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From club bouncer to papacy: The life and times of Pope Francis

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On Easter Monday, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. He was elected Pope Francis I at the age of 76 in March 2013, the first from the Americas and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years.

Pope Francis was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Flores, Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936. He was the eldest of five children from Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori.

His predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years and for almost a decade the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes.

Many Catholics had assumed the new pontiff would be a younger man – but Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina was already in his seventies when he became Pope in 2013.

The late Pope Francis

Pope Francis looks on during his weekly general audience at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, on October 25, 2023. (Photo by Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

His last act as head of the Catholic Church was to appear on Easter Sunday on the balcony of St Peter’s Square, waving at thousands of worshippers after weeks in hospital with double pneumonia.

His beginnings

Pope Francis was born to an Italian immigrant father, Jose Mario Francisco Bergoglio, and Regina Maria Sivori. He has four siblings: Alberto Horacio, Oscar Adrian, Marta Regina, and Maria Elena.

His father worked for Argentine Railways, and Pope Francis retained a command of his family’s Portacomaro dialect. He is fluent in Spanish, Italian, and German and knows English, French, Portuguese, Latin and Ancient Greek.

The young Bergoglio worked as a nightclub bouncer and floor sweeper, notes a historic article on the pope by BBC.

Before joining the Society of Jesus in 1958, late Pope Francis trained as a chemist.

In 1960, Bergoglio obtained a licentiate in philosophy from the Colegio Máximo de San José. He then taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción, a high school in Santa Fe, from 1964 to 1965. In 1966, he taught the same courses at the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires.

In 1967, Bergoglio began his theological studies at Facultades de Filosofía y Teología de San Miguel.

In December 1969, he was ordained by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. He served as the master of novices for the province there and became a professor of theology. He held several academic and administrative positions within the Jesuit order. His academic journey included time in Spain and Germany.

Bergoglio had said that, as a young seminarian, he had a crush on a girl and briefly doubted his religious career.

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On May 20, 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires, and in 2001, he was named cardinal. Although he withdrew from the 2005 papal conclave, his influence grew, leading to his election as pope in 2013 despite concerns over his age and health.

Choosing the name “Francis” in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, he became known for his humility and focus on poverty, social justice, and dialogue among religions.

Political interventions

As pope, Francis played a key role in the talks toward restoring full diplomatic relations between the US and Cuba, announced on December 17, 2014. The Pope, along with the Government of Canada, was a behind-the-scenes broker of the agreement, taking the role following President Obama’s request during his visit to the Pope in March 2014. The success of the negotiations was credited to Francis because “as a religious leader with the confidence of both sides, he was able to convince the Obama and Castro administrations that the other side would live up to the deal”.

Following the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Francis visited the Russian embassy in Rome, an unprecedented action. He called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to express “sorrow” as the Vatican worked to find “room for negotiation” to end the war.

In early October 2022, Francis for the first time directly appealed to Putin to halt the “spiral of violence and death” in Ukraine. In the same speech, Francis asked Ukrainian president Zelenskyy to be open about “serious peace proposals” while recognizing that Ukraine had suffered an “aggression” and saying that he was “pained about the suffering of the Ukrainian people.”

Francis condemned Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. He also criticised Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Gaza war, saying that “terror should not justify terror” and describing Israel’s airstrikes as “cruelty, this is not war.”

He condemned the killing of two Palestinian Christian women by an IDF sniper in Gaza, calling it “terrorism”. Throughout the war, Francis had called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the establishment of a two-state solution.

Dealings with the Muslim world

In February 2019, Francis visited Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on the invitation of Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Francis became the first pope to celebrate Mass on the Arabian Peninsula, attended by more than 120,000 attendees at the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

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In March 2021, Francis held a historic meeting with Iraq’s top Shi’ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, and visited Ur, a site traditionally identified as the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. He and the Iraqi cleric urged the Muslim and Christian communities to work together for peaceful coexistence.

In September 2024, Francis visited Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population, where he attended inter-religious dialogue in Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta and was welcomed by the Grand Imam, Dr Nasaruddin Umar.

Francis and the Grand Imam additionally signed the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024, underscoring that the values common to all religious traditions be effectively promoted to “defeat the culture of violence and indifference” and promote reconciliation and peace.

The pope and celebrities

Besides the heads of state that made their customary Vatican visits, numerous celebrities came to meet the Pope from the ends of the earth and share a laugh or a handshake with him.

