TheNewsGuru

Tag: Uyo

  • Uyo to host 2022 CAF Confederation Cup final match

    Uyo to host 2022 CAF Confederation Cup final match

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday announced Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo as venue of the 2021/2022 CAF Confederation Cup final match scheduled for May 20.

    This is the first major continental club competition final match to be played at the venue, which is the home ground of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United.

    Last year, the CAF Confederation Cup final was hosted in Cotonou, Republic of Benin where Morocco’s Raja Club Athletic beat Algerian side JS Kabylie 2-1.

    Four teams remain in the race for the final match of this season’s competition.

    In the first leg match of one of the semi-finals, DR Congo’s TP Mazembe scored a late goal to secure 1-0 victory over RS Berkane of Morocco.

    In the other semi-final, the first leg between Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli and Orlando Pirates from South Africa had Orlando Pirates winning 2-0.

    The second leg matches of the semi-finals will hold on Sunday.

  • BREAKING: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel, Obong Attah, others endorse Umo Eno next Governor

    BREAKING: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel, Obong Attah, others endorse Umo Eno next Governor

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has officially named Pastor Umo Eno, the State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, as his preferred choice to succeed him.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Emmanuel announced Pastor Eno as his preferred successor at a well attended stakeholders’ meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which took place on Sunday at the Governor’s Lodge in Uyo.

    This is following months of speculations and permutations, and after Emmanuel had said he was seeking the face of God to choose his successor.

    After announcing his choice of Eno, former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, thereafter made the formal presentation to the stakeholders, which comprise major and leading political chieftains from the three Senatorial Districts, who all applauded the choice and pledged to work towards his emergence as the governor of the state come 2023.

    Pastor Eno spoke passionately and emotionally about how he grew up in the Police barracks and how dreary and challenging those days were, but he summoned hope to overcome those difficulties.

    The commissioner said he was grateful to God and to Governor Emmanuel for finding him worthy of the onerous task to lead the people of the state and continue the people-focused and developmental strides of Governor Emmanuel.

    Bishop Uma Ukpai and the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang, prayed for his success, a sentiment that was re-echoed by the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Chairman of State Council of Chiefs, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk.

    Among those who attended the event were the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey; Senators Akon Eyakenyi, Effiong Bob, Ibok Essien, Aloysius Etok; and former Deputy Governor, Etim Okpoyo.

    Others are member representing Etinan Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Onofiok Luke; PDP State Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan; Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, the National Coordinator of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM).

    Also in attendance are Hon Pat Ifon, Member representing Eket Federal Constituency at the National Assembly; Chief Nduese Essien, a former Minister of Housing; Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Russia and the state’s political class.

  • Senator Effiong was kidnapped at drinking spot – Police

    Senator Effiong was kidnapped at drinking spot – Police

    The Police have confirmed the kidnapping of Sen. Nelson Effiong, who represented Eket Senatorial District in the eighth Senate.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom, SP Odiko Macdon, told newsmen in Uyo on Monday that the senator was kidnapped in Uyo at about 10 p.m on Sunday, Sept. 5.

    “He was kidnapped by unknown gunmen at a popular drinking spot on Oron Road, Uyo,” he said.

    Macdon said that the command would ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book and also secure the release of the politician.

    He said that the police would use available resources to secure freedom for the former senator as soon as possible.

    “We have received that sad report of the kidnapped of the Senator.

    “The Commissioner of Police Andrew Amiengheme is miffed about it and have promised to spare no resources in ensuring his safe rescue and perpetrators brought to book,” Macdon said.

    A source, who sought anonymity, said that Sen. Effiong was kidnapped at his joint on Oron road in Uyo main town.

    He said that seven people were seriously injured alongside the Special Assistant to Chairman, House Committee on Information, in the House of Assembly.

    The source said that the senator was abducted by three armed hoodlums at the lounge believed to be his own business place in the night and escaped with him to unknown destination.

    “Eight of the customers at the lounge were injured during a scuffle as they scampered for safety as the gunmen shot sporadically. causing a stampede at the lounge,” he said.

    One of the victims, Mr Paul Ekwere, now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Uyo said the hoodlums invaded the lounge while they were drinking and shot customers, wounding some of the them.

    “I was shot at the lounge, I appeal to security agencies to rescue the situation,” he said.

    Ekwere explained that the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Sunday.

