EASTERN OBOLO
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction ,Dr Benard Doro has said that the President Tinubu’s administration is committed to pursuing people-centred policies that place human capital development and poverty reduction at the heart of governance.
The minister made the remark during his tour of the mainland and coastal communities Eastern Obolo Local Government Area , Akwa Ibom recently,to witness firsthand the realities facing the people.
He noted that firsthand engagement with communities would enable the Federal Government to design interventions that reflect the actual needs of the people.
In a determined effort to attract sustainable development and lasting poverty alleviation initiatives to Eastern Obolo Local Government Area,
The Chairman of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Nteogwuijah who took the Minister on a boat tour across the waterways, traversing several riverine settlements to assess the living conditions of residents, described it as another milestone in his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Eastern Obolo people through strategic partnerships with both the Federal and Akwa Ibom government..
Nteogwuijah further highlighted that the visit afforded the Minister the ..to inspect critical infrastructure and interact directly with traditional rulers, women, youths and other community stakeholders as well as provided the Minister with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, economic and social challenges confronting the people.
The visit, undertaken in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, underscored the Chairman’s proactive leadership in drawing Federal Government attention to the developmental needs of one of Akwa Ibom major oil-producing local government areas.
The Chairman further highlighted several transformative projects currently ongoing under the administration of Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, including the construction of the Iko–Ikorompaden Road, Okorette–Kampa Road, the modern primary school at Primary School Okorette, the Youth Friendly Centre, and the Chairman’s Lodge, all aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.
He also commended the governor for sustaining humanitarian interventions across the state with the local government inclusive,through regular food distribution programmes coordinated by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
According to him, compassionate homes have already been provided in eight of the 10 wards in Eastern Obolo, while efforts are underway to extend the programme to the remaining wards.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, appreciated the Minister for finding time to personally visit Akwa Ibom and Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
During the stakeholders’ engagement, community leaders appealed for stronger collaboration between government, development partners and oil companies operating in the area to address pressing developmental concerns.
They identified access to potable water, improved educational facilities, youth empowerment and economic opportunities as critical priorities for the communities.
The stakeholders further lamented the devastating impact of oil exploration on traditional fishing activities, stressing that the loss of livelihoods have worsened poverty in many coastal communities.
They expressed appreciation to the Chairman for attracting the Federal Government to witness their situation firsthand and presented a memorandum detailing their priority needs.
Minister assured the people that the Federal Government would carefully study the submissions and work closely with the Akwa Ibom Government, Eastern Obolo Local Government Counci Area , traditional institutions and development partners to implement sustainable humanitarian and poverty reduction programmes.
At tour were the permanent secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs ,Mrs. Eno Akpan, and the permanent secretary, Human Capital Development, Governor’s Office.
Stakeholders who received the Minister and his entourage included the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, Chief Harry Etetor, clan heads, village heads, family heads, youth leaders, women and men from various communities, as well as the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor and former lawmaker, Dr. Charles Mbong, among others.
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