Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched the One-Project-Per-Local Government Area initiative with the flag off of the construction of Model Government Primary School, Idung Offiong in Eket Local Government Area…CONTINUE READING>>...CONTINUE READING
Speaking on the occasion, Pastor Eno mentioned that the initiative was part of his commitment to rural development, and emphasized that various projects would be executed across the 31 local government areas of the State.
He noted that the projects under the initiative, were based on specific needs, and as requested by stakeholders of each Local Government Area, adding that each project would be completed within six months for a new round to commence.
According to him, in addition to providing the school with solar power, a security gate, perimeter fence, staff quarters and modern learning facilities, he indicated that his administration would also provide school uniforms, books and shoes for the pupils.
The Governor said the exercise represented the official flag-off of all projects set for execution in Eket Senatorial District, mentioning that similar flag-off would be held for Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts.
“This is the first of the projects that will be delivered in all the 31 local Government Areas of this State. As part of our rural development drive, we have given the opportunity for communities and Local Governments to do their needs assessments, align same with what we have, and then deliver to the people.
“We will do 31 projects across the State, and those 31 projects, I believe should be ready in six months, and then we will take on another set of 31. “So if you have a school this time, you may have a hospital next time and if you have a hospital next, you may have markets later. That way, we will touch every part of the state with various quality projects.
“We have a budget, and we will stay within that budget. Our father, the Paramount Ruler has talked about a school established in 1905, I think we will look at that school and make sure that we make the school a model school. 1905 is a long time, and we would not like such a legacy school to die,” he added.
The Governor said one of the reasons he has been keen on education was his determination to curb the issue of out-of-school children and ensure that education is made attractive to them with the provision of basic needs and conducive learning environments.
He disclosed plans to select some students from rural areas for an exchange programme in the United Kingdom as part of efforts to expose them and build capacity that will enable them to compete with their counterparts across the globe.
Governor Eno therefore, called on International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the state to support the government’s rural development efforts by adopting any of the model projects and replicating same in their host communities, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
Giving details of the model school, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Dr. Bassey Okon thanked the governor for approving the project, noting that “the new school project will include classrooms, clinic, assembly hall, toilets, and water facilities”.
In their goodwill messages, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area, HRM, Edidem E. C. D Abia; and the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akaninyene Tommey appreciated the governor for his commitment to the development of Eket and assured him of their support throughout the tenure of his administration.
Commenting on the commencement of the One-Project-Per-Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, observed that it was Governor Eno’s way of ensuring equitable distribution of projects to all parts of the state.
He added that the initiative will further entrench democracy, as the choice of project was made by stakeholders in each of the local government areas, saying, “Under Governor Umo Eno, it is projects of the people by the people and for the people…CONTINUE READING>>
