Author: straightnewsng.com

Aniefiok Christopher  A groundbreaking bill to establish a 50-year National Economic Plan for Nigeria is before the House of Representatives, with key members advocating a binding framework to ensure policy continuity, economic stability, and long-term development. The bill seeks to ensure long-term stability and predictability, promote sustainable development and intergenerational equity, reduce policy reversals and waste of public resources, align Nigeria with global best practices in long term practices, encourage domestic and foreign investment, among others. Such countries as China, India, and Malaysia, as well as Rwanda, Botswana, and South Africa, have leveraged long-term planning frameworks to achieve sustained economic…

Edi Umoh Arsenal and Atletico Madrid drew after after a 1-1 score during the first leg of their Champions League semi-final. This was as Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich in the breathless first leg of their Champions League semi-final. Viktor Gyokeres won and scored a penalty just before half-time to give Arsenal a priceless lead. But that lead was cancelled out in the 56th minute when Julian Alvarez hammered his spot kick into the top corner after Ben White was harshly penalised for handball. Arsenal were awarded a second penalty in the 79th minute but the VAR officials decided there…

Aniefiok Christopher  The Nigeria Labour Congress Chairperson,  Akwa Ibom Council, Comrade Sunny James has reassured of workers’ resolve to remain united, committed, and inspired to building a peaceful, productive, and prosperous state. Speaking during the annual inter-denominational thanksgiving service at Full Life Christian Centre, Uyo on Sunday, James said a moment like that affords the workforce in the State the opportunity to take stock of God’s benevolence and protection of workers in the state. Comrade James, while chronicling the genesis of May Day, stated that the 2026 edition would be his last in his capacity as the State NLC boss.…

Akakan Umoh Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have been enjoined to work in unity toward achieving food sufficiency in Akwa Ibom State. The Director, Agribusiness Unit, Governor’s Office, Uyo, Mr. Ofonmbuk Nelson gave the charge when the Chairman and members of Agro Input Dealers Association of Nigeria (NAIDA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, visited him in his office on Thursday, April 23. Nelson stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working tirelessly with the State Government to ensure all components of the agricultural sector function effectively toward achieving food security. Also read: Let Us Return To Farming- Varsity Don Begs A’Ibom…

Israel Umoh The return of Dr. Unyime Idem to House of Representatives for a third term has gained a solid ground as critical stakeholders in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency have given him opportunity to serve again. Idem who is representing Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives for a second term is asked to return to the Green Chambers for his superlative performance. On Monday, April 27, critical stakeholders from the Federal Constituency stormed his residence in Uyo unanimously endorsed and adopted him as consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 National Assembly Election. The stakeholders made…

Akwa Ibom Government has activated heightened COVID-19 surveillance following the confirmation of a new outbreak in a neighbouring state. In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by the Commissioner for Health, Ekem John, and the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the state government said the development poses a potential risk due to “close geographic, social, and economic interactions” among populations. The statement said Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, after receiving a briefing from the Ministry of Health, directed the immediate activation of heightened surveillance across entry points, health facilities, and communities. Also read: Reps direct Health authorities…

Aniefiok Christopher The House of Representatives has called on Federal Ministry of Works to allocate special intervention funds for the repatriation, rehabilitation, and empowerment of trafficked Nigerian girls in the 2027 budget estimates. The call followed adoption of a motion co-sponsored by Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, during a plenary on Thursday, presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas. Also, the House urged the Federal Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and Foreign Affairs, as well as NAPTIP, to develop a comprehensive Repatriation and Reintegration Framework for Nigerian victims of human…

Retired Directors of AKBC   We sincerely appreciate thoughtful explanations and the effort to situate this decision within a broader reform agenda. We do not doubt the good intentions behind the proposed repositioning of state-owned institutions. However, we must respectfully express our deep reservations about the renaming of Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation to Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC). First, AKBC is not just a name – it is a legacy institution, deeply rooted in the history, identity, and collective consciousness of our people since the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987. Over the years, it has built credibility, emotional connection, and…

Aniefiok Christopher The Senate has called on security agencies to ensure improved but coordinated security operations along Calabar-Oron waterways for safe and unconditional release of the abducted passengers. Straightnews had reported that on 16 April, armed sea pirates abducted about 15 passengers enroute Oron for Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held on Saturday, 18 April 2026. The directive was sequel to a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), calling for a comprehensive investigation into rising insecurity along the Calabar–Oron waterways and urgent need to fast-track the reconstruction of Calabar–Itu–Odukpani Highway. In the…

Press Release Unauthorised but illegal splinter media groups in Akwa Ibom State risk sanctions by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). This follows mushrooming of different media groups from the three Senatorial Districts in the state by members of the union using pseudo names to extort from some political office holders and unsuspecting members of the public. A statement by the Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, the State Secretary of the union on Thursday, drew attention to the rapid proliferation of unauthorized splinter media groups in the state. The statement entitled: Final warning on unauthorized, unrecognized unconstitutional media (splinter) groups reminded members and…