ENCOMIUMS AS ETINAN COUNCIL BOSS DOLES OUT MULTI MILLION NAIRA EMPOWERMENT KITS

By Otobong Nsekpong

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has congratulated Hon. (Dr) Uko Umoh on the occasion of the commissioning of an ultra modern bus terminus and flag off of a multi million naira empowerment scheme.

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Addressing a large turn out of the people of Etinan during the commissioning of the bus terminus, the governor described the day’s event as a laudable initiative that reflects purposeful leadership which aims at
empowering the people and community for economic growth.

The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, commended the chairman for his commitment to grassroots development, urging him to remain focused despite the opinion of naysayers.

He advised the beneficiaries to put the empowerment kits to proper use inorder to help them in their respective vocations.

“Keep doing the good thing you are doing in Etinan. The story of good governance at the grassroots goes on and on from one local government to the other. Endorsement does not mean you should slow down the good work, keep firing from all cylinders”

In a goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Etinan local government area, His Majesty, Edidem Aniefiok Monday Akpanobong, said members of the traditional institution are very happy to see new developments take place in the land of Iman.

The royal father used the opportunity to remind other political office holders to always think of a legacy that will stand the test of time after their tenure had ended saying, Hon Uko Umoh has written his name in gold on the sand of time.

On his part, Isantim Kenneth Okon described the bus Terminus and empowerment programme as a well thought out project for the good of the people, saying the chairman has done very well. “This is not a misplaced priority, what you have done today will be discussed for days and weeks to come. My Chairman, you have done well”

Obong Paul Ekpo, the representative of Etinan Federal Constituency, while congratulating the chairman on the feat said, the new Iman is Possible mantra has united the entire Iman together. ” We will keep doing what God gives us the grace to do no matter what is said of us”

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Akwa Ibom state, Hon Uko Udom SAN said a new Iman Is Possible mantra has become a reality, describing the event of the day as sample of what the chairman can do. “we will continue to stand by you till the end”

Representative of Etinan State Constituency, Hon.Uduak Ekpo Ufot while appreciating the governor of the state for making local government autonomy possible maintained that Hon Uko Umoh has not let the people down.

Chairman of the Elders’ Forum in Etinan, Dr. Okon Emah applauded the chairman for a good start saying, having started well, we expect you to do more. “We will continue to support the governor and all candidates of APC in the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman of APC in Etinan local government area, Comrade Israel Tommy, said the party is proud of the performance of Hon Uko Umoh who has become a shinning example of good governance at the grassroots.

In a vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of Etinan local government Council, Hon Imaobong Michael, while appreciating the governor, his entourage and all dignitaries at the event said, history has been made in Etinan local government area. ” I know you are not the type of Chairman who gives out and goes home to sleep, the buses will be put to proper use by beneficiaries”

On his part, the Chairman of ALGON in the state, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, who led a large entourage of local government chairmen to the event described the day as a proof of superlative performance of a chairman who has genuine love for his people.

 

“We have seen the infrastructure, the buses and the financial grants and we can see that you have ticked all the boxes in grassroots governance. This is what the governor wants to see and is very proud of this crop of local government administrator”

In his speech, the Chairman of Etinan Council, Hon (Dr) Uko Umoh, said his administration is guided by a philosophy that is aimed at restoring the glory of Etinan local government area.
He listed his achievements to include grading of rural roads, renovation of Primary Health Centre, restoration of electricity and potable water in communities and among many other life touching intervention programmes.

He appealed to the governor for the construction of a befitting sports facility in Etinan as well as help the local government council attract a commercial bank to the area.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with this reporter including Mr. Okon Asukwo Etuk and Mr. Monday Samuel Nsekpong thanked the chairman for bringing governance to the grassroots through the empowerment programme. According to them, this has never happened that a local government administration will embark on such magnificent project and empowerment scheme.
“We were praying to God to come and redeem us and he sent Hon.(Dr) Uko Umoh to us.May God bless and reward him abundantly”

Items given out include On this occasion, we are giving out the following items under our economic empowerment programme:
• 12 mini-buses
• Three (3) cargo tricycles
. Three motorcycles
• 12 sewing machines (three industrial, one ziz-zag and eight general purpose sewing machines)
• Five (5) weaving machines
• Five (5) big generators
• Eight (8) small size generators
• Two (2) vulcanizing machines
• Seven (7) barbing clippers,
• One (1) clipper steriliser and One (1) towel steriliser
• Two (2) hair dryers, One (1) wash hand basin,
• One (1) Aluminum cutting machine
• One (1) welding machine
• One (1) industrial shoe-making machine
• One set of brass band
• 64 bicycles and 64 talking drums for effective information dissemination.
Other categories include a hundred thousand naira each to 50 entrepreneurs, another hundred thousand naira each to four members of Association of Former Elected Councilors (AFECO), fifty thousand naira each to 24 students, a hundred thousand naira each to 61 widows and two hundred thousand naira each to 19 youths.