FISCAL DISCIPLINE, REVENUE DIVERSIFICATION CRITICAL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEV.- GOV UMO ENO

... as Senate President applauds his leadership style

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has emphasized on the need for states and local governments to embrace fiscal discipline and revenue diversification to achieve sustainable development.

The Governor stated this while delivering a public lecture on the theme: "Leading Economic Development in Sub-Nationals of the Nigerian Federation: The ARISE Agenda," at the University of Uyo.

He noted that the ARISE Agenda was borne out of the desire to grow the economy while developing abundant human resources in the State, focuses on eight lofty goals including; Poverty reduction, Job creation, Price stability,sustainable economic growth, improved standard of living, environmental sustainability, highly educated, healthy and skilled people, and the Security of lives and property

He further explained that the ARISE Agenda, a flagship economic blueprint that guides his administration's development efforts, is an acronym for ‘five-group aspirations’: Agricultural Revolution, Tourism Development and Environmental Management; Rural Development, Women & Youth Empowerment; Infrastructural Maintenance and Advancement; Security Management, Sound Educational and Health Sector Management; and Economic, Industrial and Social Advancement

The Governor who holds a Doctorate degree in Public Administration from the University, said that since the inception of his administration, wastages in government have been minimized, and the government is determined to expand its revenue base by digitalization of government operations.

"Soon, we will launch AKWAGIS, a digital platform where we will be collecting ground rent, which as we speak is in the region of N16 billion. Through this platform, we will be able to seamlessly offer Certificates of Occupancy, which would help attract businesses to our State.

"We are also investing heavily in the tourism sector that has been variously described as the “New Black Gold.” From agricultural tourism, through our Ibom Model Farm, to medical tourism, with our planned Ibom International Medical Centre - a 200-bed hospital that will come with 24 different departments under one roof. This hospital, once completed, will compare to any such facility anywhere in the world.

"The ARISE Resort, which we hope to commission in the first half of this year, the International Conference Centre, the Ibom Tropicana Hotel, which we are poised to complete will signpost our ascendancy as the tourism hub of our nation and bring in billions of Naira in revenue.

" We remain committed to the growth and expansion of Ibom Air and work is ongoing in the Aviation Village, as part of our investments in the aviation eco- system.

"We are committed to the human capital development of our people and this has been acknowledged by the Federal Government and the World Bank, leading to the launch two days ago, of the Human Capital Development Strategic Plan by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.

"We have achieved a success rate of 3.5% out of school children, against the national average of 25.6% - a truly remarkable feat.

"We are positioning our State for growth beyond oil by these strategic investments in tourism and human capital development," he said.

The Governor said to ensure the success of economic development in sub-nationals, policymakers must develop action plans before implementation, strengthen governance and institutional capacity, enhance internally generated revenue (IGR) to reduce reliance on federal allocations, promote regional economic cooperation and trade among states, encourage private sector-led development through investment incentives, and focus on collaboration rather than conflicts.

He appreciated the crafters of the ARISE Agenda, and expressed his determination to go the extra mile to further development in the State, while urging policymakers, corporate bodies, the academia, and citizens to join hands with him in the journey towards a prosperous, self-reliant, and globally competitive sub-national economy.

In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio applauded the Governor for his inclusive leadership disposition which according to him has engendered unprecedented peace and security in the State.

Senator Akpabio who was represented by Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), also commended the Governor for his collaboration with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, and assured of the support of the All Progressives Congress in the State to ensure the Governor's second term victory in 2027.

Chairman of the Occasion, Emeritus Prof. Akpan Ekpo, the University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo and the Dean of the Host Faculty, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Christopher Ekong as well as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Peter Esuh appreciated the Governor for accepting to share his thoughts through the public lecture, stressing that the ARISE Agenda is a comprehensive document that can drive development in the State and other sub-nationals.

The event which attracted eminent personalities within and outside the State, had as discussants, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, Vice - Chancellor, Ignatius Aguru University of Education, Rivers State, and Prof. Ebebe Ukpong, a development expert and former Commissioner in the State.
______________________________________

I'm Kokoette Michael your EduPurpose Coach.

