Governor Eno Commissions Ultra-modern TRC Complex in Essien Udim
…re-names edifice after longest serving monarch “Akwa Akuku Annang 1”
…stakeholders applause Council chairman
…Royal Fathers shower blessings on Dr Anthony Luke
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has commissioned the Essien Udim Ultra-modern Traditional Rulers Council Complex constructed and completed by Dr Anthony Luke’s administration.
Speaking while inaugurating the project, the state governor commended the council chairman for making judicious use of the funds allocated to the area for the benefit of the people.
The governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong lauded the Chairman for recognizing the role of the traditional rulers in grassroots development and providing them a befitting meeting place. He re-named the state-of-the-art complex after the longest-serving Paramount Ruler in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, His Royal Majesty, Obong Cosmas Okon Akpan, Akwa Akuku Annang I.
“The Royal Fathers need a convivial place to meet and take decisions that will bring about development to Essien Udim. so, this building is very significant. The Chairman has done well. The Governor will be pleased to hear the report I will give him about this edifice in Essien Udim,” the governor remarked.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Essien Udim, Dr Anthony Luke who was accompanied by his wife, Dr (Mrs) Umoh Gabriel TonyUdoh expressed gratitude to God and the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his immense support to his administration and love for Essien Udim people in general. He noted that his administration decided to construct the traditional rulers complex to fulfill his campaign promises to the royal fathers.
According to the council chairman, the 2000-capacity complex has offices for the Clan Head and the eight (8) Clan Heads in Essien Udim all ensuites as well as ICT Center, a conference room, a multi-purpose hall, visitors toilets among other facilities for the convenience of the monarchs.
His words, “When I was serving as the supervisor and Secretary of the council, I used to observe that when the traditional rulers had meetings they would have to come and wait outside for the civil servants to finish their functions in the council hall before they use the facility and I vowed that if I have the opportunity I will construct a befitting meeting place for the chiefs and today I am satisfied that I have fulfilled that promised,”
While mentioning other milestone achievements, the chairman noted that his administration has embarked on various life-touching projects and programmes as well as providing social amenities for the people at the grassroots. He added that his administration has paid bursaries to 674 students of Essien Udim studying in different tertiary institutions, provided education materials to school children in the area, purchased seven new vehicles for official use in the council and empowered women and youths of Essien Udim.
The chairman stated that his administration had a social covenant with the people of Essien Udim to ensure that Essien Udim is a safe and secure place for socio-economic activities by investing massively in security.
He maintained that his administration has remodeled the Divisional Police Station, which was burnt down by “unknown gunmen” in 2021 and also provided portable water for the security officers and other incentives to boost their morale.
Speaking at the event, the member, representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Barr Prince Ukpong Akpabio ll said that the Essien Udim people are proud of the chairman for embarking on different life-touching projects and programmes which have also attracted dividends of democracy to Essien Udim People.
On his part, the Commissioner for Power, Akwa Ibom State, Engr Camillus Umoh applauded the Chairman for living up to the expectations of the people and for honouring the royal fathers who are the custodians of the people’s culture and tradition. He urged the monarchs to continue to preach peace and harmonious co-existence among the people.
In the same way, the Political Leader of Essien Udim, Akparawa Obong Michael Afangideh who spoke through the former House of Representatives member, Hon Suyiekere Inokon described the chairman as “a jink breaker” maintaining that Dr Anthony Luke is the first Chairman from Essien Annang political bloc that has a legacy project in office as a serving chairman and called for more support for the chairman to land well.
The Chapter Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Essien Udim, Hon. Cyril Peter Udoh said the chairman deserves a second chance as a reward for his stellar performance in office stressing that the chairman has represented the party well as council chairman.
Responding, the Paramount Ruler of Essien Udim, His Royal Majesty, Obong cosmas Akpan, Akwa Akuku Annang I who was represented by the Clan Head of Afaha, Akuku Augustine Akpan expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Council Dr. Anthony Luke for honouring him and the traditional institution in the area by building the Ultra-modern secretariat complex for them and prayed for God’s guidance and protection for the chairman and members of the local government council.
Others who spoke at the event were the representatives of Essien Udim women and youths, Obonganwan Mfon Udoima and Engr Edeheudim Awah.
Highlights of the event were the cutting of tape by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno to officially commission the beautiful edifice for use by the Traditional Rulers Council and performance by various cultural groups.