He shadow-boxed with Sylvester Stallone, joking with the star of Rocky that his three daughters reminded him of the three Marys of Biblical times.

He shook hands with Arnold Schwarzenegger of Terminator fame, who thanked the Pope for his advocacy for the care of Creation and the environment.

More recently, a cohort of comedians from around the globe made their appearance at a papal audience, and he reminded them that playful fun and laughter keep spirits up and tensions down.

Yet, it was contact with the average Joes and Janes that really gave the late Pope Francis the energy to guide the Catholic Church for 12 years.

Health problems

When he was 21 years old, after life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts, the pope, then known as Bergoglio, had part of a lung excised.

When he was elected at 76 years old, Pope Francis was reported to be healthy; his doctors had said the lung tissue removed in his youth did not significantly affect his health.

In the 2020s, he was prone to bouts of influenza and bronchitis in the winter. Knee problems and sciatica have prompted him to frequently use a wheelchair, walker, or cane.

In 2021, the Pope’s health problems prompted rumours that he might resign, which he dismissed.

In 2022, he became the first Pope for more than a century to bury his predecessor – after Benedict’s death at the age of 95. By then, he had his own health problems – with several hospitalisations.

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In March 2023, Francis was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection. He returned to celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, in April.

In June, Francis underwent abdominal surgery after suffering from a hernia.

Pope Francis had publicly used a wheelchair since 2022, initially due to persistent knee pain which required an operation.

In February this year, Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to bronchitis.

In March, it was reported that Francis was no longer using mechanical ventilation at night, with his doctors stating that his lung infection was under control, although not eliminated.

He was discharged from hospital March 23, immediately after blessing a crowd from his balcony; he was expected to spend at least two months recuperating at his home in Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City, maintaining a reduced work schedule.

Now the pope is dead…

Pope Francis’s death triggers a papal interregnum and a nine-day period of mourning known as the novemdiales (Latin for ‘nine days’). The pope’s funeral, by tradition, takes place within four to six days of the pope’s death; it is expected that he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore according to his wishes.

Cardinal-electors will be expected to arrive in Rome to attend the general congregation of cardinals which, in turn, fix the date and time of the upcoming conclave.

The conclave cardinals may elect any baptized Catholic male, but since 1389 they have always elected a fellow cardinal.

Funeral rites for the late pope are held for nine days, as he is mourned and celebrated. Conclaves must begin within 15 to 20 days after a pope dies or resigns.

Upon the pope’s death, the dean of the College of Cardinals calls the cardinal electors to the Vatican. There are currently 138 of them. To join the conclave, cardinals must be under 80 years old.

During the conclave, the cardinals live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, a hotel-like facility next to St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s where Pope Francis opted to live, rather than in the Apostolic Palace’s papal apartments.

The rituals take place according to rules popes have refined over the centuries, clarifying the timeframe and obligations. But the conclave itself must be obscured by “total secrecy,” as Pope John Paul II wrote. Cardinal electors must sign an oath of secrecy and seclusion, under threat of excommunication.

It has been noted that all of the conclaves from the 1900s onwards have lasted under four days.

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PHOTO: NDLEA Arrests Widow for Cocaine Trafficking with Fake Pregnancy

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 50-year-old widow in Lagos for allegedly attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine while pretending to be pregnant.

The suspect, identified as Mrs. Ifeoma Ezewuike, was picked up by NDLEA operatives at the Jibowu bus terminal in Yaba on Friday, August 22, 2025.

Mrs Ifeoma Ezewuike.

She was reportedly on her way to Abuja to deliver the consignment when she was intercepted.

According to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Ezewuike runs a fashion outfit known as Golden Star Creation along Ago Palace Way in Okota.

A subsequent raid on her home led to the recovery of 200 grams of a cutting agent commonly used in the preparation of cocaine.

“In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband, who died two years ago, although she has been in the fashion business for over two decades,” Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Other Major Seizures

The arrest was one of several drug operations carried out by the agency in the past week.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted 90 parcels of loud a potent strain of cannabis hidden inside three cartons of kitchen sinks.

The shipment, weighing 48.6kg, was traced to a courier company and had reportedly been imported from the United States.

In Adamawa, a raid on the home of a suspected drug kingpin, Idris Garba, forced the dealer to flee by scaling a fence. His associate, 55-year-old Boniface Nnaji, was not as lucky.

He was arrested in Yola South while attempting to escape.

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NDLEA said Nnaji drove into the city with 354,480 pills of tramadol concealed in a Toyota Thundra jeep (FST-885-CZ) and a Toyota Yaris (DSA 776 AA), both of which were impounded.

