Ibom Tropicana Inspection: Will Governor Eno's leadership bring a New Life to the long awaited project.

 Ibom Tropicana inspection: Will Governor Eno's leadership bring a New Life to the long awaited project.

By Anietie Edet

3min read

Published June 08 2024

The Ibom Tropicana Projects have long been a symbol of potential and promise for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

The recent inspection of the project by Governor Eno, the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Ini Ekong, the SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, and the consultants marks the introduction of a new phase for the Tropicana Projects.

One cannot help but feel a sense of relief and anticipation upon witnessing the progress to be made on the Theme Park, the 5000-seater Conference Center, Tropicana Hotel, and Entertainment Center. These key components of the Ibom Tropicana Projects have the potential to transform the landscape of Akwa Ibom State, providing much-needed recreational and entertainment options for its residents and visitors alike.

Last year, a friend of mine returned from the United States with his family to spend Christmas in Uyo. He asked me for recommendations on where to take his children for some fun at a recreational park. I suggesting Ibom Tropicana Mall or a Christmas park. Later, he called me to express disappointment after driving past Tropicana Projects and only seeing the shopping mall and cinema. I assured him that the project is multifaceted and more developments may likely continue some day. Little did I know that governor Eno was thinking about the project.

Governor Umo Eno's commitment to completing the Ibom Tropicana Projects will be a testament to his vision of economic policy for the future of the state. By prioritizing the development of this expansive entertainment and hospitality complex, Governor Eno demonstrates his dedication to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom.

Considering the direct employment opportunities that will benefit the people through this project, it is anticipated that a significant emphasis may be placed on local content, given the current high exchange rates.

While it is natural to question why the Ibom Tropicana Projects languished for so many years, it is more important to focus on the present and the future. Governor Eno's leadership visit show's determination to complete the Ibom Tropicana, and has brought new life and energy into this long-awaited endeavor, signaling a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose for the project.

As construction will begin and the Ibom Tropicana Projects start to take shape, it is clear that Governor Eno's intervention has the potential to bring about a new boom for Akwa Ibom State. The completion of this multi-faceted development will not only enhance the state's tourism and hospitality industries but will also create numerous job opportunities and spur economic growth in the area.

The Ibom Tropicana Projects stand as a symbol of hope and possibility for the people of Akwa Ibom State. With Governor Umo Eno at the helm, there is newfound optimism that this ambitious undertaking will finally be realized, ushering in a new era of prosperity and development.

The upcoming special intervention on the Ibom Tropicana project should be under close scrutiny.

I plead with the Governor to visit the project sites monthly to monitor progress and ensure the road map is followed for the benefit of all Akwa Ibom people. I trust that, with these moves, Ibom Tropicana Projects will also be successfully accomplished.

Howard University revokes Sean Combs’ honorary degree and terminates $2 million gift and pledge agreement

 Howard University’s Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to revoke the honorary degree given to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, saying he is “no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.”

Howard University revokes Sean Combs’ honor

ary degree and terminates $2 million gift and pledge agreement

By Rob Frehse, Lisa Respers France, Josh Campbell and Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN

 2 minute read

Published 8:15 PM EDT, Fri June 7, 2024

 Sean "Diddy" Combs attends the 2022 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 15, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Howard University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to revoke the honorary degree given to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, saying he is “no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.”

The university will also return Combs’ $1 million contribution and terminate a $1 million pledge agreement from the Sean Combs Foundation, the Board said in a statement Friday.

“Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the Board said in the statement.

CNN published a 2016 surveillance video showing Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.

The Washington, DC-based historically Black college or university said it will disband its scholarship program in Combs’ name.

The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence,” the board added, linking to the school’s “Interpersonal Violence Prevention” webpage in the statement.

Howard University’s announcement comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the once-beloved Bad Boy Records music mogul. Combs has been named in eight lawsuits since November, when Ventura accused him in a now-settled claim of years of abuse during their relationship and of raping her in 2018, CNN previously reported.

Subsequent lawsuits have accused Combs of sexual misconduct and other illegal activity. He has not responded to all the allegations against him but has denied claims from many of the civil suits.

The US Department of Homeland Security’s investigative arm launched a federal probe into Combs and allegations of sex trafficking. Investigators searched his Los Angeles and Miami homes on March 25 as part of the probe. No federal criminal charges have been filed against Combs.

The surveillance video published by CNN could potentially become evidence in the federal investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators are preparing to bring Combs’ accusers before a federal grand jury in New York, sources familiar with the probe told CNN.

