Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has challenged local government councils in the state to deliver impactful projects that directly improve the lives of grassroots communities. His statement came as he inaugurated the new 5,000-capacity Eket City Hall and laid the foundation for an ultra-modern legislative complex in Eket Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, Governor Eno praised the projects as key components of his ARISE Agenda, which focuses on socioeconomic development. He noted that the City Hall, while serving the Eket Senatorial District, would also be a valuable asset for the entire state. "This is a landmark project that will be remembered for years to come," he stated, emphasizing its potential as both a center for events and a revenue-generating facility for the local government.
The governor made it clear that local government councils in Akwa Ibom State have no excuse not to implement meaningful projects that align with the state's development goals. "Local government councils in Akwa Ibom have no excuse not to execute projects," he remarked.
In addition to the City Hall, the event marked the disbursement of a N50 million grant to 500 local entrepreneurs through the Eket ARISE Empowerment Initiative SmallBiz Grant. Eket Local Government Chairman, Mr. Akaniyene Tommey, highlighted the importance of the City Hall as a symbol of unity and progress, noting its potential to drive internally generated revenue and create job opportunities. Tommey also praised the grant initiative as a significant step in supporting small and medium enterprises, vital to the local economy.
As the community looks forward to the positive impact of these projects, the governor’s call for local governments to step up in driving transformative socioeconomic development remains a key theme for Akwa Ibom’s ongoing growth.
