OBA to bridge infrastructural deficit in Uruan
The leading gubernatorial hopeful in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Albert Bassey Akpan (OBA), has pledged to bridge the huge infrastructure gap in Uruan, when he becomes the Governor in 2023.
While on his on-going state-wide consultation of delegates and stakeholders, the senator told the people of Uruan on Monday, 12th April, 2022 that he will prioritize the development of rural roads to ensure that enormous resources in the area are tapped for useful purposes.
“I will construct a major road network connecting Ini to Itu to Ikono to Uruan, to give you open access. I will force development on you. We believe this will enhance business opportunities for the people and enhance the rural economy”, he added.
He also touched on his agenda of using tourism as a tool for the development of rural communities, promising more fish processing plants for Uruan in addition to the one he is currently constructing.
“We will uplift the Ishiet Beach and make it a tourist destination. The agenda will also capture the development of fish processing centers in proximity to the localities, which fish harvesting is dominant”, he added.
To enhance the prospect, a cluster for boats and other equipment are to be created to aid water transportation and fishing, which is the core source of income for people in riverine communities.
Senator OBA’s blueprint also covers channeling of resources to upgrade schools within the area and recruiting of personnel to close the teacher-pupil gap in primary schools in the area, which is currently 1:114, far below the 1:38 average standard recommended by the Universal Basic Education (UBE).
He spoke about his achievements in the last few years, including the 481 students he has spent about N168million to train, leading to the emergence of 28 first class graduates, so far.
OBA urged the delegates to use their hands to redeem themselves, noting that their attitude through their votes will determine their future.
“In 2023, you must take your destinies in your hands. You should not allow hunger to lure you into swearing any fetish oath”, he cautioned.
Arch-Bishop Andrew Unwanta, the Chairman of the Strategic Committee, recalled that as the international chairman of ACA (Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance), he predicted the emergence of the current governor, adding that God has again shown him the next governor in OBA.
While regretting that there is so much hunger in the land, he said God revealed to him that the only person that will change the people’s pitiable situation is Senator Albert Akpan.
Should the delegates make the mistake of supporting a wrong person, the Arch-bishop warned, there will be continued hunger in the state. “If you succumb to intimidation to vote the wrong person, you will bury yourself for another eight years”, he said, adding that may God forbid.
The chairman of the Campaign Council, Sir Emem Akpabio, urged the delegates to take their destinies in their hands and support OBA to check the hunger ravaging the land.
He assured that the only person who can lead towards progress and growth is OBA. “The person who didn’t know you yesterday will not know you tomorrow”, he charged them.
Akpabio said OBA has the pedigree as a first-class banker, first-class commissioner, and currently seven-star senator.
He asked Uruan people whether they would employ a known and self-confessed unqualified person who seeks a high-calibre job in their private companies, and got a thunderous “no” for an answer.
“Akwa Ibom as a five-star state needs the most qualified as governor. OBA will work for the state and will work for the party“, he added.
The Director General, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, described OBA as a quality and popular product that needs little introduction; someone who knows every corner of Uruan.
He presented the aspirant as a giver, who has done well as a senator, noting that OBA was there to talk to the delegates to chose someone who will be good for Uruan and Akwa Ibom.
The chapter chairman, Prince Sebastian Nkanga, expressed happiness at the visi, assuring that now that he has consulted the party, he was free to see the delegates individually.
He commended the state chairman of the party, Rt Hon Aniekan Akpan, for directing an open playing-ground for all the aspirants, noting that God will use OBA to do what is good for the people.
Similarly, the Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Obong (Engr) Offiong Akpabio, noted that since the chairman of PDP has declared an open field for all the aspirants, they will assess them equally.
He added that they will only support a person that will be good for them, urging OBA to consult as much as possible because it is God that gives power.
Rt Hon (Barr) Usenobong Akpabio, in his vote-of-thanks, appreciated OBA and his team for honouring Uruan with the visit.
He encouraged the senator to continue consulting widely, assuring that God will give him victory.