The agency also arrested another suspect, Neche Okonkwo, at Idah waterside in Kogi State.

He was caught after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra State, with 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 ampoules of diazepam injections.

Across several states, NDLEA operatives continued their clampdown on cannabis cultivation.

In Taraba, officers working with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) destroyed 7,500kg of skunk grown on three hectares of farmland in Dadin Kowa village, Bali.

Another 901kg was recovered from a warehouse in Uzebba, Edo State, where a 54-year-old woman, Fodo Stella Sunday, was arrested.

In Edo, 14,233kg of cannabis was destroyed across four plantations in Owan West Local Government Area.

In Delta, operatives, backed by the military, cleared 25,500kg of cannabis grown on 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu, Ndokwa West.

In Ondo, 25,025kg of cannabis was destroyed on three farms in Uso.

NDLEA described the series of arrests and seizures as evidence of its renewed pressure on drug syndicates operating across the country.

“These operations reflect our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing dangerous substances from reaching our communities,” Babafemi said.

Ezewuike and other arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

 

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Why Penis Size Does Not Affect Performance, Fertility — Experts

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For countless men, penis size stirs deep anxiety fed by social media, locker-room banter, and pressure from adult content.

But sex experts and urologists agree: size rarely determines sexual function or fertility.

In a revealing conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, clinical sexologist Cecilia Agu and consultant urologist Dr. Gabriel Ogah broke down the myths emphasizing emotional connection, overall health, and sperm quality as far more meaningful indicators of sexual well-being.

Sexual Satisfaction Lies Beyond Size

Agu, who specializes in human sexology, has heard the insecurities countless times. Yet she insists that the fixation on size overshadows what truly matters in intimate relationships.

“Women value intimacy, chemistry, and creativity not centimeters,” she explained, her tone both compassionate and pragmatic.

“In most cases, size doesn’t determine performance or biological capacity. Only rare, clinically significant conditions impact size.”

She points to societal myths that equate larger size with virility.

“Historic portrayals in art and literature, and today’s media, amplify stereotypes. Pornography exaggerates, turning a normal variation into unreasonable expectations.”

Agu also cautioned against the booming market selling “enhancement” remedies.

“That industry profits off insecurity peddling pills, gadgets, and herbal supplements with no proven benefit.

The real dilemma lies in emotional weariness, not physical deficiency.”

She acknowledged true medical conditions like micropenis, often linked to hormonal or genetic causes but emphasized their rarity.

“Anyone worried about hormonal imbalances or developmental issues should seek professional evaluation,” she advised.

“Fertility Is Unrelated to Size” Dr. Gabriel Ogah

Dr. Ogah, a respected urologist, offered a no-nonsense medical perspective on the fertility question.

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“A small penis doesn’t reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman,” he stated firmly.

“If sperm is healthy and ejaculation occurs, fertilization can happen.”

He added that many young men consult him out of anxiety sparked by unrealistic comparisons.

“Almost always, their size falls within healthy norms. It’s undue stress, fueled by exposure to distorted media portrayals.”

Dr. Ogah also debunked the idea that older men can “restore” diminishing function through enhancement products.

“As absurd as it sounds, many try. But no pill or serum can permanently alter anatomy.

These are myths masquerading as solutions.”

So What Truly Matters?

Both experts agree: prioritizing overall health, emotional intimacy, and stress-free communication far outweighs anxiety over size.

Agu stressed that sex is about connection, not metrics. “Being nervous about measurements sets couples up for dissatisfaction.

But when you focus on pleasure, emotional safety, and experimentation, the experience transforms.”

Dr. Ogah echoed this, emphasizing regular health check-ups. “Good cardiovascular health, balanced hormones, and mental well-being are key. Size doesn’t affect that.”

Dispelling the Myths, Sustaining the Confidence

As myths dissolve under scientific clarity, a bigger concern emerges: how do we nurture a culture free of body shaming? Agu proposed educational steps.

“We should teach young people that anatomy varies. Performance is multi-dimensional. Communication trumps comparison every time.”

Dr. Ogah endorsed that sentiment. “Let’s shift the narrative. Appreciate function over form. Listen to your body, and care for it through healthy living.”

Performance Isn’t About Inches

Size remains largely irrelevant when partners are emotionally in sync, focused on connection, and attuned to shared pleasure.

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Fertility hinges on sperm health not size.

