…lauds council chairmen for executing citizen-oriented projects

The Grassroot Accountability and Empowerment Programmes in Nigeria (GAEPN) has commended the leadership of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Akwa Ibom State for strengthening grassroots governance and coordinating local government chairmen to deliver impactful, citizen-oriented projects across the state.

The leader of the GAEPN delegation, Mr. Eze Frances Okonkwo, gave the commendation shortly after concluding an extensive inspection tour of projects executed by council chairmen in various local government areas. The tour assessed the impact of local government autonomy on grassroots development.

Okonkwo observed with delight that council chairmen in Akwa Ibom State have delivered tangible strides in good governance through the prudent utilisation of local government funds, aligning with the state’s ARISE Agenda.

The GAEPN delegation visited multiple councils, including Oron, Etim Ekpo, Etinan, Eket, Nsit Ibom, Ikot Ekpene, Uruan, and Uyo Local Government Areas. In each, they inspected key infrastructure and empowerment initiatives.

In Oron LGA, the delegation assessed the assessed the newly constructed administrative building at the Local Government Council headquarters and the ongoing construction of internal roads within the council secretariat. They commended the Chairman, Hon. Okon Asukwo Enmewe for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to public service.

In Etim Ekpo LGA, the delegation was received by Executive Chairman, Hon. Gideon Uwa, who showcased major strides including the remodelled council secretariat, completed total landscaping, remodelling and asphalt-paving of the 1.1km road within the secretariat, plus newly constructed concrete drainages, parking lots, and walkways around the council headquarters.

In Etinan LGA, the Chairman, Hon. Uko Umoh led the team to inspect transformative projects under his “A New Iman is Possible” vision. Key highlights included the ultra-modern bus terminus (with lock-up stores, warehouse, and facilities for revenue and jobs creation), electrification projects that restore power to communities in darkness for over 10 years, rehabilitation of multiple water projects across wards, extensive road grading (over 80–96 km of rural roads), renovations of health centres, town halls, and schools, plus education and massive empowerment programmes for indigenes of Etinan.

In Nsit Ibom LGA, the delegation assessed key infrastructures, and the Chairman, Hon. (Deaconess) Otobong Aaron was commended for driving rural road infrastructure improvements and RAAMP-supported projects, agricultural demonstration farms enhancing food security, construction of police posts, and grassroots empowerment programmes. These efforts have significantly improved connectivity and agricultural productivity in the area.

In Ikot Ekpene LGA, the Chairman, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom’s focus was on economic and cultural revival under the Diamond Jubilee celebrations (Ikot Ekpene @75); solar-powered boreholes across 12 wards, rural road grading and maintenance, secretariat renovations, agriculture and creative industry support, and partnerships for long-term growth and investor attraction.

In Uruan LGA, the team inspected education infrastructure; market remodelling in Ituk-Mbang with boreholes; internal road grading; council secretariat renovation; electrification of some communities, plus empowerment programmes (business grants, bursaries, elderly medical support), sports, culture, and security initiatives.

The tour climaxed in Uyo Local Government Area, where the Chairman Dr Uwemedimo Udo, who is also the ALGON State Chairman, showcased grassroots footprints such as the electrification of about 10 communities with 500kVA power sub-stations through the #ProjectlightupUyo initiative; construction of an Ultra-modern Primary Health Centre in Ikot Ebido Oku; construction of office blocks within the Council for administrative and technical workers; provision of fully-furnished compassionate homes for some vulnerable persons; the remodelled Uyo City Motor Park at Mbiabong Etoi, and solar-powered water facilities. Dr Udo highlighted over 33 km of rural road grading across clans, the establishment of a council farm at Nung Asang Ikono to boost food security; ₦100 million in business grants to entrepreneurs, ₦11 million+ in bursaries, and other empowerment initiatives for women and youth.

Speaking on behalf of ALGON in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Uwemedimo Udo noted with delight that local government autonomy has fostered grassroots development by granting councils financial and administrative independence to address unique community needs. He added that autonomy has eliminated bureaucratic bottlenecks, ensured direct public accountability, and empowered councils to execute tailored projects in rural infrastructure, primary healthcare, education, and local economic development.

The GAEPN delegation expressed satisfaction with the visible impacts and urged continued commitment to transparency and people-centred governance.

The group further assured that it would continue its tour of other local government areas of the state.