Allegations of money laundering and illegal drugs are also being federally investigated, The Southern Post has learned.

Combs recently sold a majority stake in media company and television network Revolt, which he founded in 2013, the company said.

Ibom Air Marks 5th Anniversary, Unveils Plans for the Future.

Ibom Air Marks 5th Anniversary, Unveils Plans for the Future.

By The Southern Post

 

THE SOUTHERN POST reports in Uyo, Nigeria – 7th June 2024 – Ibom Air, Nigeria’s leading airline, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary today, marking a significant milestone on its journey to provide reliable, exceptional air travel services in Africa. Since inception, Ibom Air has been committed to offering world-class schedule reliability, on-time departures and excellent service, earning the confidence and loyalty of passengers across the region.

According to the press release signed by Aniekan Essienette GM, Marketing of Ibomair airline.

Since launching commercial operations on 7 June 2019, Ibom Air has grown remarkably, expanding its fleet, increasing its route network and enhancing the overall customer experience. The airline has consistently achieved impressive performance metrics, including industry-leading on-time performance, which has become a hallmark of its operations.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past five years,” said Mfon Udom, CEO of Ibom Air. “Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the unwavering patronage of our passengers. As we celebrate this milestone, we also congratulate our Shareholders, the Government, and the people of Akwa Ibom State and commend them for their committed ownership and strong support from the start. Because of this, we remain focused on connecting people and places with excellence.”

As part of its anniversary celebrations, Ibom Air is excited to unveil ambitious plans for the future. These include positioning itself as an ESG-responsible company with a clear sustainability vision and a rapid fleet and route expansion plan to tackle connectivity issues within the  African region. It also plans to focus on technology. 

 

According to the COO, George Uriesi, “We have recently unveiled cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to improve our booking, check-in, and in-flight services while enhancing our self-service portal on the website to make it more user-friendly. Similar attention will be paid to one of our most critical touchpoints: our call center. We plan to make it a 24-hour service very shortly.”

In the area of sustainability, Ibom Air’s Initiatives aim to reduce its environmental impact through sustainable practices, including the introduction of their brand new, fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 aircraft. The expected fleet of 11 of these aircraft will ensure that the airline’s carbon footprint is in line with global best practice, while its corporate social responsibility program will focus on giving back to the less privileged and the vulnerable, positively impacting its communities.

In further commemoration of this milestone, Ibom Air will celebrate its people with a special recognition of staff who have been with the airline since its inception. 

“At Ibom Air today and every day, we appreciate our customers who have stayed with us and have been unwavering in their commitment to building this brand. As a result, we pledge to continue to uphold the highest standards of safety, comfort and convenience for our passengers," affirmed Mr. Uriesi. 

 

About Ibom Air

Ibom Air is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, a sub-national in Nigeria. It aims to set the standard as an Airline of choice for passengers by focusing on schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent service.  It has a fleet of seven Aircraft: five (5) Bombardier CRJ 900 and two (2) Airbus A220-300, covering Seven (7) destinations.

 

To explore Ibom Air’s route and other services, visit www.ibomair.com.

Media inquiries can be directed to mediarelations@ibomair.com.

Python swallows woman whole in Indonesia

 Python swallows woman whole in Indonesia

by Sandra Nwaokolo  June 8, 2024 Reading Time: 2 mins read

A woman has been found dead inside the belly of a snake after it swallowed her whole in central Indonesia, a local official said Saturday.

The husband of 45-year-old Farida and residents of Kalempang village in South Sulawesi province discovered her on Friday inside the reticulated python, which measured around five metres (16 feet).

The mother-of-four had gone missing Thursday night and failed to return home, forcing a search effort, village head Suardi Rosi told AFP.

Her husband “found her belongings… which made him suspicious. The villagers then searched the area. They soon spotted a python with a large belly,” said Suardi.

“They agreed to cut open the python’s stomach. As soon as they did, Farida’s head was immediately visible.”

Farida was found fully clothed inside the snake.

Such incidents are considered extremely rare but several people have died in Indonesia in recent years after being swallowed whole by pythons.

Last year, residents in Southeast Sulawesi’s Tinanggea district killed an eight-metre python, which was found strangling and eating one of the farmers in a village.

In 2018, a 54-year-old woman was found dead inside a seven-metre python in Southeast Sulawesi’s Muna town.

And the year before, a farmer in West Sulawesi went missing before being found eaten alive by a four-metre python at a palm oil plantation.

AFP