I speak, I mentor and educate undergraduates and individuals to pursue excellence, discover purpose, and build skills for global influence.

Follow me for More!!!

Dem Mama, Don keep small pikin.
It has happened. They’re after the bloods of Nigerians. Both father, mother and son.

BREAKING: Nigerian First Lady, Remi Tinubu’s Convoy Kills Seven-Year-Old Girl In Ondo State | Sahara Reporters bit.ly/3RSe9zw

EFCC Should Prioritise Recovery Of NHIS Funds Illegally Held In Nigerian Banks, Says Former ES Prof Yusuf | Sahara Reporters  bit.ly/43ZgErk

Chinese National Who 'Gifted' Cash To Nigerian Policemen Apologises, Says He's Unaware Of Local Regulations | Sahara Reporters bit.ly/3RpgeTE

Indian police have arrested a Nigerian man for allegedly defrauding a businesswoman of Rs 3.5 lakh with a fake chemical export deal to the UK.

BREAKING NEWS

DAVIDO is set to become the FIRST AFROBEATS ARTIST to perform as the lead act at the UEFA Champions League Final!

The UEFA organization has officially paid the Nigerian superstar to headline the 2025 UCL Final happening on May 31st in Munich, Germany!

This is a HUGE win for Nigeria, Afrobeats, and Africa as a whole.
History is being made right before our eyes!

Join me — let’s celebrate and congratulate Adeleke David!

POOR GIRL WAS FIXING HER MAKEUP IN A CAR WINDOW UNAWARE SOMEONE WAS WATCHING

Mara stood by the roadside, squinting into the tinted window of a sleek black car. Her reflection stared back, smudged and tired. She dabbed on cheap lipstick and patted her cracked powder compact, trying to look presentable before catching the bus home. She had just finished cleaning offices downtown—her part-time job barely paid enough to survive, but she managed.
#stargt

She didn’t care whose car it was. It was just a mirror to her. But what she didn’t know was that someone was inside.

Liam sat silently in the back seat, watching her with curious eyes. A billionaire known for his ruthless business deals and cold demeanor, he wasn’t easily impressed. But there was something about this girl. The way she pouted at her reflection, the determined strokes of her lipstick, the innocence in her eyes. She had no idea someone was watching… and that someone was him.

As she adjusted her scarf and stepped back, Mara caught a strange movement in the glass. Her heart skipped. She leaned closer—and froze. A man was inside, staring right at her.

“Oh my God…” she gasped, stumbling back. “I’m so sorry!”

She turned quickly to leave, mortified. But then she heard a deep, calm voice behind her.

“Hey, you. What’s your name?”

Mara paused. No rich man had ever spoken to her like that before—without mockery or pity. She clutched her worn-out handbag, unsure what to do.

“…Mara,” she replied, voice barely above a whisper.

Liam stepped out of the car, tall and commanding. His eyes studied her like she was a puzzle.

“Do you always use strangers’ cars as mirrors?” he asked, the hint of a smirk on his lips.

Her face flushed, but she lifted her chin. “Only when I can’t afford a real one.”

That confidence… unexpected, unpolished. It made Liam smile for the first time in days.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek business card, handing it to her.

“You’re bold. I like that. Come work for me.”

Mara blinked at the card, stunned. Was this a prank?

“W-Work? As what?”

“My personal assistant.”

She stared at him, speechless. Was he serious? What did a billionaire want with a girl who cleaned floors for a living?

But Liam was already leaning against his car like he had all the time in the world.

That night, Mara didn’t sleep. The card sat on her small table, almost glowing. Her entire world had shifted with a single sentence.

The next morning, she called the number.

Liam’s assistant answered instantly. “Mr. Liam asked me to expect your call. Can you come to the office today?”

Her heart pounded.

She walked into Liam’s company—towering glass walls, sharp-dressed workers, luxury dripping from every corner. And there she was, in her only clean dress, shoes that had seen better days.

When she entered his office, Liam didn’t look surprised.

“I want you as my personal assistant,” he repeated, calmly.

“I-I don’t have any qualifications,” she stammered.

“I’m not hiring a degree,” he said, leaning forward. “I’m hiring honesty. Loyalty. Boldness. Things you showed me without even trying.”

