The people of Uruan who are domiciled in Lagos State under the aegis of Uruan People Progressive Association (UPPA) have declared support for the second time ambition of Hon. (Surv.) Iniobong Ekpenyong as the Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area.
Their support was made known over the weekend when the group paid a courtesy visit on Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong at his residence in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
In his address, the National President of Uruan People Progressive Association (UPPA), a non-political and socio-cultural organization, Pastor Udorobong Jarkwa, said the visit was to identify and endorse him for a second term as Chairman of Uruan as well as present campaign materials to him.
Pastor Udorobong Jarkwa said their decision was a testament to Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong’s exceptional leadership and his unwavering commitment to the people of Uruan during his first term in office.
While disclosing the vision of the group which is to foster peace, unity, care, support and mobilizing members to promote the cultural heritage of Uruan with the objectives of enhancing good governance, Pastor Jarkwa noted that Iniobong Ekpenyong has shown dedication to progress and passion for the people of Uruan hence the reason for him to continue for a second term.
According to him, “Sir, your leadership has been marked by numerous achievements including empowerment programs, sport and cultural development and your selflessness has earned you respect and admirations of your peers. Sir, the UPPA endorsement is not just a recognition of your past achievements, but also a vote of confidence in your ability to lead Uruan into a brighter future. Your Vision for a more prosperous and a united Uruan has captured the hearts of many, and your leadership strides has inspired a sense of hope and optimism.”
The UPPA National President listed some of the achievements of Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong which had made them to pass a vote of confidence on his leadership to include: construction of three classroom blocks, at Idu-Uruan Secondary School, renovation of three classroom blocks, staff room and construction of Assembly Hall in Ikot Udo Uruan, renovation of three classroom blocks at Nung Ikono-Ufok, Uruan, remodeling of Ituk-Mbang Market in Uruan and provision of bore-hole water for the market.
Others are: empowerment of (N1,000,000.00) One Million Naira Business Grant per zone in Uruan, payment of Bursary to Uruan Students, medical support for the elderly per-zone in Uruan, grading of rural/opening of Internal roads network, renovation of Uruan Council Secretariat as well as Sports and Cultural Development in all sectors in Uruan.
Furthermore, Pastor Jarkwa used the opportunity to thank the political leader of Uruan and Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Aniekan Bassey for giving credence to Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong whom he described as the most performing Chairman Uruan has ever produced to come on board again for a second term.
He also acknowledged and thanked the State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for allowing the Uruan Chairman to return as the PDP candidate for the forthcoming Local Government elections.
Responding, Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong, thanked the leadership of Uruan People Progressive Association (UPPA) for their support and donation of campaign materials, describing it as massive and commitment to his second term project.
He pledged to work with the group when he gets into office again, recalling how the group worked for him without reward when he was contesting for his first term.
He called on all Uruan sons, daughters and groups to emulate UPPA by donating campaign materials as well as rally around his second term project.
Ekpenyong disclosed his second term agenda which are: education, health care delivery, security enforcement, agricultural expansion, sport development and tourism as well as human empowerment and job creation.
The Uruan PDP Chairmanship candidate further maintained his vision for Uruan which is to position the area as an industrious and prominent Local Government Area in Nigeria, while his mission is to further development and good governance at the grassroot.
Others who also spoke were the Vice President of UPPA, Mrs. Grace Ubon, Prophet Samuel Effiwat and the pioneer President of the group, Chief Okokon Edet.
Highpoint of the courtesy visit was the presentation of campaign materials to Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong. The materials include: T-shirts, face caps and flex.
