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Senator Albert: Redefining Legislative Representation & Public Service

Published

5 years ago

March 2, 2021

Anny Michaels

In measuring performance of a political office holder, one of the yardsticks, according to pundits is the ability of the occupant of such an office to match words with actions in delivering tangible dividends of democracy to the people.

One political office holder of note, who has been quite exemplary in this regard is Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA), representing Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream).

This is objectively so because an x-ray of his scorecard as a ranking Senator is simply superlative. He has 11 bills passed, five motions and 13 petitions.

Among his bills are: An Act to prohibit flaring of natural gas in Nigeria and for matters connected therewith 2020 (SB 174), an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the inclusion of sovereign wealth funds established under the Nigeria Sovereign investment Authority (Establishment, etc.) Act cap N166 LFN 2004.

The third of the people’s Senator bill is an Act to amend Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, content development Act cap and for other matters thereto 2020 and for other matters connected thereto 2020 (SB 417) among several other bills.

He has received widespread accolades for moving powerful motions at plenary. One of which brought about the reinstatement of a police officer from Akwa Ibom State after 21 years of being wrongly sacked. He had all his salaries and benefits after being reinstatement as well as being promoted to the commensurate rank.

It is on record that Senator Albert is one public office holder who has a tastefully furnished constituency office strategically located at E7 Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo with standby 3 nos18 seater buses for constituency engagements. He also has in his employ at least four Aides drawn from the nine LGAs that make up Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District.

Worthy of note is the fact that Senator Albert in his unique way of giving back to his constituents has overtime been donating cars, mini buses, tricycles, motorcycles, sewing machines, fish drying equipment, blocks moulding equipment etc were thousands of constituents have so far benefited from.

During the last yuletide, Senator Albert empowered no fewer than 520 physically challenged persons with wheel chairs , guide Cains, , cash and a bag of rice each. 5000 women and youths have so far benefited from the Senator’s signature trainings in entrepreneurial skills with the accompanying cash benefits to the beneficiaries drawn from the nine LGAs that make up the Senatorial District.

So far, there are 350 constituency projects spread evenly across the Senatorial District to the credit of the vibrant Senator.

At festive seasons over the years, he has been very consistent in giving back to his people with trailer loads of rice and cash to enjoy the merry making seasons.

OBA as he is fondly called, has awarded all school expenses scholarships to 381 indigenes of Akwa Ibom State currently studying in Federal and State universities across Nigeria.

For his meritorious services to Nigeria, especially in resolving the over a decade rift in the Escravous /Chevron Gas to liquid project as Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), which has translated to several millions of US Dollars now accruing to Nigeria, NNPC on the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari approved the conferrment of Special honour on Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) at an elaborate event in Abuja on January 9, 2020.

Thereafter came Democracy Heroes Award Award 2020, where he was honoured as the Most Outstanding Senator in Nigeria.

It may interest many to know that the Distinguished Senator regularly intervenes in the medical bills and other welfare concerns of constituents and beyond, done away from media attention, not to talk of school fees payments for as many that come his way. This act of magnanimity is in addition from his ongoing all school expenses scholarship programme, as he strongly believes in value addition public service.

Some Akwa Ibom sons are currently doing their post graduate studies abroad courtesy the people’s centric Senator and the beneficiaries are very loud in their appreciation for his incomparable kindness and statesmanship.

Senator Bassey Albert (OBA) had his forays into politics from an excellent banking background, having worked at several banks before becoming Vice President at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) in charge of South South operations.

His diligence saw him being appointed Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom State and he served for over seven years, marked by torrents of accolades as he contributed immensely to human capacity development, community services which spanned infrastructural projects and others.

Today, he has given a big voice to Akwa Ibom people in the Senate. As a ranking Senator of reckon and Leader of Akwa Ibom Caucus in the National Assembly, Senator Bassey Albert is undoubtedly one public servant and politician that is tenaciously disposed to public good.

At all times, l admire his poised disposition, emotions ever under control as well as his humility and simplicity.

Senator Albert deliberately accepts the utilitarian theory of pursuing the greatest happiness of the greater number of the people as a governing political philosophy.

Of great admiration too, is his going about public engagements moderately, without egoistic display as is common in our political space.

Senator Albert has really shaped the narratives in public representation as witnessed in his legislative duties and engagements. Today, Senator Albert is seen by many beyond political boundaries, as a model for up and coming politicians.

Anny Michaels is SA on Media/Publicity to Distinguished Senator Bassey Albert (OBA)

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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