Mara swallowed hard.

“Unless…” Liam added with a teasing smile, “you’d prefer to keep fixing makeup on random car windows forever?”

Her lips parted, but no words came out. All she knew was—her life was about to change.

And it all began with a little makeup and the wrong window.

Missed an Episode? Don't Worry!

Follow Me for more stories!
To be continued…

#africanfolktales #storytime #culture #africanstories #moralstories #folktales #folklore #folk #africanstorytellerafricantales #tales #africanfolklore #nigerianfolktales #africanfolktalesbyada
#africanhistory #africanheritage #prophecy
#viralvideo #viralvideos #viralshorts #trending #trend #trendingvideo #story #Storytelling

Police Declare ABC Transport Founder’s Daughter Wanted for Cybercrime Offenses

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has declared Ihuoma Julia Nneji, daughter of ABC Transport founder Frank Nneji, wanted for alleged offences including criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking.

In a bulletin issued by the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, Nneji is accused of involvement in cybercrime-related activities. Authorities directed her immediate arrest and urged anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact the nearest police station or the NPF-NCCC headquarters in Abuja. According to police, her last known address was in Victoria Garden City, Lagos.

This development comes just months after Nneji initiated a defamation lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against prominent social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, influencer Kemi Olunloyo, and lawyer Henry Ikenna Uzochukwu.

VeryDarkMan had previously accused Nneji of making inappropriate allegations against her ex-husband, misrepresenting herself as an American travel nurse, and undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures, including a Brazilian Butt Lift.

The controversy, initially an online exchange, has now intensified into a serious criminal investigation by Nigerian authorities.

The police appeal to members of the public to assist by providing useful information leading to Nneji’s arrest.

Abike Dabiri Reacts After Hearing The Name That The Supporters Of VeryDarkMan Are Called
After hearing the name that the followers of the social media influencer VeryDarkMan are called, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has responded to the situation.

The post that he made on Wednesday, which was shared on his official X handle, contained his response to the situation. Following the fact that VeryDarkMan issued her with an ultimatum to remove some Nigerian women from Ivory Coast, this is the immediate result.

An X user informed Abike Dabiri that the social media influencer's most devoted followers are referred to as "Ratels," and she responded to this information using her own words.

Following is the content that the user of X posted on his official X handle:
Ratels are the mobsters who are staunch individuals who support each and every action taken by VDM. They possess the characteristics of a wolf. Constantly pushing their victim out of the way. Acting on impulse, they are prepared to attack anyone who comes their way.”

Laughter was the response that Abike Dabiri gave in response to the statement that was made by the X user. She stated that she is completely unfamiliar with the name in question.

The Nigerian government has alerted refineries to prepare as it begins plans to build a National Petroleum Product Stockpile reserve. Details in comments.

HERE ARE 10 MONEY HABITS YOU NEED TO LEARN BEFORE 30!

It might not be easy as a Nigerian but you have to tryyyyyyy.

1. Live Below Your Means
Just because your salary got a glow-up doesn’t mean your lifestyle needs to. Chill. Upgrade slowly.

2. Budget Like a Baddie
Know where your money goes o, rent, food, vibes, savings… It’s giving organized and rich auntie energy.

3. Build That Emergency Fund
Life is wild. Have 3-6 months of expenses saved so you don’t have to call your ex or your parents when stuff hits the fan.

4. Start Investing Early
Even if it’s small, your future self will be sending you thank-you notes (with dividends).

5. Ditch Bad Debt
High-interest loans and credit card debt? Nah. That’s a trap. Only take debt that makes you money.

6. Pay Yourself First
Before you buy that cute shoe or order shawarma, stash something for Future You.

7. Learn the Money Basics
Compound interest, inflation, taxes—don’t let these things catch you off guard. Google is your friend.

8. Know Your Net Worth
Assets minus liabilities = net worth. Keep tabs on it like you do your followers count.

9. Set Financial Goals
Want to buy a car? Start a biz? Travel? Write it down and plan it out. Money moves need direction.

10. Get More Than One Bag
One income stream? In this economy?? Nah. Start that side hustle. Monetize your skills.