Author: straightnewsng.com

…The Way forward in energy gains, industrial growth and economic transformation Prince Ukpong Idiong Jr. From Crude Oil Giant to the Era of Gas Opportunity The Federal Government’s renewed push to convert gas currently lost through flaring into productive energy presents a significant opportunity for Akwa Ibom State. For decades, the state has remained one of Nigeria’s foremost oil-producing territories and a critical contributor to the nation’s petroleum economy. Yet, while crude oil has dominated the narrative, another enormous resource has remained largely underutilised: natural gas. Akwa Ibom’s Oil Legacy and the Resource Beneath the Resource Since the creation of…

Akakan Umoh In recognition of his outstanding academic excellence and purposeful political leadership, the Forum of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Academics in Tertiary Institutions (FUOATI) has inducted Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, member of House of Representatives as a Distinguished Associate Member. Idem, who is representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House, had earned a Doctoral degree in Leadership Studies from the Federal University of Lokoja. In addition, the forum conferred an Award of Excellent Performance on him in recognition of his service to the people and for his “most outstanding representation, Constituency development and pragmatic leadership to the people of Ukanafun/Oruk…

Aniefiok Christopher Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday warned that Nigeria would no longer tolerate the dehumanisation and mistreatment of its citizens in South Africa. The Vice President spoke in Luanda, Angola, shortly before his departure for Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU). He declared that Nigeria would no longer tolerate any form of xenophobic or Afrophobic attacks against its citizens, warning against the recurring xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks. Also read Place Xenophobia on agenda of next African Union summit, Shettima urges…

Edi Umoh Argentine football legend, Lionel Messi announced, on Monday, his retirement from international football after earning 207 caps. Messi, who debuted for Argentina in 2005, won the World Cup in 2022 and was a runner-up in 2026 and 2014. In addition, the 39-year-old had secured two Copa América titles. Wiring in an Instagram, he said: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything,…

Press Release As part of the proactive security measures ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has conducted a major Show of Force and Confidence-Building Operation in Uyo, the State capital, to reassure residents of the command’s preparedness, operational capacity and determination to maintain peace throughout the elections period. The exercise witnessed the deployment of Police personnel, patrol vehicles and other operational assets across major roads, strategic locations and identified areas within the Uyo metropolis. The operation forms part of the Command’s deliberate strategy to enhance Police visibility, strengthen public confidence, deter criminal activities and…

Press Release A 29-year-old man, from Akai Ubium Village, Nsit Ubium Local Area of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested by police over alleged kidnapping and murder of a man. The suspect, Otuekong Enoidem was arrested while allegedly attempting to collect a N3 million ransom from the victim’s family, following the kidnapping and murder of one Koffi (male) whose tragic death was reported to the Command on 24 August 2026. The Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, who stated this in a statement, noted that the arrest followed a sustained intelligence-led operation to identify and apprehend those responsible…

Aniefiok Christopher Families of four remaining members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the kidnappers’ den are demanded to pay N20 million ransom each. Initially, the gunmen abducted 15 corps members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after their three-week orientation exercise along Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident occurred on 26 August at about 4:40 p.m. near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, when armed men emerged from the bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions. Related news Auto Crash: Four NYSC members and soldier Burnt to d3ath in Adamawa  Akwa…

Press Release Two persons have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a refuse dump at Ikot Effanga, along Old Odukpani Road in Calabar, Cross River State. The spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, who announced this in a statement, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026, when the collapsed refuse impacted a building reportedly constructed within a valley. “The Cross River State Police Command is aware of a reported incident involving the collapse of a refuse dump at Ikot Effanga, along the Old Odukpani Road, Calabar, in the…

Edi Umoh President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football following a major shake-up in the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).  Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stating  this in a statement issued on Thursday, explained that the move became necessary to overcome repeated failures to qualify for major regional, continental and world tournaments. “The reform must respond to a longstanding need to strengthen governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability across Nigerian football,” quoted Tinubu. Related news NFF Loses N13bn Bonus as Nigeria Crashes Out of 2026 World Cup Race Obi seeks NFF…

Israel Umoh A retired Akwa Ibom High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Ifiok Ukana has advocated the democratisation of the Judiciary as an arm of government to enhance free flow of information to the public. Speaking during a one-day symposium organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, in collaboration with Akwa Ibom Judiciary, on the theme:  Effective Crime and Court Reporting: The Role of the Media in the Administration of Justice. Justice Ukana described the Judiciary as a closed and mystery organization. Not much is known about it.’’ Justice Ukana, who presented a paper on the topic: Navigating…