ABAK
Governor Umo Eno has applauded the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for feting his constituents to a robust empowerment scheme .
Eno who stated this during the constituency briefing and empowerment scheme of the Speaker ,Elder Udeme Otong which took place at Qua Iboe Church Primary School, Abak Itenge, in Abak Local Government Area, noted that with the gesture , the lawmaker has energized socio- economic platformof his people.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, he explained that Otong’s empowerment initiative reflected effective representation and aligned with the ARISE Agenda’s commitment to grassroots development, human empowerment, and poverty reduction.
“Let me appreciate you for getting back to your constituents and giving back through the massive empowerment programme we are witnessing today. We must let our people feel the aroma of governance which has informed our bottom-up approach. We are taking care of the low hanging fruits while still doing the audacious projects through the ARISE Agenda.
“This empowerment aligns with the rural development and human empowerment objectives of the ARISE Agenda, ” he said.
Describing his administration as people-centric, the Governor highlighted some of his achievements in welfare, healthcare, education, infrastructure, tourism, among others.
“We have so far paid over Eighty Seven Billion Naira (N87B) out of the One Hundred and Eleven Billion Naira (N111B) backlog of gratuities accumulated since 2012. Over 455 compassionate homes have been built and delivered to beneficiaries with N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira, given each of the beneficiaries”
“Economically viable roads are being constructed in rural areas to engender economic development. Model primary healthcare centers as well as model primary schools are also being constructed.
“Furthermore, billions of Naira in grants have been given to farmers, small business owners, youths and market women, as well as cars, buses and equipment to start their businesses. Human capital development remains our abiding article of engagement,” Eno stated.
Appreciating Otong for his role in the robust collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, Eno noted that the Assembly had approved bills aimed at building an inclusive and more prosperous Akwa Ibom , which he signs them into law.
He urged other legislators who are yet to embark on empowerment to emulate Otong in holding their own constituency briefings.
Briefing his constituents and presenting empowerment items, Otong said that his impactful representation stemmed from his cordial relationship with the Executive arm and the support of his people.
He thanked Governor Eno for his fatherly disposition, which has enabled the smooth running of government and the delivery of people-centric projects in Abak Local Government Area.
“I thank Governor Eno for his fatherly disposition which has enabled the smooth running of government and provision of people-centric development projects in Abak Local Government Area.
“He has shown love for Abak people and I assure my people of more development in the area in the years to come,” he assured.
Earlier, the chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Mrs. Ime Charles, eulogized the Governor for what she described as unprecedented development projects in the area, pledging the support of Abak people for his administration.
In separate goodwill messages, political stakeholders described Otong’s empowerment initiative as a strategic investment in entrepreneurship