SENATORS

The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.

We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorized to be made such promise.

What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathize with senators who were affected negatively by the outcome of their primary elections. He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
*ON COMMENTS REGARDING SECURITY AND LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT*
The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents.

While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces. At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine their morale and operational focus.

The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria and its people.

Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.

Signed,
Hon. Eseme Eyiboh
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity
Office of the President
of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria
June 06, 2026

BREAKING NEWS
Plaza Newspaper Publisher, Comrade Bassey Samuel Emerge Acting PRO, The Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMPF)

PRESS STATEMENT
USDMPF COMMENDS GOV. ENO ON IBOM DEEP SEAPORT BREAKTHROUGH, CELEBRATES 3 YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

The Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum (USDMPF) heartily congratulates His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, on the significant milestone recorded in the actualization of the Ibom Deep Seaport project. This breakthrough followed the successful high-level technical engagement with the Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Group held in Paris, France, on June 5, 2026.

We are particularly encouraged by three key developments that emerged from the engagement. First, the comprehensive review of the Technical Feasibility Report conducted by Worley Parsons confirmed the project’s viability and readiness for the next phase. Second, the Governor’s insistence on establishing clear implementation timelines and measurable milestones has injected a renewed sense of urgency and accountability into the process. Third, the renewed commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders signals a unified resolve toward the delivery of this strategic project. Collectively, these developments are strong indications that the Ibom Deep Seaport is steadily progressing from the conceptual and planning stage to practical, on-ground ex*****on.

The Ibom Deep Seaport remains one of the most ambitious and transformative economic projects in Nigeria’s South-South region. Beyond its immense maritime significance as a deep-water port, the project is poised to unlock vast opportunities across multiple sectors. It will stimulate growth in trade and logistics, accelerate industrialization, generate substantial employment for Akwa Ibom’s youth, and attract significant foreign direct investment. Once operational, it will undoubtedly position Akwa Ibom State as a major gateway for commerce within the Gulf of Guinea and establish the state as a key player in the emerging Blue Economy.

As Governor Umo Eno marks his third anniversary in office on June 6, 2026, the Forum also takes this opportunity to celebrate his remarkable achievements across the critical sectors of the state’s economy. Over the past three years, his administration has delivered tangible results in agriculture, infrastructural expansion, rural development, human capital investment, security enhancement, economic inclusion, and responsive governance. These efforts collectively demonstrate purposeful leadership and a clear, unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for all Akwa Ibom people.

The prevailing atmosphere of peace, unity, and growing investor confidence in the state today stands as a direct testament to the Governor’s inclusive leadership style and his dedication to sustainable development under the ARISE Agenda. By prioritizing dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes, the administration has created an enabling environment for both public and private sector growth.

We commend His Excellency for his vision, resilience, and determination in pursuing legacy projects that will secure long-term prosperity for future generations of Akwa Ibom people. We urge him to remain steadfast as he continues to connect the dots of development across the state and to consolidate on the substantial gains recorded within the last three years.

The Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Governor and partnering with the state government in promoting public awareness of government policies, programmes, and projects. We remain dedicated to objective reportage and constructive engagement, ensuring that landmark initiatives such as the Ibom Deep Seaport deliver maximum benefits to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Once again, we extend our warmest congratulations to His Excellency on this historic breakthrough and on three years of impactful, people-oriented, and visionary leadership.

Signed,

*Elder Amb. Emmanuel Ndon*
Executive Chairman

*Comrade Itorobong Umoh*
Secretary

For and on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire membership of the Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners Forum.

June 6, 2026

AKSEPWMA Boss, Oboñg Prince Ikim Celebrates World Environmental Day!

HAPPY WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY🎉

Secretary To State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah Celebrates Hon. Commissioner for Works, Prof Eno Ibanga at 70.

Ibom Deep Sea Port Project Gains Momentum as Gov. Eno Leads High-Level Technical Session with Project Partners in Paris

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government and its partners to the realization of the Ibom Deep Sea Port Project following a high-level technical engagement and working session with Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Group in Paris, France, Friday, 5 June 2026

The session reviewed the recently submitted Technical Feasibility Report prepared by Worley Parsons and examined the critical pathways for investment, project implementation, and long-term sustainability.

During the engagement, Governor Eno emphasized the need to accelerate project delivery and requested clear timelines, defined milestones, and actionable next steps to move the project from planning to ex*****on.

The Akwa Ibom State Government and prospective partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the Deep Sea Port initiative, a landmark Blue Economy project with the potential to position the State as a leading maritime, trade, and logistics hub in the Gulf of Guinea.

A release by the State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah said the Governor was accompanied by the Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Ibom Deep Sea Port Project and former Director-General of NIMASA, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Esq.; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpeyong;, Managing Director, Hensek Integrated, Engr Uwem Okoko, FNSE, and other members of the state delegation.