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Nigerian actor and flagbearer of Democratic People’s Congress in Anambra State 2017 Gubernatorial election, Yul Edochie, has reacted to being left out of Gubernatorial debate organized by Channels TV for the Governorship aspirants.

Yul Edochie who is still optimistic about winning regardless of the debate, tweeted;

“I wasn’t invited to the debate. But its nothing to worry about. We’ll keep the spirit high and keep campaigning. Its time for the masses to have a say. November 18th, stand with me, the future is in our hands.”

Akwa Ibom state Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Professor Eno Blankson Ikpe, is dead.

Professor Ikpe’s death was announced in a statement signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh.

“It is with great sadness that the Government of Akwa Ibom State announces the passing away of Professor Eno Blankson Ikpe”, it read.

“The sad event occurred on November 8, 2017, after a protracted illness.

“Our hearts go out to her immediate family and loved ones, and we ask God to grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced after consultations with members of her family.

“In a symbolic show of respect for the departed member of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed that all flags in the state be flown at half-mast until further notice.

“Let us pray for the departed soul of Professor Eno Ikpe and for her bereaved family. May her soul rest in Eternal Peace!”.

The deceased, who hailed from Etinan LGA, was a recipient of various academic awards, including the prestigious awards of the German Academic Exchange Service.

She gathered her working experience from the University of Magdeburg (Germany), University of Lagos and the University of Uyo.

While at the University of Uyo, she served variously as Director, Centre for Cultural studies; Head, Department of History and International Studies; Vice Dean, Faculty of Arts; Dean faculty of Arts; adjunct professor, Akwa Ibom State University. She also sat in many committees.

President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara at the National Assembly
» more President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara at the National Assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja presented about N8.612 trillion as the 2018 Appropriation bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, saying the projected expenditure would drive rapid economic recovery.
He said at the session that with a benchmark of $45 per barrel at an exchange rate of N305 to a dollar in 2018, the budget would consolidate on the achievements of previous budgets to aggressively steer the economy to the path of steady growth.

"With the economic recovery made so far, it is clear that we made the right decisions. And I urge you all to support the Federal Government’s policies towards economic recovery," he said.

Buhari said that the government would continue to develop infrastructure and increase investments in agriculture to attain food security and reduce importation.

He added that while the Federal Government was committed to identifying alternative means of funding new projects, there was need to continue to pursue public-private partnership, to provide more infrastructure in the country.

According to him, the Federal Government has been able to construct or rehabilitate about 776-kilometer roads in 2017.

The president said that the construction of Abuja metroline had attained 98% completion, adding that work had commenced on the Ajaokuta-Itakpe rail line which was abandoned for 17 years.

He said that the project would be delivered in September 2018, adding that the country's power sector would witness a turn around.

"The power sector reform is still work in progress as we have increased power generation but we still have some challenges in transmission and distribution network," Buhari said.

He added that the Federal Government was committed to green alternative energy.