Medical concerns like micropenis are rare, but deserve medical evaluation.

Media, culture, and marketing distort reality. Let’s counter that with facts.

Confidence and sexual well-being stem from health, honesty, and intimacy not obsession with size.

In the end, as Agu beautifully summed up, “It’s not the size it’s how you share it.” That truth holds far more value than any number on a measuring tape.

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I’m Not Desperate to Be President – Atiku

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said he is more interested in building a better Nigeria than in becoming president at all costs.

Atiku made this known on Saturday during an affirmation ceremony in Lagos for new defectors to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The event saw several political heavyweights from the PDP and Labour Party officially announce their defection to the ADC.

The former PDP candidate, who recently resigned from the party along with other opposition politicians, formally joined the ADC in what he described as a “movement for national renewal.”

Speaking at the event, Atiku said his focus was not personal ambition but the pursuit of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.

“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria,” said Olateju, who spoke on behalf of Atiku.

“It’s not about him being president at all costs. It’s about having a government that can truly deliver for Nigerians.”

According to him, the ADC should not be seen merely as a political party but as a movement dedicated to national transformation.

“It’s no longer politics as usual. This is a new beginning for Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing,” he added.

Atiku further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation have left many Nigerians struggling.

He stressed that only good leadership could deliver lasting solutions.

He also said the coalition was confident that God would use them to bring meaningful change to Nigeria.

On who would likely emerge as the ADC presidential candidate in 2027, Atiku insisted the choice would be left to party members.

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“Whoever emerges through a free and fair contest, we will all support. We are not imposing anyone,” he said.

“The point is not Atiku for president at all costs, or Obi for president at all costs. The point is Nigeria.

Whoever picks the ticket will represent the collective voice and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he added.

Prominent defectors present at the event included PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.

They were received by top ADC leaders, including National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru.

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Town Square Meetings: Gov Eno empowers 7688 Akwa Ibomites As Series End

... approves dual carriage way from Afaha Offiong - Itreto Road

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has concluded the 6-month Town Square Meeting/Empowerment series, with a visit to Etinan Federal Constituency where he said no fewer than 7688 citizens across the State have benefited from grants for farming, trading, equipment support, cars and mini buses worth over N10 billion.

The series, which began in Abak Federal Constituency with 833 beneficiaries, continued in Oron with 980, Eket with 1,076, Ikot Ekpene with 664 and 540 in Ikot Abasi federal constituencies.

411 and 677 people also benefited in Ukanafun and Itu Federal Constituencies, respectively, while 1,187 and 476 beneficiaries were recorded from Uyo and Ikono Federal Constituencies.

Speaking during the grand finale held at Nsit Ubium Council Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, the Governor said 844 from Etinan Federal Constituency were beneficiaries of N361, 450, 000 worth of grants for the different empowerment packages.

He said all the beneficiaries were harvested from the ARISE portal. He urged everyone, especially youths, to take advantage of the portal to benefit from Government initiatives, including procurement, employment, empowerment and others.

According to him, the State under his leadership will not give slots to individuals, but will continue to ensure a level playing field for all citizens irrespective of social status, stressing that everyone should have equal opportunity.

He said, though the Town Square meeting had ended, his committed service to Akwa Ibom State will continue, adding that the needs document for Etinan Federal Constituency, as well as all others across the State, had been received and will be accommodated accordingly in the 2026 budget, based on the availability of funds.

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The Governor said all local government areas have benefited from one project or the other at various stages of completion.

He said youth centres will be built in all the local government areas across the State, and urged local government chairmen to make land available for the project.

Governor Eno, who reiterated his support for local government autonomy, said that to ensure that local government chairmen reside within their communities, official residences will be built for all local government chairmen across the State.

He appreciated everyone for taking part in the town square meetings, and specifically appreciated the people of Etinan Federal Constituency for their overwhelming turnout and heroic reception, and directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga to facilitate the design for the award of contract for a dual carriageway from Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area to Itreto in Nsit Ubium.

Governor Eno who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, urged all members and intending ones to participate in the ongoing membership registration/revalidation, as well as in the Continuous Voter registration that has just been started by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He warned youths against insulting leaders, stressing that Akwa Ibom is progressively united in support of President Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, and of course, his return to Hilltop Mansion, come 2027.

In his tone setting, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the meeting was a homecoming for a worthy son of the Federal Constituency who has been fruitful and has served creditably well.

