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November 29, 2021 Finance Commissioner Lauds 4TH National Treasury Workshop Held in Akwa Ibom

Finance Commissioner Lauds 4TH National Treasury Workshop Held in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Linus Nkan has lauded the organizers of the 4th National Treasury Workshop held last week in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, reiterating that the choice of Akwa Ibom for the workshop was a right step in a right direction, anchored on Governor Udom Emmanuel’s drive for sustainable development and peaceful environment in the State.

He made the commendation in his goodwill message during the opening ceremony of the workshop, which took place at Ibom Hall, IBB Way, Uyo.

Dr. Nkan said he was highly delighted to be part and parcel of the workshop, explaining that he came in dual capacity, one; as a host Commissioner for Finance, and as well representing the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development of Benue State, Mr. David Olufu, who is also the Chairman Forum of State Commissioners for Finance in Nigeria.

He commended the Accountant General for federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris for organizing the workshop, saying that the theme of workshop; “Covid-19 and the Global Economy: Implication on the Nigerian National Treasury”, was apt, maintaining that deliberations through paper presentations from erudite presenters will go a long way in addressing some of the economic challenges and efficient budgeting in the country, particularly in this era of Covid-19 pandemic.

He commended the managers of national economy for their assiduous efforts in managing the economy of the nation in the era of covd-19, while thanking the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba for rolling out a good roadmap of National Development Plans for the country, adding that he was convinced that with proper implementation of these plans, the economic future of Nigeria is assured.

Dr. Nkan seized the opportunity to explained that Akwa Ibom State government, under the leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel formulates budget based on top priorities, and as well ensure effective implementation, which helps in checking leakages in governance, while wishing the participants a successful deliberations.

November 27, 2021 Unyime Idem Adds Another Feather; Wins Best Performing Legislator of The Year at Akwa Ibom Icons Award

Unyime Idem Adds Another Feather; Wins Best Performing Legislator of The Year at Akwa Ibom Icons Award

The Deputy Chairman, Communications Committee in the House of Representatives and member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep.Unyime Idem has received an award as Best Performing Legislator of the Year.

The award was bestowed on him by the Akwa-Ibom Icons Awards – AKIA 2021 at a brief ceremony in Uyo.
Presenting the award on behalf of the governing Council of AKIA, The Wife of a former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Mosunsola Idongesit Nkanga and Executive Secretary, High Prince Ene Baba Owoh said the award on Rep. Idem was in recognition of his exceptional spirit of enterprise anchored on his determination, courage and tenacity in undertaking bold and challenging pursuit that adds value to the developmental renaissance of Akwa Ibom State and the upliftment of his profile among citizens of the state and beyond.


According to the organisers, criteria for selection was based on merit judging from the antecedents of the recipient, adding that the award will spur him to continue in his good works for his people, the state and nation.
They particularly commended Idem on his intervention projects and various bills sponsored aimed at touching and changing lives, mentioning the pay as- you-go- bill for Satellite TV providers amongst others.
Responding to the awards, Rep. Idem dedicated the award to God for giving him wisdom and direction to represent his people and to his constituents in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam for their continuous support and believe in him. He commended the organisation for coming up with the award to recognize him and promised to do more in discharging his duties.

The federal lawmaker pointed out that he will continue to join hands with his colleagues in the National Assembly to make laws that are of immense benefit to Nigerians stressing that, the pay- as- you- go Bill by digital satellite television has scaled through the second reading, expressing optimism that it will scale through the third reading before presented to the president for assent.

He said “I am totally humbled by this great honour from a reputable organisation like Akwa Ibom Icon Awards. Whatever I do in the National Assembly is not for public recognition or applause, I am more motivated to give the best kind of representation to my people and my country in terms of empowerment, life touching projects, bills and motions. This recognition will only spur me to do more,” Rep. Idem added.

