GOV EN COMMISSIONS ROADS, YOUTH DEVT CENTRE, HEALTH CENTRE IN ORON
… as Oro Nation endorses him for second term in office
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned five major projects in Oron Local Government Area, with leaders and people of Oro Nation endorsing him for a second term in office.
The projects include a model primary health centre, a youth development centre, the 4.2-kilometre Effiong Esang and Ukpong Streets with 800 metres of discharge drains, and a new administrative building at Oron Local Government Council headquarters.
Speaking at the inauguration of the model primary health centre, Governor Eno urged the people of Oron to make proper use of the facility, saying it was built to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services.
He said the facility formed part of his administration’s effort to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and bring essential services closer to the people.
At the Youth Development Centre, the Governor said the Oron facility was the first to be completed under the statewide programme, adding that similar centres would be established across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
He said the centres were designed to train young people in different skills, including ICT, fashion and design, catering and other vocations.
According to him, when the facilities become operational across the state, about 31,000 youths will be trained annually.
Governor Eno said his administration created a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development to give greater attention to youth empowerment, skills acquisition and enterprise development.
He said the youth centres, model health facilities and other government projects across the state were part of a deliberate policy to decentralise development, reduce rural-urban migration and create opportunities closer to communities.
Commissioning the 4.2-kilometre road project and 800 metres of discharge drains, Governor Eno said the most important achievement was not only the construction of the roads, but the end of the suffering caused by erosion and years of poor access in the area.
He said the project had brought relief to residents and improved the environment for homes, businesses and movement within the affected communities.
At the new administrative block of Oron Local Government Council, which was named after him, Governor Eno commended the council chairman, Hon. Okon Asukwo Enmewe, for his commitment to service and grassroots development.
He also praised local government chairmen across the state for what he described as impactful leadership and assured them of continued partnership in delivering projects that meet the needs of the people.
Speaking later at an endorsement rally organised by Friends of Umo Eno in Oro Nation at Oron Township Stadium, the Governor thanked the people for their trust, loyalty and support.
He also appreciated them for voting massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself and other candidates during the All Progressives Congress primaries.
Governor Eno assured the people of Oro Nation that his administration would remain committed to more transformative projects in his second term.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel John Ekem, said the model primary health centre was designed to serve as a feeder facility to other primary health centres in Oro Nation.
He urged the people to protect the facility and use it responsibly for their health needs.
At the Youth Development Centre, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, commended Governor Eno for investing in youth-focused infrastructure.
He described the Oron centre as a comprehensive hub for youth economic empowerment and transformation.
The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the road and drainage project had addressed the erosion challenge that had affected the area for many years.
He thanked the Governor for giving priority to the project and for responding to the needs of the people.
In her remarks at the endorsement rally, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, praised Governor Eno for his development strides in Oron and the wider Oro Nation.
She also expressed gratitude to the Governor for choosing her again as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, thanked the people of Oro Nation for the endorsement and vote of confidence in the Governor.
She assured them that Governor Eno would continue to serve the interest of the people, adding that the ARISE Agenda, which is set for review, would continue to deliver impact across the state.
In a motion moved by Hon. Esio Okwong Udo and seconded by Hon. Peter Linus Umoh, the people of Oro Nation thanked the Governor for what they described as his exceptional love and commitment to the development of the area.
The motion, moderated by the member representing Oron Federal Constituency, Hon. Martins Esin, affirmed the people’s support for Governor Eno till 2031.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Engr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Paramount Ruler of Oron, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, Ikpoto Okon Osung and Mrs Alice Ekpenyong.
They praised the Governor for the projects, describing them as historic, people-oriented and heartwarming.