    He said the abductors stormed the sit-out with a Toyota Camry car and started shooting sporadically, sending the customers and other guests to scamper for safety before they made straight for the senator,” a source said.

  • JUST IN: Gov Udom Emmanuel breaks silence on murder of job seeker in Uyo

    JUST IN: Gov Udom Emmanuel breaks silence on murder of job seeker in Uyo

    Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State on Monday decried the murder of a job seeker, Miss Iniubong Umoren, in the state last Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Iniubong was allegedly murdered by one Uduak Akpan, who offered the deceased prospects of a job.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong, said in a statement issued in Uyo that the governor also commended the police for arresting Akpan and urged that justice be done accordingly.

    “The Akwa Ibom state government is deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Miss Umoren, who was said to have been abducted, raped, assaulted and eventually murdered by Akpan.

    “This news, which was conveyed by the police, is heart wrenching and most disturbing, considering the ages of the persons involved.

    “The governor, while thanking the police for the arrest and interrogation of the suspect, has communicated his desire for the full administration of justice to the culprit and all persons involved.

    “This is the least that will be acceptable.

    “We condemn in totality the gruesome acts that led to the loss of the life of an innocent young woman whose sincere desire was to earn a decent living.

    “Our state must remain a safe location for all peace-loving and law-abiding citizens at all times,’’ Ememobong stated.

    He commiserated with the deceased family and prayed God to comfort its members.

    Akpan reportedly invited Iniubong to a job interview last Thursday, but abused her sexually and physically.

    Police spokesman in Akwa Ibom, SP Odiko Macdon, said in a statement issued on Sunday that the suspect murdered the job seeker and buried her in a shadow grave.

  • Two Commissioners, Uyo LG Boss, Uniuyo VC, Others storm unveiling of “THE BROOK”

    Two Commissioners, Uyo LG Boss, Uniuyo VC, Others storm unveiling of “THE BROOK”

    It was a convergence of the crème de la crème of the book community in Akwa Ibom State, as Uyo Book Club April 24, 2021 launched to the world the maiden edition of its quarterly newsletter, The Brook.

    The launch of the high-value publication happened during the Club’s April reading session and came in the wake of the 2021 World Book and Copyright Day, an occasion that witnessed the proclamation of Uyo as Nigeria’s Books Club City for the Year 2021.

    Dignitaries at the Brooks’ unveiling ceremony included Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrd. Ini Ememobong; Chairman, Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo; Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo; and President, Books for Africa, Mike Essien, Esq.

    Others included erudite scholar, PR expert and founder, Uyo Book Club, Dr. Udeme Nana; internationally celebrated journalist whose book ‘Village Boy’ recently selected as one of the United Nation’s best book in SDG categories one and two, Anietie Usen; Proprietor of Topfaith Group of Schools, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham; Akwa Ibom State Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Practitioners (NIPR), Nsemeke Udo Akpan; and erstwhile AKS Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Israel Umoh.

    Unveiling the maiden edition of ‘The Brooks’, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo commended the founder of the Club, Dr. Udeme Nana for initiating and driving such a lofty vision. He congratulated Uyo Book Club on its latest feat – hosting rights for first National Convention for Network of Book Clubs and Reading Promoters in Nigeria (NBRP) slated for September, 2021, recent proclamation of Uyo as Nigeria’s Book City for 2021, as well as the emergence of ‘Village Boy’ (a brainchild of the member of the Club) as best of five selected books for UN SDG’s 2021 award.

    “I want to thank you for the honour done to Uyo , capital city of the state by showcasing it in positive light in your publication and activities. I want to particularly congratulate Uyo Book Club for its recent feats and for reviving the book culture. I am a book lover and I like knowledge. Money is good; but knowledge is better!” Dr. Udo noted.

    On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, represented by Prof. Ntiaobong Ekong, expressed delight that Uyo Book Club was offering a brilliant alternative to the now ubiquitous drinking clubs and other nocturnal clubs around town, calling on all lovers of books, knowledge and the good things of life to join Uyo Book Club.

    In their separate remarks, the Information and Strategy Commissioner, Barr. Ini Ememobong represented by Akparawa James Edet and his counterpart in the Education Ministry, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet represented by Dr. Anietie Ikot, congratulated Uyo Book Club for putting Akwa Ibm State on the world map and pledged to support the lofty initiatives of the club to the glory of Akwa Ibom State.

    Proprietor of Topfaith Group of Schools, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham was represented at the event by Annie Sunny Udo, who coincidentally is the Editor of The Brook.