The Federal Lawmaker who promised in 2019 to train and empower 5,000 constituents with seed capital and tools to start a life of their own, has sponsored 16 bills, 15 motions and has embarked on 34 life touching projects within Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the last three years with the latest being the sponsorship of the rehabilitation of the defunct Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research, NIFOR substation in Oruk Anam local government area to boost the economy, create jobs and wealth in line with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s agricultural revolution.

Rep. Idem through the award has been inducted into Akwa ibom Hall of fame. It would be recalled that Idem recently received double award from one of Nigeria’s leading newspaper outfit, Daily Independent as Akwa Ibom State Federal Lawmaker of the Year and Federal Lawmaker of the Year, South-South in Nation Building.

November 27, 2021 Onofiok Luke Decries Rate of Brain Drain In The Health Sector

Onofiok Luke Decries Rate of Brain Drain In The Health Sector

The member representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom /Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Mr Onofiok Luke, has decried the drop in the number of medical personnel in the country. Delivering a keynote address on the theme: “STEMMING THE TIDE OF BRAIN DRAIN IN NIGERIA: THE WAY FORWARD” at the National Executive Council meeting of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) held on Friday in Uyo, Luke said the situation is worrisome and if not checked would pose serious threat to health care delivery in the country.
He described the health system as most vital resource and called for thorough infrastructural development, enactment of relevant laws for the sector, experienced and robust public health system handled by some of the best personnel in the world.
The lawmaker said that it is sad to note that despite the hazard associated with the job of health care workers, not much has been done to better their lives.
“The healthcare industry is one of the most hazardous environments to work in. Employees in this industry are constantly exposed to a complex variety of health and safety hazards in the course of their work ranging from biological exposure to disease causing organisms or exposure to chemicals. Apart from physical hazards such as exposure to radiation and noise, there are also ergonomic issues such as heavy lifting and standing for long periods. Long working hours and shift work add to the stress of work”.
“Sadly, while we constantly pressure our health workers to increase productivity, this precarious nature of work is not followed through with attendant increase in wages, working conditions and living standards by government. This situation has only increased the frustration of our health professionals who also find alternative destinations where their input will be valued and their pay commensurate with the level of work done”, Luke said.
He called on government to improve the welfare of health workers to reduce the brain drain that the nation is encountering. According to him; “We are constantly experiencing a brain drain in our country and this is not unconnected to the desire to lead better lives, experience working systems and convenient economic opportunities where they can create value and be rewarded for that”.
“Over the last decade, the migration of medical doctors from Nigeria has increased. The NOI Poll in 2018 revealed that 88% of doctors in Nigeria were seeking employment abroad. Furthermore, between 2015 and 2021, about 4,528 Nigerian-trained doctors have migrated to the United Kingdom (UK). This worrying trend exacerbates an already deteriorating health system, worsens the already depleted healthcare resources in our country and widens the gap in health inequities worldwide”.
“This situation is unlikely to stop, as Nigerian doctors continue to seek better working conditions abroad except we take intentional measures in reversing the trend”, Luke added.
Luke stated that there is urgent need to tackle the problem in the health sector and seek policy options to slow down or even reverse the outflow of healthcare professionals.
He recommended the upgrading of hospital facilities and equipment, increasing healthcare funding and improving work conditions for health workers as a major starting point in stemming the tide.
“I will like to note that nation building is a collective concern. We are all little pieces in the big puzzle and as such, I also recommend a grassroot approach that expands beyond government intervention and towards a collaborative effort among members of the general public, civil society organizations and all other stakeholders in strengthening the health care system in Nigeria”.
“As one solution, a reformed National Health Insurance Scheme that serves more than just the minority 1% of the population must be implemented. Other resolutions include stronger public-private partnerships and increased professional development and career opportunities for health professionals as essential steps to strengthen the health care system, increase the trust of our medical professionals and reduce the brain drain”.
He charge the government to implement the Abuja declaration where African governments committed in April 2001 to dedicate at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector.

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