Etinan residents speak as Uko Umoh celebrates one year in office
There is a sense of renewed confidence in Etinan Local Government Area as Hon. Uko Umoh marks his first anniversary as Executive Chairman. Elected and sworn in on October 7, 2024, the chairman recently addressed the media, outlining his administration’s key achievements and developmental strides over the past year.
Our reporter visited several project sites highlighted by the Chairman during his media briefing and gathered the following observations.
At Iwor Etor, a youth leader, Uwem Akpan, lauded the Chairman for resuscitating the community’s water project, describing it as a timely intervention that has eased the burden of accessing clean water. Uwem said the project had been abandoned for years, forcing residents to rely on unsafe sources for daily use.
According to him, “the Chairman has shown that governance can be felt directly at the grassroots. We are truly grateful for this gesture.”
Other communities where the chairman has resuscitated water for the residents include Afaha Akpan Ekpo, Ikot Udo Otto, Ikot Eba and Ayam Efa. This is in addition to the provision of generating set for Udo Otto, Afaha Akpan Ekpo and Ikot Eba water projects.
Likewise, at Ekpene Ukpa in Southern Iman, Mrs. Glory Ekpo, a widow who runs a small provision shop, expressed gratitude to Chairman Uko Umoh for restoring electricity to the community. She said the return of power after more than six years of blackout has greatly boosted her business and reduced the cost of running a generator.
According to her, “before now, I spent a lot on fuel just to keep my drinks cold and my shop bright at night. Since the light came back, I make more sales and save money. May God bless the Chairman for remembering us.”
Other communities that have benefited from the chairman’s rural electrification drive include Ikot Nkang, Ikot Ibok, and Etinan Village by the motor park.
Residents in these areas confirmed that electricity supply has been restored after years of darkness, describing the development as a major relief that has improved both social and economic activities in their communities.
One of the beneficiaries of the UTME forms, a student from Ikot Udo Abia, expressed gratitude to the Chairman for the opportunity to pursue her academic dream.
It’s on record that Uko Umoh’s led administration purchased UTME forms for 500, sewn school uniforms for 250 pupils and procured over 20,000 branded exercise books for distribution to all public primary schools.
The Village Head of Ndon Utim Community, Chief Joshua Fred Otong, commended the Chairman for renovating the community’s Primary Health Centre, describing it as a timely intervention that has revived access to healthcare services for residents. Chief Otong pledged the community’s continued support for Chairman Uko Umoh’s administration, expressing confidence in his commitment to grassroots development.
We can authoritatively report that the council under the leadership of Uko Umoh has also graded rural roads, revived the legislative building, initiated the construction of a leisure park, and renovated the Etinan Sports Stadium which contributed to the LGA’s strong showing at the just concluded Ibom 2025 Sports Festival.
Through various humanitarian gestures, including support for widows, persons with disabilities, and veterans’ families, Uko Umoh’s leadership has demonstrated a people-centred and inclusive approach to governance.