    Speaking earlier, the founder of Uyo Book Club, Dr. Udeme Nana stated that the launch of the maiden edition of the Club’s quarterly newsletter, ‘The Brook’ was another avenue to showcase the Club and take Akwa Ibom to the world. He hinted that plans were underway to have copies of the newsletter used as in-flight journals for Ibom Air and distributed to all countries’ embassies in Nigeria.

    Dr. Nana commended the contributions of all members which he noted, culminated in recent feats and urged more members to read and write more than ever before, adding that Uyo Book Club is ready to provide the platform and network to celebrate intellectual offerings.

    As though to add fillip to Dr. Nana’s call, the award-winning author of ‘Village Boy’, Anietie Usen shared a story of how his book got nominated for the award. He revealed that the book was nominated by a first-time member of the Uyo Book Club who saw a copy during the February edition of the Club’s reading session. He publicly named the lady , Mrs. Mfon Ebebe, a teacher of English Language at Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo and celebrated her and Uyo Book Club for creating the pedestal for ‘the big lift’.

    Uyo Book Club is an intellectual hub of lovers of books and knowledge who meet and read in Uyo every last Saturday of the month.

  • NUJ shames Fani-Kayode, mandates journalists to shun his press conference in Uyo

    The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akwa Ibom chapter has directed its members to boycott a press conference planned for Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation.

    In a statement on Friday, the chapter asked journalists not to attend any activity organised by the former minister.

    Fani-Kayode announced his arrival in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, on Thursday.

    Amos Etuk, the state NUJ chairman, said the decision to boycott any activity organised by Fani-Kayode was in line with the stance of the NUJ national leadership.

    He said: “In line with the disposition of the national leadership of our great union, the State Council has directed that no journalist should attend a media parley with Femi Fani-Kayode or any of his activity at any location in Akwa Ibom State.

    “The NUJ is not part of the visit.”

    This came days after Fani-Kayode insulted a journalist for asking him what he described as a “stupid question” at a press conference after his tour of Cross River state.

    The ex-minister, who began a tour of some states, especially those controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states in July, visited Cross River last week.

    At a press conference in Calabar, Cross River state capital, Eyo Charles, a journalist with Daily Trust, had asked a question about who was bankrolling Fani-Kayode’s trip.

    The former minister felt offended by the question and went ahead to insult the journalist, referring to him as “very stupid”.

    “I could see from your face before you got here, how stupid you are. Don’t ever talk to me like that. Who do you think you’re talking to. Bankroll who? You think I am one of those ones you… from who, when, how? You have a small mind, a very small mind. Don’t judge me by your own standards,” he had said.

  • Christ Embassy prosecutes Akwa Ibom govt over arrest, detention of pastor

    Christ Embassy prosecutes Akwa Ibom govt over arrest, detention of pastor

    Uyo zonal headquarters of Believer’s Love world Inc aka Christ Embassy has instituted a legal action at a Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, against the Akwa Ibom State government over arrest and detention of one of its pastors, Pastor Emmanuel Effiong, and a videographer, Gabriel Ekpa, over alleged attack on Covid 19 Monitoring Team.

     

    The cold relationship between the church and the government deepened on Sunday when the COVID-19 monitoring team stormed the church and detained the duo over supposed breaches of COVID-19 protocols. It was gathered that the church, in a suit with registration number, FAC/UY/FHR/106/2020, is calling for the unconditional release of the duo

    Joined in the suit are the State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Ndueso Ekwere and the Chairman, COVID-19 Guidelines Monitoring Committee, Mr. Enobong Uwah. The church had denied claims that its members attacked and assaulted officials of the state government on Sunday.

    A statement signed by Pastor Kelvin Atang and made available to newsmen accused the state government of “acting on falsehood”, noting that it was even the team that assaulted the church’s videographer.

    The church complained that its pastor and videographer have been arrested and detained by the Police against their fundamental human rights of freedom of fair hearing by the authorities.

    “This action is borne out of malice, hatred and calculated attempt to malign the Church for disassociating herself from the Christian Association of Nigeria.

    “As a Church that respects the rule of law, we had envisaged this gang up and also took steps to seek protection of the law by approaching the Court”, the church said.

