Crunch Times News

The President of the Ndot Ikot Okoro Democratic Movement (NIODM), Eminimoh Gabriel Akpakpan, has praised the developmental initiatives of the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem, describing him as a leader whose investments in people have continued to yield positive results across the constituency.

Akpakpan made the remarks during a meeting of NIODM members held at his residence in Ikot Akpan, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, Hon. Idem has distinguished himself through programmes that prioritize human capital development, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition.

He noted that many youths from the constituency have benefited from vocational and digital training opportunities sponsored by the federal lawmaker, enabling them to acquire relevant skills and improve their economic prospects. He added that some beneficiaries have also participated in international capacity-building programmes designed to expose them to modern practices in technology, agriculture, and business management.

The NIODM president further highlighted the scholarship opportunities provided by Hon. Idem for students at different levels of education, saying the initiative has helped ease the burden on families while encouraging academic excellence.

He also commended the lawmaker's support for traders, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs through grants, equipment, and business support packages aimed at promoting self-reliance and local economic growth.

Akpakpan stated that the impact of these interventions is evident in the growing number of beneficiaries who have become productive contributors to their communities.

“Hon. Unyime Idem has remained consistent in his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents. His programmes have empowered individuals, strengthened families, and created opportunities for many people across the federal constituency,” he said.

He called on residents of Ukanafun and Oruk Anam to continue supporting initiatives and leadership that promote development, empowerment, and sustainable progress.

Akpakpan expressed optimism that continued collaboration between the people and their representatives would further accelerate growth and expand opportunities for residents across the constituency.

By Blessing Bature 

The growing burden of dementia and the lack of adequate support systems have continued to expose critical gaps in care and awareness across communities. In response, a family has launched the Minkbrown Foundation, a family-driven initiative focused on improving dementia awareness, support, and care for affected persons and their caregivers.

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in brain function that affects a person’s memory, thinking, reasoning, behavior, and ability to carry out daily activities. It is not a single disease, but an umbrella term for several conditions that cause damage to brain cells. 

Speaking at the launch of the Minkbrown Foundation, and the celebration of life at Pa mink Oladimedji's funeral the first daughter of the late Pa Mink Oladimeji Ayinla, Boladale Akiwumi-Kolapo who is also the Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria said raising awareness remains critical to tackling dementia in the country.

She stressed the need for greater support systems for families and caregivers, noting that many people are left confused and unprepared when dealing with dementia cases at home.

“I hope we can create awareness, we can create the resources and the means to support family members, because carers need help,” she said, 

while expressing appreciation to her mother for her strength and sacrifices during the family’s experience with the condition.

Akiwumi-Kolapo reflected on the emotional and physical toll dementia can take on caregivers, adding that many families struggle silently without adequate understanding of how to manage the condition.

She also shared personal memories of her late father, describing him as deeply loved by the family, and noted that the experience of caring for him was both challenging and transformative for those involved.

According to her, the launch of the Minkbrown Foundation is a tribute to his memory and a commitment to supporting other families facing similar struggles.

“Every family going through this is not alone,” she said, calling for collective support for the foundation’s mission.

She further acknowledged the support of extended family members who stood by them during the period, describing their presence as a source of strength and comfort.

Akiwumi-Kolapo added that while the initiative was initially planned as a private moment, the family now hopes to expand its reach and impact, calling on the public to support the foundation as it develops further programmes and interventions.

Assistant director with Federal Road Safety Corps in Nigeria, FRS, Olarewaju Ayinla paid a glowing tribute to his late father, describing him as a man who inspired critical thinking, hard work, and excellence in all aspects of life.

He was also celebrated as an extraordinary grandfather whose presence left lasting impressions on his grandchildren. 

According to him, he was kind and gracious, often supporting them with schoolwork, sharing stories, and teaching them about culture and tradition. He also gifted them books and musical instruments, leaving behind lessons they say will remain with them for a lifetime.

He described him as a blessing beyond measure and a treasured gift whose love, wisdom, and presence enriched everyone who knew him. 

He noted that although dementia gradually affected his memory in his later years, it never diminished his spirit, the values he upheld, or the love he shared with family and friends.

He expressed gratitude to God for his life, finding comfort in the cherished memories and enduring legacy he leaves behind.

The FRSC Assistant Director, emphasised the importance of preserving the values of integrity, honesty, and discipline within the family.

He said he hopes the family remains united while ensuring that the younger generation continues to uphold the principles their late father lived by.

