…..…restates commitment to inclusive development.
FIC REPORT (AKWA IBOM STATE) – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has acknowledged that his administration’s rural development drive is borne out of the need to bring hitherto disadvantaged communities to be at par with the rest of the State.
The Governor made this known today at Ebe Ekpi in Esit Eket Local Government Area, where he inaugurated the Model Primary Health Centre, as part of activities lined up for the celebration of the State’s 39th anniversary.
Represented by the Senator for Akwa Ibom South District, Senator Ekong Sampson,PhD, Governor Eno acknowledged the infrastructural gaps in some parts of the state, with the assurance to leave no community behind.
The State Chief Executive appreciated the support he has enjoyed from people of the area as an expression of their belief in his leadership, while enumerating what the administration has achieved in the area, with a promise to do more.
Seeing their continued support, the Governor acknowledged the people’s partnership in his administration’s peace building strides and charged them to protect public infrastructure in their area from theft and vandals.
He said the importance of the project was visible in the turn out of people, the gratitude expressed by the stakeholder and particularly appreciated the presence of Elder Statesman, Chief Nduese Essien who was among dignitaries at the event.
Describing the centre as strategic to Governor Eno’s vision of expanding healthcare access, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John in his overview of the project enumerated its impact in optimizing livelihood and charged communities to take advantage of services to be provided.
Dr John listed the various medical procedures the centre has been repositioned to offer, as an opportunity to reverse incidences of mortality and morbidity, noting that good health is the hallmark of every prosperous society.
Welcoming people to Esit Eket, the Council Chairman, Hon. Uduak Ikott highlighted the infrastructural and economic empowerment the area has so for benefited as symbolic of Governor Eno’s commitment to inclusion.
She expressed appreciation that Esit Eket, within the pendency of the 39th anniversary celebration has recorded landmark projects that are ready for commissioning and promised their continued support to the reelection of the Governor in 2027.
Appreciating the Governor for the project, while recalling the decades of infrastructural gap the area suffered, the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Iniobong Robson described the Health Centre as an answer to their prayers, being the first of such gestures in a very long while.
According to Robson, the edifice carries more history than a health facility, as it is one that assures them that they are recognized and valued in the scheme of things, further conveying their commitment to reciprocating the gesture through massive support for the Governor.
The member representing the area in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Udobia Friday, said the event was historic and a further proof of the Governor’s rural development drive, highlighting the impacts of the facility to bridging the healthcare gaps in Esit Eket communities.
The National President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Ernest Omoti urged health workers in the State to uphold the highest standards of professionalism to allow the people to derive full value for Governor Eno’s huge investments in healthcare.
Stakeholders of the area, including the former member of the House of Representatives, Mkpisong Bassey Dan Abia, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, and former House of Assembly Member, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh were full of gratitude to Governor Eno prioritizing the development of hitherto underserved communities in the state.
Acknowledging the centre as a strategic intervention that would enhance the quality of life for people of the area the APC House of Representatives candidate for Eket Federal Constituency, Dr. Eunice Thomas, charged them to make the best of the opportunity at quality healthcare, calling for more support to the APC led administration.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of an appreciation memento to the Governor from traditional rulers in the area, as commendation for his bold strides in turning around the socioeconomic and infrastructural fortunes of Eket LGA.
EME ESSIEN, FIC UYO
8/9/2026.