     

  • Full House in Uyo as Eagles intensify preparation for Libya

    All the players invited for Nigeria’s back-to-back 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with Libya have arrived in Uyo.
    The China-based Odion Ighalo was the last player to arrive on Wednesday as Gernot Rohr’s men intensified preparation for the qualifiers.
    Training, it was learned, started at 10am on Wednesday, with a session tagged ‘body enhancement’.
    Thereafter, the team headed out at 4pm for technical build-up before the evening training session, which took place at the practice area of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
    It was gathered that the venue for the session had initially been scheduled for the main pitch of the Stadium.
    “We regret whatever inconveniences this change may have caused the media and our fans who had planned to watch the open session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium,” the team’s management said in a statement.
    “Our evening training (on) Wednesday, October 10, 2018, holds at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo from 4 pm. It will be an open session.”
    The three-time African champions will first take on the Libyans on Saturday, 13 October, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, before confronting them in the reverse fixture in Tunisia.
    Nigeria cannot afford to drop more points in the qualifiers, having lost 2-0 at home to South Africa in their group opener in 2017.

  • Nigeria v Libya: Akwa Ibom announces 50 per cent tickets price slash

    Super Eagles’ fans interested in watching Saturday’s African Nations Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo have been served a good hand by the Akwa Ibom State government, which has slashed the gate fees by 50 per cent.
    According to the government, fans will now pay as low as N500 to watch the game from the popular stands, which was initially N1, 000.
    Those wishing to see the game from the VIP stands will pay N1, 000 as against the initial N2, 000 price tag.
    The tickets will be available for sale later in the week.
    The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports, Elder Paul Bassey told journalists in Uyo that the state’s gesture is aimed at encouraging many fans to come to the Nest of Champions and cheer the Super Eagles to victory.
    “Football fans around the world usually pay huge amounts of money as gate fees to watch international games of this standard, but here in Akwa Ibom, Governor Udom Emmanuel has graciously subsidized the ticket price to N500 for popular stands tickets and N1, 000 for VIP tickets.
    “Governor Emmanuel is a passionate sports lover and he has demonstrated it in the huge investments he has made in sports development in the state.
    His gesture of subsidizing the prices of tickets for the match is to ensure more fans turn up to watch the game live while supporting the senior national team to victory on Saturday,” he said.
    Meanwhile, 19 more players arrived in Uyo yesterday afternoon to bring to 22 the number of stars in the Super Eagles’ camp.
    On Monday only three players, including William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Isaac Success were at the team’s Ibom Meridien Hotels and Golf Resort camp.
    But yesterday, stand–in skipper Ahmed Musa led another set of players in as the Super Eagles began preparation for Saturday’s match.
    The new arrivals include goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Daniel Akpeyi, Leon Balogun, Olaoluwa Aina, Jamilu Collins, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem and Kenneth Omeruo.
    There are also midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Kalu, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu and Oghenekaro Etebo, and forwards Isaac Success, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru and Kelechi Iheanacho.
    Only Russia–based wing back Bryan Idowu and China–based forward Odion Ighalo are being expected today.
    The Mediterranean Knights top Group E with four points (from their defeat of Seychelles and draw with South Africa), while South Africa (winner over Nigeria before they drew with Libya) are second and Nigeria, who lost to South Africa and defeated Seychelles, lie third.
    The Libyan Football Federation confirmed yesterday that a 54–man delegation comprising players, technical crew, backroom staff and LFF officials will fly into Ibom International Airport, Uyo aboard a chartered aircraft tomorrow.
    Match officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the referee assessor from Mali and the security officer from South Africa, will also arrive in Nigeria tomorrow and then fly to Uyo on Friday morning.
     

  • Libya coach quits ahead of AFCON qualifier in Uyo

    Libya coach Adel Amrouche has resigned just days before his side face Nigeria in an African Nations Cup qualifier. The match is billed for Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
    His departure has been confirmed by the Libyan Football Federation and on Wednesday by Belgian Amrouche, who told the media that he was frustrated by working conditions with the team.
    The 50-year-old, who was born in Algeria, was only appointed in May and his first match in charge last month saw Libya force a 0-0 draw in South Africa.
    They were forced to play all their home qualifiers at a neutral venue because of the tenuous security situation in the North African country.
    Libya travel to face Nigeria on Friday and then play them again in the return in Sfax, Tunisia on Monday.
    Libya have four points from their first two games in their bid to qualify for the 2019 finals in Cameroon, ahead of South Africa on goal difference with Nigeria one point behind.
    The Seychelles are last in the group without any points.
    Reuters/NAN