…warns trouble makers to steer clear sites
By Ime Silas
Chairman of Etinan Local Government Council, Hon. Uko Umoh has applauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for paying the counterpart funding to enable the commencement of developmental projects in the area.
Hon. Uko Umoh was speaking at separate locations during sensitization meetings with consultants, contractors, stakeholders and host communities at Ikot Abasi, Oniong Iman and Anyam Efa all in Etinan Local Government area on Friday, January 26, 2024.
The Council helmsman while expressing his excitement for the three rural road projects billed for flag off next week, reasoned that their actualization was a signal of divine endorsement of the administration of His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“Let me first of all thank the Almighty God for making the actualization of these road projects feasible within few months of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno’s administration as governor of Akwa Ibom State.
This is just the beginning. More of such developmental projects are coming in. I’m highly excited because these projects are in tune with His Excellency’s ARISE Agenda which centres on rural development. Let me also thank the governor for finding me fit for appointment as Chairman”, Uko said.
Thanking the World Bank which works in partnership with the state government for the projects, the Council Boss implored every stakeholder who has direct or indirect role to play, including the benefitting communities to ensure their timely delivery.
He continued “As the Chairman, I can assure you of my administration’s full cooperation to ensure a smooth and safe working environment. But, I would like to warn any trouble maker who might want to come under any guise, to steer clear the sites. If there are issues, channel them through my office and I can assure you of my prompt intervention.
To the consultants and contractors, I implore you to work according to specifications and ensure timely delivery. I will personally inspect every step of the projects. Our formal and informal security apparatuses some of whom are our youths, would be available to ensure safety. I am most grateful to World Bank and Akwa Ibom State government because, aside from the development that this projects would bring, our youths would also constitute a greater percentage of the work force. Therefore, let’s guard them as our own”.
Shedding more lights on the scope of the projects, the State Project Coordinator, Pastor Gideon Akpan said that the initiative was facilitated through Rural Access And Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). He hinted that there were up to about two hundred and fifty (250) kilometres of roads to be handled under the scheme but through different component packages.
The Project Supervisor, Engr. Ekong Inyang, while giving an overview listed the various components of the scheme to include upgrading, spot improvement, rehabilitation and backlog maintenance.
Speaking separately at their respective domains, the Village Heads who took turns to express their appreciation to the state governor for appointing Hon. Umoh as Chairman, noted that the latter’s appointment had brought government closer to the people at the grassroots.
They, in unanimity acknowledged Hon. Uko Umoh’s pragmatism in various areas and promised to accord him all the necessary supports to succeed. The Village Heads specifically thanked the Chairman for simplifying leadership by accompanying the RAAMP team to all the villages visited.
In the Chairman’s entourage were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Imaobong Michael; Supervisor for Works, Hon. Owoidoho Ekanem; SA on Youths, Hon. Item Etuk; PDP State Auditor, Prince Ibanga Udofia, among others.
In the RAAMP team were Engr. Ekong Inyang, Engr. David James, Engr. Ndifreke Okon, Engr. Ekene, Mrs. Noye Ogwu, Blessing Offiong, amongst others.
On hand with members of their councils to receive the delegation in their respective villages were Ag. Village Head of Ikot Abasi, Obong Kingsley Peters; Village Head of Anyam Efa, Eteidung Etokessien Monday Otu and Village Head of Oniong Iman, Eteidung Edet Utin.
Projects billed for flag off include Ikot Abasi/Ikot Ntong/Ekpene Obom Road, Ikot Itina/Oniong Road and Efa Junction/Ikot Ibok/Ikot Mfon Road.