More dividends await Ikono Ibom, says SSG
By Uwakmfon Jacobson
The re-election bid of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received a boost following his endorsement for a second term by stakeholders and residents of Ikono Ibom Clan in Uyo Local Government Area.
The endorsement was made on Wednesday at Ikot Ibom Civic Centre during a youth sensitisation and educational empowerment programme organised by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, who disbursed ₦10 million to more than 150 students and youths from communities across the clan.
Speaking at the event, Udofia said the initiative was designed to sensitise young people on their responsibilities while easing the financial burden on students struggling to meet their educational needs. He described the programme as an opportunity to give back to his community, encourage support for Governor Eno’s administration and appreciate the Governor for appointing him to serve in the State Executive Council.
The commissioner described his appointment as a significant milestone for Ikono Ibom, noting that, to the best of his knowledge, Governor Eno was the first governor to appoint an indigene of the area into the State Executive Council.
Beyond the empowerment initiative, Udofia highlighted government interventions in the community, including the construction of more than 19 kilometres of roads, renovation of schools and provision of ARISE Compassionate Homes. He added that more than 10 indigenes of the area were serving in government at various levels.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, commended Governor Eno for supporting Udofia, noting that the appointment had enabled the commissioner to make a positive impact on his community.
Speaking through his wife, Dr Inemesit Uwah, the SSG praised the commissioner for investing in the education of young people and expressed optimism that Ikono Ibom would benefit from more dividends of democracy under the Eno administration.
Also speaking, the Dean of the College of Commissioners and Special Advisers, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, thanked the Governor and the tourism commissioner for the educational intervention. He commended the administration’s development efforts and urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active electoral participation was essential to sustaining development and supporting the ARISE Agenda.
Similarly, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, congratulated Udofia on the initiative and praised Governor Eno for ongoing development projects across the state.
The ALGON Chairman pledged support for the completion of the Ikono Ibom Civic Centre, while citing road construction and other infrastructure projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving residents’ living conditions.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, commended Udofia for the initiative and highlighted government investments in schools, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure in Ikono Ibom. He urged the beneficiaries to take their education seriously and utilise the financial assistance judiciously to advance their academic pursuits.
Reinforcing the focus on young people, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, described the programme as a milestone and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to youth development under the ARISE Agenda.
He cited the establishment of youth development centres in all 31 local government areas, payment of students’ examination fees, an increase in bursary payments from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, and the upward review of monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps members from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 as evidence of the administration’s support for young people.
On the political front, the APC Uyo Senatorial District Chairman, Mr Isua Archibong, called for increased voter registration and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Giving figures for Wards 8 and 9, he disclosed that Ward 8 had 29 polling units and 14,000 registered voters, while Ward 9 had 16 polling units and 8,000 registered voters. The two wards account for 45 polling units and approximately 22,000 registered voters.
He urged eligible residents who were yet to register to do so and encouraged all qualified voters to obtain their PVCs and participate actively in the electoral process.
The programme attracted government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders, students and youths from across Ikono Ibom Clan. Speakers at the event underscored the importance of educational empowerment, youth development and infrastructure delivery in advancing community progress, while rallying support for Governor Eno’s administration and its ARISE Agenda.
