Akwa Ibom Local Council Chairman Construct 1.7km Road Project, Praises Governor Eno For Inspiration

Recently, Governor Umo Eno had called on local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State to embark on roads and life touching projects, rather than endless renovations of council offices.

Governor Eno who spoke during a joint meeting of state executive council members and local government chairmen, had advised chairmen to be more considerate in bringing governance closer to the people.

One local government area, that has perfectly responded to the Governor’s clarion call, is Ikot Abasi under the chairmanship of Hon. Ime Williamson Essien

Of the numerous projects, what has stood out is the ongoing construction of the 1.7km Ikot Umiang – Okon Road, with a bridge he has opted to complete along with the road.

The gesture would be opening up that part of the state for the first time, with a proper road, and is ready for asphalting.

Hinging his motivation on Governor Umo Eno’s transformational strides, the Ikot Abasi Council Chairman, Hon. Ime Williamson, in a brief chat enumerated other achievements of his administration, saying he is able to achieve so much without taking any loan, because the state governor is not interfering with council funds.

He also said that he is highly inspired by Governor Eno’s accomplishments to also replicate same for his people, adding that the road will be ready for inauguration in two months.

“These projects have made it impossible for me to have any money in my pocket”, the Ikot Abasi helmsman said.

The tour of the project revealed how much intentional leadership at the third tier of government can drive development; agreeing with Governor Umo Eno’s recent instruction that Council Chairmen should do more than renovate council secretariats.

‎Chairman Ime Essien explained that the Ikot Umbiang Road, initially designed as a 1km stretch, was extended to 1.7km, thereby easing mobility and stimulating economic activity.
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‎“The road which is 7.3m wide, is equipped with 600x600mm concrete drains and double-sided gutters to prevent flooding and enhance durability ,” the chairman noted.

Beyond the 1.7km Ikot Umiang internal road, the chairman had in October last year executed and inaugurated the Essene Water Project, Ikot Okwo Health Centre, and rural electrification projects across Ikot Ikara, Ikot Obio Ekpe, and Iboro communities in Edemaya Clan.
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The projects, he noted, reflect the council’s commitment to rural connectivity, and improved living standards for residents.

Umo Eno

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The Ikot Umiang Water Project, is a 39-meter-high water tank of 250 litres, solar-powered facility capable of supplying water round the clock.

According to him, the automated pumping system ensures that the tank refills automatically once the water level drops, guaranteeing a constant supply for residents.
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UN Pledges Support For Displaced Yelewata Tesidents After Attack

The United Nations has assured Yelewata and other victims of conflicts and disasters of its support to return not only to their ancestral homes but also with dignity.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, gave the assurance on Friday when she visited the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Yelewata community was attacked on June 13, 2025, during which scores were killed and many properties were destroyed.

Mrs Mohammed stated that the people of Benue and other Nigerians must live and work in a safe and secure environment.

The UN deputy secretary-general said that her visit was to stand in solidarity with the state, especially women and children who suffer the most in times of conflict.

She added that her visit was in solidarity with the Yelewata community, which experienced a terrible and tragic day.

Mrs Mohammed described the June 13 Yelewata attack as a painful moment that must never be allowed to happen again.

She said that the government must do everything possible to ensure that farmers continue their farming in a safe environment.

“It is not right that you must farm in unsafe conditions.

“Instead, we must find ways to bring farming closer to you and ensure that your produce reaches markets that reflect your dignity, markets befitting of the people of Yelewata and Benue,” she said.

According to her, Benue has always been known as the food basket of the nation, and she hoped that the state would reclaim that identity.

“I have listened carefully to all that you have said about your hopes and needs. Ultimately, I know that many of you wish to return home, because home is truly where the heart is.

“We face challenges in our country. I remember coming here when it was Benue Plateau before the divisions into Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau. There were no boundaries; it was one community.

“Back then, even as a Fulani woman among Tiv people, we lived more closely and harmoniously than what we see today. It pains me to witness how things have changed.

“We must return to that unity as Nigerians, embracing the richness of our diversity in religion and culture. It is not impossible.

“For those of us who remember the Nigeria we inherited at independence, we must speak to our young people about what this country once was and what it can be again.

“Without that shared vision, we risk losing our collective future,” she said.

Mrs Mohammed also said that she was deeply committed to amplifying the voices of the voiceless, especially those of women and children.

She said across the Sahel, West Africa, Sudan, Gaza and other conflict-affected regions, conflicts have continued to cause pain and suffering for innocent people.

“Let this be our tribute to those who lost their lives: that we will build a better community, a better Benue, and a better Nigeria. A country where all citizens are equal. That must remain our goal.

“As a Nigerian, I am committed to this. As the UN Deputy Secretary-General, I am committed to amplifying your voices and ensuring that your struggles and those of many others across the country are heard.

United Nations

“Across the Sahel, in West Africa, and in places like Sudan and Gaza, conflict continues to cause suffering. We must prioritise peace. Without peace, we cannot return to our farms.

“Without peace, our economy cannot grow. Without peace, the 70% of our population who are young people will have no future.

“We must also hold our politicians accountable. Peace is what we demand. That is why we vote,” she said.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia directed the immediate reopening of the Yelewata Market for commercial activities.

Mr Alia acknowledged the contributions of the UN and its agencies for their efforts towards the plight of all IDPs in Benue.

The governor said that insecurity was threatening the peace and unity of the country and Benue in particular and commended Mohammed for visiting the state.

Beyond The Three Million Barrels Target: NNPC At PTDF Headquarters In Abuja

Yesterday at the PTDF Headquarters in Abuja, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, delivered a Keynote Address during the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) 2026 Oloibiri Lecture and Energy Forum (OLEF), themed “Beyond the Three Million Barrels Target: Harmonizing Digitization, Capital, and Policy Framework for Intelligent Operations and Asset Optimization.”

In his address, the GCEO, who was represented by NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, stated that efficiency, security, and intelligence remain the critical pillars for achieving Nigeria’s three million barrels per day crude oil production target.

NNPC At PTDF Headquarters In Abuja

‎The GCEO was also honoured with the SPE Senior Industry Ambassador Legacy of Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to the industry.