Author: straightnewsng.com

The Akwa Ibom Government has pledged to partner the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in making diversification to a non-oil export, a significant index in the Nigerian economy. The Commissioner for Trade and Industries, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, who stated this Thursday when the officials of NEPC led by Mrs Pauline Ndulaka, the Deputy Director/Trade Promotion Adviser, visited him at the State Ministry of Trade and Industries Headquarters, Uyo, also harped on the need to assist in promoting export activities in the state. Akpabio who greatly acknowledged the unique contribution of exports to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and its…

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has thrown his weight behind the controversial Chinese $400 million loan obtained for Galaxy Backbone, Federal Government’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) agency, in 2018. The House of Representatives panel on July 29 raised the alarm over clauses described as “lethal” by the panel in article 8(1) of the commercial loan agreement between Nigeria and Export-Import Bank of China purportedly conceding Nigeria’s sovereignty to China. Upon this, the house treaties committee summoned Isa Pantami, communications minister; Zainab Ahmed, finance minister, and Patience Oniha, director-general of the Debt Management Office (DMO), to appear before…

As the country’s infections from the virus crossed 45,000, Nigeria on Thursday reported three more deaths from COVID-19. This is as Akwa Ibom State has recorded fresh 13 cases, bringing the total infections to 234. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) which revealed the latest figure, also said the West African nation had 354 fresh COVID-19 cases for the day. Nigeria’s latest COVID-19 infections were confirmed in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), taking the country’s tally to 45,244. A breakdown of the new infections from the virus indicated that the FCT had the highest number of…

More than 20 people have allegedly been murdered in a fresh attack while several others sustained various degrees of injuries in fresh attacks on three communities in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Channels Television reports. The attack occurred earlier on Thursday and was said to have been carried out by suspected militia. The attacked communities are Kurmin Masara, Apyia Shyim, and Takmawai. This happened a few days after security agencies were deployed to the vulnerable communities of the state. The Chairman of Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Elias Manza told Channels Television that the gunmen, who are…

Following the untimely demise of its Chairman, the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State has appointed an acting Chairman with effect from Thursday to man the acitivities of the party pending the election of a substantive one. He is Ita Udosen, who until now, was the state Deputy Chairman of the party, and a medical doctor. The Chairman, Mr. Ini Titus Okopido, passed into eternity on Wednesday after a protracted illness at Ibom Specialty Hospital, Uyo. A press release signed by Nkereuwem Enyongekere, State Publicity Secretary Thursday said “Following the sudden, sad and devastating transition of our Chairman, Late…

We at Straightnews felicitate you, Mr. Ray Ekpu, on your 72nd birth anniversary. You have, in your many years of practice, made an indelible mark in the media space- a mark that will forever be cherished by generations to come. You have trained, paved way and given opportunity to many media practitioners who have become notable today. For this, posterity will remember you for good. We pray that you live in good health and may all your wishes come true. Happy birthday, Mr. Ray Ekpu!

What a tragedy that has befallen a family and a party as two prominent brothers and bigwigs of All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State died in less than four months! As the family members of Nto Udo Uke in Ikot Akpan Anwa, Ika Local Government Area were making arrangements for the obsequies of their son- Dr. Ime Okopido, another family member- Mr. Ini Okopido, the state APC Chairman, died Wednesday morning at Ibom Specialty Hospital, Uyo, thus throwing the family into mourning. Ime, a brother to Ini and a one-time Minister of State for Environment, died in April this…

The politics of COVID-19 cure is raging in different quarters between the World Health Organisation, medical doctors, and big pharmaceutical companies. While WHO is yet to approve any vaccine for the novel coronavirus, US President Donald Trump has withdrawn his country’s funding from the body over what he alleged “connivance with China to perpetrate COVID-19” that has mauled thousands globally. Last week, Dr. Stella Immanuel, the US-based medical doctor claimed in a video that hydroxychloroquine, zinc and Zithromax could cure coronavirus, but shortly some “unseen powers” ganged up, dismissed the claim and forced Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to have speedily…

Zinedine Zidane has been named the best manager in the world by L’Equipe – beating Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola to the honour. The Real Madrid boss, 48, led his team to the LaLiga crown after a three-year drought. Zidane beat Premier League giants Klopp – who won the league with Liverpool for the first time – and Guardiola, last season’s English top-flight-winning boss, to the No.1 spot. But while L’Equipe were full of praise for Klopp and Guardiola, as well as their champion, Zidane, they had little nice to say about Jose Mourinho. ZINEDINE ZIDANE Full of praise for…

In a bid to unlock the economy and reduce inconveniences, Akwa Ibom government has readjusted curfew from 10 p.m to 6 a.m with effect from Tuesday, August 4. The government had slammed the curfew from 8 p.m to 6 a.m. in the state as part of the COVID-19 protocols to prevent the spread of novel pandemic that engulfed the world. In addition, the government has approved the reopening of hotels and leisure centres in the state for businesses. Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to State Government who conveyed the good news on Tuesday to all, said Governor Udom Emmanuel has given…