According to him, his father was a man of unwavering integrity and honesty, qualities he said were deeply rooted in his character and never compromised.

“I’m also passing these values on to my children and siblings,” he said, noting that discipline remains essential in raising responsible children.

He stressed the need for “old-school discipline” in parenting, where children are corrected when they go wrong, adding that proper guidance and moral upbringing should not be abandoned in modern times.

He further encouraged families to instill strong moral education and ensure children are taught what is right from wrong.

In the same vein, the son-in-law to Pa Mink Oladimeji Ayinla, Akin Kolapo, said Patients with dementia need kindness and empathy; they must not be stigmatised. They need encouragement, support, and a more nurturing environment, one that allows them to thrive, saying that those around them must do their best to guide and support them, helping facilitate their healing journey.

He said Minkbrown Foundation is created by Pa Ayinla's family support people with Dementia, and letting them know they are not alone no matter what, the foundation stands ready to assist in every capacity.

He noted that Pa Ayinla, the father of his wife and her four siblings, was a truly great man whose impact would not be forgotten.

Describing his personality, he said the late patriarch was kind-hearted, generous, and selfless.

According to him, Pa Ayinla never denied his children anything within his capacity to provide. “Once it is within his power to give, even when it costs him personally, he will still give,” he said, adding that this rare generosity defined his life.

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja

Residents of Kampala Street, Wuse II, Abuja, have formally notified the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) of a pending court case challenging actions affecting properties in the area, warning that any demolition exercise before the determination of the suit could amount to contempt of court.

The warning was contained in a letter dated June 2, 2026, addressed to the Director of Legal Services, AMMC, by the law firm of M.P. Anaukyaa & Co., solicitors to six claimants led by Mrs. Nnennaya M. Okeke.

According to the letter, the claimants are parties in Suit No. CV/1022/26 pending before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Garki Judicial Division, involving the Hon. Minister of the FCT and Corporate Ideals Properties Limited as defendants.

The solicitors stated that the suit concerns properties located on Kampala Street, off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, and that all relevant court processes, including the writ of summons, motion on notice, enrolled order, and Form 48, had already been served on the defendants.

They drew the attention of the AMMC to an enrolled order issued by the court on April 2, 2026, directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

The letter noted that since the FCT Minister is a defendant in the suit and AMMC's actions are often undertaken pursuant to directives from the minister's office, it became necessary to formally notify the council of the ongoing litigation and the subsisting court order.

The claimants' counsel maintained that any attempt to proceed with demolition or other actions affecting the disputed properties would constitute a violation of the court's directive and could expose those involved to contempt proceedings.

They further argued that the properties in question are fully developed structures, some of which, according to them, have existed for more than three decades.

According to the lawyers, demolition of the buildings before the resolution of the case would result in irreparable damage to the owners and undermine the authority of the court.

"Any attempt to carry out any demolition will not only occasion injustice and irreparable damage, but it will amount to total disrespect and disregard of the express order of the court directing that status quo be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the case," the letter stated.

The solicitors also attached photographs of the disputed properties to support their claim that the structures are longstanding developments.

They urged the AMMC and all parties connected with the matter to respect the court order and refrain from taking further action until the suit is heard and determined.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the AMMC nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued an official response to the notice. The matter is expected to come up for further proceedings before the FCT High Court.

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By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) Abuja Chapter, has carried out a technical inspection visit to the Lower Usuma Dam, highlighting its strategic role in water supply within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Leading the delegation, the Chapter Chairman, Engr. (Mrs.) Adeleke Shola Ayanronke, _MNSE, FNICE._ said the visit was designed to strengthen members’ practical understanding of engineering infrastructure and operational processes.

She explained that participants gained first-hand knowledge of the dam’s structural components, operations and maintenance systems, as well as the application of key hydraulic and structural engineering principles in large-scale water projects.

According to her, the exercise also provided an avenue for professional interaction and knowledge sharing among engineers, in line with NICE’s drive for continuous professional development and adherence to world best practices.

Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Water Board, who hosted the team, stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between public institutions and professional bodies in managing critical infrastructure.

The Head of Department, Engr. Dauda Ibrahim, led the delegation round key sections of the facility and delivered technical briefings on its operations.

The Chapter commended the support of the board’s management and engineers, including Engr. Adeleke Stephen Adedapo and Engr. Abubakar Ubale, for granting access and providing technical guidance.

