Ahead of the 5th October 2024 Local Government Elections in Akwa Ibom State, the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has distributed non sensitive materials to the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.
The distribution which has since begun will be rounded off on Wednesday, 26th September ,2024
The distribution took place at the Headquarters of the Commission, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
The Chairman of the Commission, Elder Aniedi-Abasi Ikoiwak who was flanked by members of the Commission said the distribution of the non sensitive materials to the 31 Local Government offices of the Commission was necessary.
He further assured that the Commission will conduct a credible, free and fair local government polls.
The bill was passed during plenary on Tuesday 24th September 2024.
Following the presentation of report by the House Committee on Health, it was observed that that the bill, when passed safeguards the Constitutional right of persons living with HIV/AIDS, will enhance early detection of the virus and strengthen enlightenment efforts of government.
The committee’s considerations were considered at the Committee of the Whole after which relevant amendments made.
Thereafter, a motion for the third reading of the bill was moved and seconded by members representing Onna State Constituency and Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt Hon SUNDAY UDOFOT and OTOBONG BOB respectively.
The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon UDEME OTONG passed the bill into law to prohibit stigmatisation and discrimination against Persons Living With HIV/AIDS and to regulate the Counseling and Treatments.
The speaker further directed the clerk of the House, Mrs NSIKAKABASI OROK to relate the resolution of the house to the state governor for his assent.
The Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA) has constituted a Gender and Human Rights State Response Team to ensure that the Anti-stigma and discrimination bill is properly implemented.
On Tuesday, September 24, The State House of Assembly passed the Anti-Stigma and Discrimination Bill, as it awaits assent by the Governor, Pastor UMO ENO.
AKSACA at the committee inauguration ceremony said a Gender and Human Rights response team comprising key stakeholders in Akwa Ibom state will drive the mitigation of discrimination against persons living with HIV.
In his remarks, AKSACA Program Manager, DR ENOBONG AKPAN said it remains imperative to foster an inclusive society that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals.
Also speaking about the Akwa Ibom’s HIV profile, the Prevention Officer for AKSACA, Dr. EDITH IGBEMI said the state has recorded N12,000 new infections by 2023 and that to prevent spread of the virus, it is crucial to tackle stigma and discrimination.
Dr EDITH highlighted that the response committee is mandated to support the mainstreaming of gender equality and human rights, while responding to related issues on HIV, at the state level, as outlined in the HIV/AIDS policy and strategic framework.
A resonating submission was made by the state representative for the Joint United Nations on HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS, DR IDAYAT UTHMAN, who said that the response team needs to establish a structure for effective implementation of the law.
The Gender and Human Rights Response committee was therefore inaugurated by the Director of Public Health, DR ETOP ANTIA, who represented Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Health.
The members comprising stakeholders form the Ministry of Justice, the Human Rights Commission, the Police, Faith Based Organisations, Implementing Partners and others, have pledged commitment to their duties to achieve the epidemic control in the state.
Four-time major champion NAOMI OSAKA has said that she didn’t want to have regrets, after confirming she has teamed up with SERENA WILLIAMS’ renowned former coach PATRICK MOURATOGLOU.
Former world number one OSAKA, now ranked 73, defeated LUCIA BRONZETTI of Italy 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of the WTA 1000 China Open with the Frenchman MOURATOGLOU in her players’ box.
The 26-year-old OSAKA split from Belgian coach WIM FISSETTE this month, as she attempts to return to the form that propelled her to the top of the women’s game.
Japan’s OSAKA said she felt like she needed a change and described MOURATOGLOU, who is best known as WILLIAMS’ long-time former coach, as a big persona.
