UbongAbasi Ise

  By UbongAbasi Ise Akwa Ibom State is variedly considered to be a home of tourism, place of exquisite delicacies, home of beautiful women, land of exciting cultures, rich colonial histories and all manner of hospitability. Looking at a state that is naturally endowed with essential resources, blessed with clement all-year round climate accompanying with lush of greenery, exquisite beaches and idyllic scenes, there is no competitive heights Akwa Ibom would not have attended in the area of tourism. All that could have mattered most would have been a vibrant entertainment sector that can amplify the beauty of the state to all corners of the world. But sadly, the story of Akwa Ibom entertainment appears to be a tale of a paradise being overtaken by barren wilderness and aridity that leave nothing to be desired about.                  We could ask what would be the gain of the state if its salubrious ambianc...

  By UbongAbasi Ise “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?” – Matthew 11:7   To the youths, and those that still see themselves as youths, I have these facts to tell you in case no one told you before. If you could see yourself the way your political leaders look at you, certainly you wouldn’t want to go to them.                 The relationship between the political ruling class and the governed in our clime is like oil and water; they can never mix. When you go out to cheer and support your political leaders to get favours, understand that they are not dignifying you as humans who get sense. They only see you as faceless crowd that confer upon them popularity. They would say, “Oh! See the crowd, see the support!” Your face and your name don’t matter. Behind the façade of their smiles and agreeable gestures, these political overlords see you as being lower tha...

  By UbongAbasi Ise Various locations in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, were recently lit with an array of Nollywood stars appearing for the making of Money Man , a possible action-packed film directed by Ezeugo U. Ezeugo.  The multi-million project is expected to be a smash hit owing to massive energy put in by casts and crew members, with attention paid to every detail. The film stars the likes of Zubby Michael, Harry B. Anyawu, Shane George, Eve Essien, Moses Armstrong, Igwe Gravity and over 50 artistes of Akwa Ibom extraction. Money Man is a production of DDP Galaxy Entertainment. The plot of the film is purely a dramatization of a predatory quest for money. Ikenna (Igwe Gravity), also known as Money-Man, is a youthful academic graduate who is seen rising from poor socio-economic background to growing affluence. The nouveau-riche appears to stand above all situations, but for how long would he weather the storm around him? A saying that ‘a chick  that...

  By UbongAbasi Ise Could it be certain that the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, has been having her fair experience as a victim of domestic violence in the hands of her husband as alleged by undisclosed sources privy to the first family affairs? Does her husband really make her face what she is standing against today? Is she currently going through silent marital distress? These are just questions whose answers should wait. But be that as it may, private life is a private business and should be carefully tucked away from the prying eyes of the public. It is common knowledge that a man who cherishes his wife would certainly respect his in-laws and please them with gallantry. What this also means is that a man who brutalizes his wife and gives her no respect would also treat people from her side with total disregard and disdain. Recent media report claimed how the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanel, went to Oruk Anam local government area where his wif...

By UbongAbasi Ise   My Audition Story, a movie produced by Enobong Nkanta, is like a coin with two sides. The obverse exposes common behind-the-scene situations facing movie actors while the flipside relives forgotten cultures of Ekid people living in the southern part of Nigeria.  Although the story captures contemporary epoch, it takes the viewers’ minds back to the past where indigenous cultures, societal ethos, mores and values were highly revered. At its best, the movie is a perfect mix of modern glamour and rural splendor of typical Akwa Ibom local communities. The scenes serve as window through which Akwa Ibom geophysical and social environments could be viewed by the outside world. Directed by Prince JTT Jude, My Audition Story is a true-life story recounting how four actors travel long distance to another part of the country for audition. The journey of these characters brings to the fore common experience of having to travel on road in a vast country as Nigeria...

The Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum, Atuekong Dr. Chris Akpan, is a consummate politician with encyclopedic knowledge about Akwa Ibom and Nigerian politics. Having served as Director General of Godswill Akpabio Campaign Organization in 2019, he still remains an integral part of the inner circle of the current Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. In this interview with our Editor Weekend , UBONGABASI ISE , Atuekong Dr. Chris Akpan takes time to explain the actual situation of conflicts within the APC fold. He has also revealed how Senator Akpabio is finding himself under intense pressure by Nigerians, who are urging him to contest in the 2023 presidential elections. His another major talking point is the prevailing relationship between Senator Godswill Akpabio and his successor, Governor Udom Emmanuel, EXCERPT:    Looking at political trend, it has taken another dimension, what role are you playing now in the sphere of politics?   As it wo...

  By UbongAbasi Ise   As the multiple award-winning movie director, Mr. John Henry (DGN), is celebrating his birthday today, he has recounted how fruitful 2021 appears to him as he has so far directed over 20 films this year alone. In a chat with The Sensor on Thursday , the Nsit Ubium-born filmmaker said since the beginning of 2021, he has been able to direct 20 movies at over 16 locations across Nigeria with two locations in Ghana and one in the Cameroons. Top movies that John Henry involved in include All I Have shot in Enugu and produced by Nicki Moore who bases in the United Kingdom as well as Wives of Kabiru produced by Enobong Nkanta with locations at Eket. Others are The Lioness and Koinonia Marriage that were both shot in Ghana; The Untold Story, You Are Mine, Ideh Ekpe and so on. Henry’s awards include Nollywood Discovery Director of the Year 2018 at Nollywood Festival and Wards; Most Digital Director of the Year 2019 at Bart Awards; Best Director In Akw...