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In their separate remarks, General Paul Isang (rtd), Otuekong Sunny Jackson, and Obong Umana Okon Umana said they were proud to identify with the laudable achievements of the Governor, adding that he has done creditably well and deserves a second term.

On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk appreciated the Governor for making them proud through impactful service, and prayed for more grace upon him to do more for Etinan Federal Constituency and the State at large.

Also speaking, members of the State Executive Council, led by Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, appreciated the Governor for his people-centric governance and for appointing them to be part of his cabinet, and assured them of continuous support beyond 2027.

Also speaking on behalf of local government chairmen from the Constituency, Chairman of Nsit Ubium LGA, Hon Alfred Charles, said God has made them proud with impactful leadership.

Presenting the empowerment packages on behalf of the State government, the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo said he was not surprised by the sea of heads at the event, stressing that it was not just a statement, but a vote of confidence and endorsement for the Governor.

High point of the event was the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno as sole candidates for the office of President and Governor in the 2027 elections, following a motion moved by Rt Hon Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan.

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2027 polls: Etinan Federal Constituency endorses Tinubu, Eno

...as Gov. Eno doles out N361m to business owners, farmers, others

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An elated Governor Eno acknowledging cheers from the crowd

In what turned out to be a climax in a season of appreciation and endorsements, the People of Etinan Federal Constituency have reaffirmed their solidarity to the Government of Pst Umo Eno,PhD, and have pledged their resolve to support his re-election, and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

This is as the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has doled out N361,450,000 to 844 persons from Etinan Federal Constituency.

The donation comes in the form of farmers grants, traders grant, equipment support, MSMEs, cars and mini buses beneficiaries.

At what was tagged a grand finale in the series of Town Square meetings between the Governor and his people, held at the Nsit Ubium Council Headquarters ground in Ikot Edibon, the people unanimously voted in support of the continuation of the Governor in office.

The Governor had thanked the people for the massive turnout saying “it is organic, spontaneous and electrifying.”

He said having received the needs documents from all the federal constituencies, he was going to select the very critical ones for inclusion in the 2026 budget, noting that some could still be captured in the remaining part of the subsisting budget.

The Governor said the recent Impact Assessment Summit organized by his government, afforded everyone opportunity of seeing that every local government in the State has been positively affected by his administration, but added that where gaps were noticed, corrections would be effected.

On his policy of establishing Youth Friendly Centers in all the local government areas, the Governor urged local council chairmen to each, avail him of 1000sq meter of land for the project, and also harped on the essence of encouraging youths in computer training.

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Following the premises laid by speakers at the event, a voice vote was moved by the Nsit Ubium State Constituency lawmaker, Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan of Nsit Ibom State Constituency with the people affirming their decision to support the All Progressives Congress and its candidates Governor Eno and President Tinubu.Speaking, stakeholders of the federal constituency, through their Political Leader, Senator Effiong Bob, held that Governor Eno’s performance had endeared him to the people of the entire State, insisting that, “if you were not a good governor they would not have accepted you”.

“We are not here to speak about what are you doing, or what you have not done, or what you are about to do, because we know that you have done your best within these two years.

Sen Bob who was confirming the position of the earlier speakers at the event, Chief Sunny Jackson Udo, Mr Umana Umana and Hen Paul Isang,Rtd, said, “You have 8 yrs mandate, so your mandate will be judged at the end of 8 yrs, but for the two years, you have done so much for our people as had been said in the programme”, he said wooing for support for President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Governor.

On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, acknowledged that God has used the Governor to accomplish much for the State.

He said the huge crowd was a true reflection of the love and confidence of his people in him.

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“As royal fathers, our role is to guide and advise, and in that spirit, I thank you sincerely for all you are doing for the sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State. We are confident that you will not let your people down.

“We are proud to identify with you, to support you, and to pray for your continued success. Already, you have been named the Best Performing Governor in Nigeria, and we encourage you to keep up the good work so that you will continue to win even greater honors”, the monarch added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Alfred Charles, on behalf of the three chairmen in the constituency, hailed the Governor as “the pride of Etinan Federal Constituency”, assuring that the constituency would stand solidly behind him all the way.

This was corroborated by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, who spoke on behalf of members of the State Executive Council from the constituency.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, described the Governor as a compassionate and inclusive leader, as well as the best performing Governor in Nigeria, who in just two years, has earned the love of his people and a doctoral degree in learning.

He thanked the Nsit Ubium people for supporting their son, assuring everyone that, “you have a Governor who is not just performing, but excelling”.

Highpoints of the occasion was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries by the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntokekpo.

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