𝗨k𝗼 𝗨𝗺𝗼𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃 𝗘𝗻𝗼

 

••• 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘫𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴, 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘴 12 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬

In furtherance of the ARISE Agenda at the grassroots, the Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government, Hon Uko Friday Umoh, has dedicated his first anniversary in office to Governor Umo Eno, describing his administration’s achievements as a direct outcome of the Governor’s visionary guidance and people-first leadership.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday to mark his one year in office, Hon Umoh said his administration had domesticated the ARISE Agenda and translated it into practical development steps that are improving lives across the 12 wards of Etinan.

The former Publisher of Nigerian Pulse Newspaper noted that his leadership philosophy, built on the conviction that 'A New Iman Is Possible,' is aimed at restoring the pride of Etinan and driving meaningful progress for all communities.

In his report, the Council Chairman said electricity supply had been restored to numerous villages including Ikot Nkang, Ikot Ibok, Ekpene Ukpa, and Etinan by the motor park; areas that had been in darkness for more than ten years. He explained that concrete poles were erected and faulty transformers replaced to ensure steady power supply.

He also disclosed that five water projects at Afaha Akpan Ekpo, Ikot Udo Otto, Ikot Eba, Iwor Etor, and Ayam Efa were revived, with new generating sets provided to enhance supply.

In education, Hon Umoh stated that his administration distributed over 20,000 branded exercise books to pupils in public primary schools, sewed 250 uniforms for pupils of the newly commissioned Government Model School, Ikot Isong, and procured UTME forms for 500 students with a scholarship promise to those who secure admission into public tertiary institutions.

He said health care delivery received attention through the renovation of a Primary Health Centre at Ndon Utim, in addition to supporting routine immunisation programmes of the Federal Government in collaboration with donor agencies.

The Council boss revealed that the Council grader, which had been grounded for more than seven years, was repaired and deployed to open up rural roads across the 12 wards, thereby improving access and boosting local trade.

He added that the Legislative Building was renovated, including installation of proper sanitary facilities, while construction began on a leisure park at Etinan Roundabout to enhance aesthetics of the town.

In the area of sports, Hon Umoh said the Etinan Sports Stadium was renovated and that the Council’s investment in sports paid off with the local government emerging fourth at the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival (Ibom 2025).

For humanitarian services, he said widows and wives of fallen heroes received welfare support, including a one-million-naira donation during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. People with disabilities also benefited from mobility aids, including wheelchairs and crutches, while 50 others received Christmas and scholarship grants.

He further disclosed that official vehicles were purchased for the Leader of the Legislative Council and the Secretary of the Council to enhance productivity and efficiency in their offices.

On infrastructural development, Hon Umoh described the ongoing construction of the ultra-modern motor park along Etinan–Uyo Road as the signature project of his administration. He said the park, which will serve as a gateway to major destinations such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha, has lock-up stores, a warehouse, car wash, public conveniences, and other modern facilities.

He revealed that a total of 12 new buses, will soon arrive at the park for full operations to kickstart, projecting an annual revenue of between five and ten million naira for the Council when fully operational.

Hon Umoh attributed the success recorded in his first year to the unity and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of the Council, stressing that members of his team had worked selflessly to advance development in Etinan.

He expressed deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his guidance and massive support, assuring that his administration would remain committed to initiatives that improve living standards and sustain the development drive of the state government.

He assured that Etinan people who had since moved with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are ready to re-elect Gov Eno and all candidates of the APC in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, the SSA to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, and the SA on Print Media, Comrade Victor Ukpong, led a host of seasoned journalists and publishers; Pastor UduakAbasi Ikpat, Sir Unyime Ekwere, in showering encomia on the Etinan Council Chairman. They lauded Hon. Umoh for his sterling performance within one year in office, describing him as a man of vision whose leadership has redefined local media and governance. 

They assured of their continued support, noting that his humility, accessibility and results-driven approach have made him a model and mentor to many thriving media professionals in the state.