NICE Executives, Abuja Chapter,  who were parts of the delegation reaffirmed the role of engineers in safeguarding essential infrastructure and promoting sustainable urban development, while commending its Chairman, Engr. Adeleke Shola Ayanronke for her leadership dexterity and unwavering commitment to fostering learning and knowledge sharing among professionals in the industry.

By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel 

Liberty Chapel Adventist Women Ministry has called on women to prioritise their health, embrace financial independence, and demand supportive policies as part of efforts to improve their well-being and societal impact.

The call was made by Lydia Anenga - Arthur, Adventist Women Ministries (AWM) leader at Liberty Chapel, Abuja, during the group’s Makeup Picnic held to mark International Women’s Day.

Anenga - Arthur, said the event, which also featured a free medical check-up and a talk show on self-care and self-love, was designed to empower women and strengthen their sense of community.

“We are here for the AWM Mega Picnic, where we are celebrating several things. Although we have met virtually this year, this is our first physical gathering,” she said.

According to her, the programme also honoured elderly women and celebrated members whose birthdays fell between January and March, while reinforcing the importance of women’s empowerment.

She emphasised that self-care should not be seen as selfish but as a necessity for every woman.

“Self-care means taking deliberate steps to maintain your peace and well-being. Many women prioritise everyone else their children, husbands, and relatives and neglect themselves. This often leads to burnout and, in some cases, serious health issues,” Arthur noted.

She said the initiative aimed to encourage women to rest when necessary, take care of their health, and make their well-being a priority.

Addressing broader societal challenges, Arthur highlighted financial hardship as a major source of stress among Nigerian women, urging them to develop independent sources of income.

She also called on the government to implement policies that support women, particularly in employment, noting that discrimination against pregnant and married women remains a concern.

Arthur reiterated that empowering women has far-reaching benefits for society, stressing that women play a critical role in raising children and building families.

Also, Rita chimereze urged women to take deliberate steps toward managing stress by prioritizing financial discipline, maintaining healthy lifestyles, and strengthening supportive relationships.

She acknowledged that women face multiple layers of stress, including financial burdens, relationship challenges, and workplace pressures.

She noted that addressing these issues requires practical and consistent actions, particularly in the area of financial management.

According to her, financial stress remains one of the most common challenges confronting women, making it necessary to take control of income and spending habits. 

She advised women to reduce unnecessary expenses, especially on luxury items, while embracing budgeting as a critical tool for achieving financial stability.

A Consultant Family Physician, Dr. Mba Chinenye called on women to prioritise their health, stressing that physical, mental, and emotional well-being should not be sacrificed for family responsibilities.

Speaking during activities marking the International Women’s Day celebration, Dr. Mba noted that many women experience burnout due to neglect of their personal health, often skipping routine medical check-ups.

She warned that several life-threatening conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, often go undiagnosed because women fail to carry out basic health screenings.

Dr. Mba advised women to make it a habit to visit health facilities regularly, recommending at least monthly checks for blood pressure and blood sugar levels. 

According to her, maintaining good health is essential for women to effectively care for their families and remain productive.

She also commended the women’s group for organising a comprehensive health-focused initiative as part of the celebration. The programme featured exercise sessions and free medical check-ups, offering participants the opportunity for early detection of health issues and access to professional medical advice.

Describing the initiative as impactful, she noted that such interventions play a crucial role in promoting preventive healthcare among women.

The physician further called on religious leaders to integrate regular medical outreach programmes into their activities,  explaining that churches and mosques provide a strategic platform to reach a large number of women who may not otherwise seek medical attention.

One of the participants, Mrs. Jennifer Sampo, a pastor’s wife at Living Spring Outreach, described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it fosters unity and support among women.

She explained that bringing women together creates a strong sense of belonging, adding that the church regularly organises such gatherings to provide a platform for women to interact, share ideas, and discuss issues affecting their lives, particularly health-related concerns.

She highlighted the importance of such programmes, especially during a period dedicated to celebrating women, noting that they address key aspects of women’s lives, including health and stress management.

Another participant, Fabiyi Adebimpe Kekelomo, representing the Advantage Women’s Ministry, said the gathering formed part of activities to mark International Women’s Day, noting that the ministry has remained committed to empowering women spiritually, emotionally, and financially.

She disclosed that the group recently organised a five-day women’s retreat in Nasarawa State, which had a significant impact on participants. According to her, the ministry also operates financial contribution schemes where women save regularly—daily, weekly, or monthly—and receive payouts in turns.

Kekelomo explained that the initiative enables women to build financial reserves, invest in businesses, and become more self-reliant.