Otobong Nsekpong

Ikot Eba community in Etinan Local Government is one of the many communities that have benefited from the GIFA Water of Life Projects executed as part of activities to mark the 2nd anniversary of Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Eno Obareki delivering her speech shortly before the commissioning of the project

The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Eno Obareki, led a high powered delegation from Uyo to inaugurate the water project aimed at eradicating water borne diseases in rural communities.

Etinan First Lady, Mrs. Emily Uko Umoh led female stakeholders and women of Ikot Eba to receive Lady Helen Obareki and her entourage made up of wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, representative of Uruan State Constituency, Dr.Itoro Etim, wife of the representative of ONNA state Constituency. Mr Unyime Johnny and wife of the Commissioner for Sports,Mrs Helen Paul Bassey.

In her welcome remarks, Mrs Emily Uko Umoh, thanked the Coordinator Office of the First Lady for her passion and commitment in transforming and improving lives through GIFA.

Mrs Emily Uko Umoh delivering her welcome address at the commissioning ceremony

According to her, the water project is not just a great feat that will stand the test of time, but an idea that has brought smiles to all members of the community.

She urged the community to take over ownership of the project by protecting and wadding off vandals saying, the project is borne out of government’s desire to better the lives of the people.

In her remarks before commissioning the water project,Noble Lady Helen Obareki, said the water for life project is not just about sinking boreholes but ensuring that mothers in Ikot Eba community no longer walk miles in search of basic necessities and our children are protected from water borne diseases.

“So today, we bring the water for life project to Ikot Eba community in Etinan local government area to safe guard the health of our children and support our artisans and traders to thrive”

She commended the state government under the leadership of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, for the visionary leadership through the ARISE Agenda, saying, GIFA is providing healthy modern solar powered water directly to our villages. “We are moving in line with the governor’s vision to transform our rural areas into hubs of health and productivity.

Lady Obareki used the opportunity to thank her team for the wonderful work done to bring water to the women and children of Ikot Eba community.

Goodwill message was received from the village head of Ikot Eba, Eteidung Linus Tim Ekong, who applauded the government for capturing Ikot Eba in the distribution of life touching projects.

In an overview of the project, Mr. James Ekanem said the 14, 000 liters water project was dug up to 175 feet deep and is powered by 2,500w of solar energy, executed according to specification, fit for human consumption.

In a vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon Imaobong Michael, thanked the Coordinator Office of the First Lady for not allowing the vision behind GIFA to die, stressing that Ikot Eba women are happy beneficiaries of the golden initiative.

The Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Honourable Uko Umoh has reassured the people that his administration will work harder to restore the glory of Etinan Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom state.

The chairman was speaking when he hosted the executive and members of Mboho Iban Mbong Iman at the Council’s Secretariat said he was ready to break every barrier to ensure development gets to the 64 villages in Etinan.

According to him, the council has procured electric transformers that will be given to communities in the first phase as he intends to light up the entire 64 villages before the end of his tenure.

“We are intentional in our drive towards development and our target is to make Etinan a desired destination in Akwa Ibom”

Honourable Uko Umoh assured the women that the council under his leadership will always work with the group especially in the area of capital human development.

He thanked the traditional institution for being the first to endorse his aspiration to be democratically elected as chairman of the council saying, he will forever cherish that endorsement.

Earlier the Vice Chairman of the council, Honourable Imaobong Michael, in a welcome remarks thanked the women for standing by the chairman and voting for him in the October 5, 2024 election.

She assured them that there are lots of provision for the women in who are fortunate to have a compassionate first lady and a vice chairman who is also a woman.

In a goodwill message, the Vice President of Mboho Iban Mbong Iman, Obongawan Nancy Udosen thanked the Executive Chairman for accepting the women and prayed God to bless the Chairman with wisdom to accomplish all his dreams for a greater Etinan Local Government.

In her remarks, the President of the group, Obongawan Patience Aniefiok Akpanobong thanked God for preserving the life of the chairman from the days of Transition Committee till when he was elected Executive Chairman.

Obongawan Akpanobong while appealing to the chairman to always carry Mboho Iban Mbong Iman along in the scheme of things also expressed the hope that his tenure will bring growth and development to Etinan local Government Area.

High point of the visit was a mass prayer for the chairman and presentation of gift raging from fruits to food stuff.

Executive members of Mboho Iban Mbong Iman present at the visit include Obongawan Patience Aniefiok Akpanobong, Obongawan Nancy Udosen, Obongawan Helen Ekerete, Obongawan Aniema Dennis, Obongawan Agnes Emeh and Obongawan Uduak Iwok.

The chief of staff to the Executive Chairman, Pastor Ubong Inyang and the Press Secretary to the chairman, Otobong Nsekpong were at hand to receive the women.

PDP Gets First Female Chairman In Akwa Ibom

Mrs Inemesit Maxwell Eduok has become the first woman in Akwa Ibom state to be elected chairman of PDP at the chapter level.

The organisational stricture of the People’s Democratic party starts at the ward to chapter to Senatorial, state, zonal and ends at the national level.

The Itu Local Government chapter of the party at last congress held on the 10th of August elected Evangelist Inemesit Maxwell Eduok to pilot the affairs of the party in the next four years .

This marks a significant milestone in the politics of gender inclusion as championed by the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

Her victory has been described as a new dawn for the PDP in the the Local Government and the state, with many optimistic that the future of the party under her guidance was brighter. She was declared winner after she polled 31 vote from a possible 33 and was subsequently announced winner by the returning officer; Mr. AnietienteAbasi Isu at Community Secondary Commercial School (COMSECOM) on Saturday.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Eduok expressed deep gratitude to the stakeholders, delegates and party faithful for their overwhelming support. She reiterated her commitment to fostering unity within the party, enhancing its grassroots appeal, and leading a robust campaign for the upcoming elections. She appealed for sustained support and collaboration as it is the only way to ensure that the PDP remains a formidable force in Itu Local Government Area.

The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem remarked that Mrs.Inemesit  Eduok’s emergence as the Itu chapter chairman of the PDP is a breath of fresh air, describing her as one who has consistently shown her dedication to the party and the people.

Other members elected into the PDP Chapter offices in Itu Local Government Area are; Mr. Bassey Bassey Otu;; Deputy Chairman, Mr. Christopher Paul Obot; Secretary,  Hon. James Mathew; Assistant Secretary,  Mr. Nsikakabasi Okon Eyibio – Publicity Secretary, Ubong Ikpang Assistant Publicity Secretary,  Mr. Nsikak Basey  Mbom – Organising Secretary,  Mrs. Alice Nyah; Woman Leader, Mr. Emmanuel Joseph Okpoh; Financial Secretary and Mr. Bassey Bassey Ekpenyong as  Treasurer.

Others are; Mr. Nsidibe Vincent Ben; Youth Leader, Mr. NseAbasi Odiong; Legal Adviser, Mr. Offiong John Gregory ; Auditor, Grace Bassey Akpan; Ex Officio 1, Essien Edet Ekpenyong; Ex Officio 2, Enefiok Edem Nsembo; Ex Officio 3, Mr. Christopher Archibong Ekim – Ex Officio 4 and Mr. Emmanuel Tom; Ex-Offico 5.

As Mrs. Eduok takes on this new role, expectations are high among party members and the wider community. Her leadership is anticipated to usher in a period of renewed vigor and strategic planning for the PDP in Itu Local Government Area, positioning the party for success in future political endeavors.