Governor Umo Eno has reiterated his administration’s commitment to using sports as a platform for youth empowerment, job creation, and tourism promotion as the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival (IBOM 2025) officially opened Monday, September 8, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
The opening ceremony, themed “Nurturing Talents, Promoting Tourism,” featured music, entertainment, a march past from the 31 Local Government Areas, and the lighting of the Festival Torch of Unity. Represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno received the torch and ignited the Festival Flame, symbolically declaring the week-long event open.
Governor Eno emphasized that sports can drive economic growth, citing global icons with Akwa Ibom and Nigerian roots, including Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong, WBO Heavyweight Champion Moses Itauma, and NBA Coach Ime Udoka.
“For the first time, we have established a stand-alone Ministry of Sports, led by Elder Paul Bassey. Investments in the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket and ARISE Resort facilities in Uyo will provide modern infrastructure to groom future sports stars,” he said.
Over 3,000 athletes will compete in 18 sporting events across Uyo, Eket, Ediene Abak, and Aka Community Secondary School. Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey hailed IBOM 2025 as a key platform to identify and develop talent for global opportunities.
The festival runs until Saturday, September 13, positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for sports and tourism.
Former WhatsApp Executive Sues Meta Over Security Failures
Ex-WhatsApp head of security Attaullah Baig has filed a federal lawsuit against Meta, alleging cybersecurity violations and retaliation for reporting them. Baig claims around 1,500 engineers had unrestricted access to user data, potentially breaching a 2020 US government order.
The lawsuit alleges Baig faced retaliation, including negative reviews and eventual termination in February 2025, after raising concerns with WhatsApp head Will Cathcart and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Meta denies the claims, stating Baig’s role was overstated and performance was below expectations.
Baig seeks reinstatement, back pay, and damages while highlighting ongoing scrutiny of Meta’s data protection across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
France Faces Political Uncertainty as Macron Seeks New PM
President Emmanuel Macron will accept Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s resignation after his government lost a confidence vote. Macron now faces the challenge of appointing the seventh premier of his mandate amid domestic political uncertainty.
Bayrou called the vote over austerity measures, which failed with 364 deputies opposing his government. Macron may consider centre-left options like Health Minister Catherine Vautrin or Finance Minister Eric Lombard, though polling shows 64% of French citizens favor his resignation.
The Socialist Party has expressed readiness to form a government, while France prepares for upcoming social actions and potential far-right gains in the 2027 election. Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen awaits an appeal hearing that could restore her eligibility to contest.
FG Maps Out-of-School and Non-Literate Citizens
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide mapping exercise to identify out-of-school and non-literate citizens. Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad said the initiative will allow millions of Nigerians to enroll in literacy programs tailored to their needs.
Embracing digital tools such as mobile platforms, radio, and TV, the government aims to achieve SDG 4.6 by 2030. The National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) has already enrolled over 27,000 learners in the FCT, with plans to expand to 377 local government areas nationwide.
Oil Workers’ Strike Continues After Stakeholders Meeting Fails
A stakeholders meeting convened by the Minister of Labour, Muhammad Dingyadi, to resolve the NUPENG strike ended in deadlock. Union leaders criticized Dangote Group’s refusal to sign a memorandum of understanding, prompting a walkout during negotiations.
The strike, which affects fuel distribution nationwide, will continue until meaningful dialogue occurs between unions and the company.
Groups Urge Decentralisation of Pipeline Security Contracts
Southern Ijaw Unity Forum (SIUF) and Committee for Transparency and Good Governance (CTGG) have called on the FG to decentralize oil pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.
They warned that centralizing contracts with single individuals fuels unrest and allows illegal refining to thrive, urging fair involvement of all communities to protect resources and maintain stability.
Ex-Governor El-Rufai Petitions Police Over Misconduct
Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has petitioned the Police Service Commission and Inspector-General over alleged misconduct by senior officers following a violent attack on an ADC meeting.
El-Rufai accused the police of complicity during the attack and requested a thorough investigation into unprofessional conduct, which he claims undermines public trust in law enforcement.
Dino Melaye Criticizes Tinubu Administration Over Borrowing
Former Senator Dino Melaye has accused President Tinubu’s government of reckless borrowing and suggested the administration may soon seek loans from fintech companies. He criticized the purchase of a yacht amid economic hardship, describing the administration as plunging Nigerians into hunger despite securing multi-billion-dollar loans.
Doctors’ Strike Forces Patients to Private Hospitals in FCT
A seven-day warning strike by resident doctors in the FCT has disrupted medical services across six area councils. Patients have resorted to private hospitals, citing deserted wards and understaffed public facilities.
The strike stems from unmet welfare demands, unpaid allowances, and structural deficiencies in the health sector. Resident doctors warn that if unresolved, the strike may extend indefinitely.
US Arrests Convicted Nigerian in Immigration Sweep
ICE has arrested Rotimi Oladimeji, previously convicted of mail and wire fraud in 2023, during a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants. Oladimeji was ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution before his arrest. Authorities say he aided scammers in defrauding a US victim out of nearly $1.17 million.
Police Investigate Corpse Found at National Assembly Car Park
The FCT Police Command has launched an investigation following the discovery of a decomposed body in a Peugeot 406 at the National Assembly car park. Efforts are ongoing to identify the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
