By Otobong Nsekpong
Though it may be difficult for many to have something tangible to present as an achievement in their first 100 days in office, that is not the case with Honourable Uko Friday Umoh, Executive Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area.
His scorecard is not only creditable but outstanding especially when placed side by side others who are yet to come to terms with the new experience of public life.
To many, his bold steps towards bringing development to the doorsteps of the people may not be well understood but as one who has been privileged to be within the corridors of power in the last three months, I can categorically say that it is in line with his glorious vision for Etinan Local Government Area.
What then is his vision? His primary vision is to make Etinan communities a desirous home for both Indigenes and investors. This vision is what has propelled the chairman into taking bold, proactive steps that has made his first 100 days look like his first three years in office.
To explain the vision better, Hon Uko Umoh wants rural communities to have access to basic amenities. He wants to see power supply (electricity) restored in our various communities where either the transformer had broken down or vandalised.
He is intentional about this as the value of electricity to economic growth of any society cannot be overemphasized. Light remains a bedrock and a major source of sustainable development. The absence of steady power supply has forced many to migrate from the rural communities to the urban centres thereby missing economic opportunities.
For instance, the absence of electricity has forced many metal welders to either relocate from the communities or abandon their trade for a quicker source of income like commercial motorcycling or transportation using tricycles or mini buses. Those building houses in our villages are therefore forced to go to urban centres to buy their burglary proof for their homes.
To arrest this drift, Hon Uko Umoh put up a technical committee headed by Rt. Hon Samuel Ikon to access the state of power infrastructure in our communities, offer useful advices as well as oversee the implementation and execution of projects in the local government area.
The technical committee known as Project Implementation Committee with Engr. Billy Etuk, Dr Aniefon Akpabio, Engr James Amiang and Pastor Ubong Inyang as members has since swung into action with a visit to seven communities in the first phase.
As part of his recorded achievements in 100 days, seven electric transformers have been procured by the council for those communities visited by the committee. If this number is available in the first 100 days, then the vision of restoring light in all the villages in Etinan Local Government is possible under the leadership of Hon Uko Umoh.
Another bold step of the Chairman in 100 days is the ongoing construction of an ultra modern motor park in Etinan Local Government Area. It may be shocking to many that despite its economic value, there was no functional motor park in Etinan for many years. That unfortunate tale is changing as the leadership of Hon Uko Umoh is constructing a motor park with state of the art facilities. Work has reached 65 percent completion and when completed it will not only guarantee safety to passengers and drivers but will be a major source of revenue to the council as well as source of livelihood to business oriented minds.
Etinan local government is fortunate to have three expressways criss cross it’s length and breadth. This makes it the next centre of commerce from the capital city of Uyo considering its proximity. To make it more attractive and add beauty to the dualized roads constructed by the immediate past administration in the state, Hon Uko Umoh is remodelling the Etinan roundabout in a way and manner that appeals to both first time visitors and indigenous people of Etinan. When completed, Etinan will become a destination to many for relaxation and businesses such as photography will blossom.
Another recorded achievement of Hon Uko Umoh’s administration is the construction of toilet facilities at the legislative chambers. It is surprising that after over 10 years since the legislative chamber was constructed, there has been no provision of toilet facilities leaving the Honourable Councilors not only stranded but frustrated whenever nature came calling. This too has become history in the first hundred days of the administration.
Away from the legislative chambers, the Chairman has extended his development hands towards the Millennium Hall located within the council by replacing all the non-functional electric fans thereby making the hall a more conducive environment for meetings and any other activities that require large turn out.
The administration has taken advantage of the dry season to kick start grading of rural roads in the local government.
The Council’s grading machine has been put in shape and is expected to grade at least five kilometers of road in each of the 12 political wards. Already, the flag off has been done by the chairman and the humming sound of the earth moving machine is echoing from Northern Iman Ward 1 where grading is ongoing.
The yuletide season may have come and gone but members of NULGE will not forget in a hurry as the council not only provided the usual Christmas rice but also added condiments like groundnut oil.
The political class as well as the widows were not left out as the Council’s millennium hall became a mecca of sort as the Chairman and his dear wife continue to share the joy of Christmas with the people.
Veterans of Nigerian Army under the umbrella of Nigerian Legion also had a feel of the kind hearted leader as he graciously announced the sum of a million naira to legionnaires while his wife donated wrappers to members of Retired Army Wives Association Etinan Branch. This too was unprecedented in the history of the celebration in Etinan.
Administratively, the Local Government administration as a people centric government declared the month of December,2024 as tax holiday for business owners, commercial transporters and market women.
The council has also reconstituted revenue committees to help the council shore up its revenue base for the year 2025.
His notable achievements has not gone unnoticed by prying eyes. Recently, the Akwa Ibom state Broadcasting Corporation,AKBC, stormed the chairman’s office to present him an award as the best performing Chairman of Council in the year 2024.
Presenting the award, the Director General of AKBC Mrs Imaobong Udoh was quoted as saying that AKBC as a media organisation has found him worthy of this honour as he has executed projects and programmes that have brought government closer to the people.
Hon Uko Umoh’s proactive leadership has also earned him a place in the prestigious hall of Fame of Institute of Corporate Leadership & Mentorship as FELLOW of the Institute.
He has also received a Congratulatory Award from Centre of Excellence in Professional Development for his excellent approach in leadership.
The above achievements would not have been possible in 100 days if the local administration did not put God first in all its activities. Every month the council sets aside the second Monday to pray to God and seek his guidance in running the affairs of the local government area. Needless to say these prayer meetings have helped in reshaping the affairs of the council in no small measures.
The excellent relationship between the Vice Chairman, leader of the legislative council and all the councilors, Secretary of Council, Head of Service and all the Directors is a proof that God is the one leading the leadership of Etinan Council.
The Executive Chairman, Hon Uko Umoh has in 100 days brought the Midas Touch to the administration of the council and is recording great feat and notable achievements.
