Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned a new official residence for the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, as part of his administration’s determination to ensure that council helmsmen reside within their jurisdictions for closer ties with their people.
Governor Eno emphasised the importance of the development, stating that local government chairmen must reside in their areas to better understand and address the needs of their constituents.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to rural development and the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on bringing governance closer to the people. He announced that in the next one month, the government will flag off the remaining 30 lodges simultaneously across the remaining local government areas.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, had said the commissioning of the Eket lodge marks the beginning of a state-wide initiative to construct similar lodges across the remaining 30 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State. According to him, the newly inaugurated lodge comprises five distinct structures: a main residential building, a 50-seater capacity hall, a generator house, boys’ quarters, and a gatehouse, adding that the comprehensive facility is designed to provide a conducive environment for local government chairmen to perform their duties effectively within their respective domains.
Delivering his vote of thanks, Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Akan Tommey, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the lodge christened “The People’s House”, describing it as a visionary step that will change the face of local governance in Akwa Ibom.
Government House Correspondent, Jane Uwa, reports that goodwill messages were received from the Chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Speaker of the AKHA, Udeme Otong, and the DG of Campaigns, Ambassador Assam Assam, who thanked the governor for strengthening local governance and ensuring that council leaders are more accessible to the communities they serve.