2nd Anniversary: Ikot Nte residents celebrate Gov Eno for people-centred leadership

• The Ag. Village Head of Ikot Nte, Obong Joshua Amos (m) & members of the Village Council, last week 

ITORO BASSEY

Residents of Ikot Nte in Southern Iman Ward III, Etinan Local Government Area, gathered over the weekend to celebrate Governor Umo Eno’s second anniversary in office, commending his focus on economic development and youth inclusiveness under the ARISE Agenda.

During the gathering at the Ikot Nte village council hall, the Village Head, Obong Joshua Amos, praised Governor Eno’s accomplishments as a significant milestone in dedicated service and transformative leadership for the state.

Among those who expressed their admiration for the governor were Mr. Imo Inyang Udo, the youth leader; former Ward Councilor, Hon. Nse George; and students from Community Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Nte, who voiced their concerns about the poor state of their school.

The residents made a heartfelt appeal for the governor’s intervention in the dire condition of their access road, the 3.7 km Ikot Obio Eka-Ikot Ibok-Ikot Nte-Mbioto II Road, as well as other deteriorating infrastructure in the community school.

Chief Amos highlighted the ongoing struggles residents face due to the road’s dilapidated state, noting that the community has not benefited from the dividends of democracy in terms of basic infrastructure from the local council.

He mentioned that the maintenance of the road and water supply has largely been supported by the efforts of Ikot Nte’s sons and daughters living abroad.

Mr. Jonathan Abasiubong, the Village Project Coordinator, commended Governor Eno for his commitment to good governance, infrastructure development, healthcare improvement, economic empowerment, agricultural advancement, and fostering security, peace, and unity.

Abasiubong stated, “The Governor is commissioning several projects to mark his second term in office, and we celebrate his administration. However, here in Ikot Nte, we lack basic and modern amenities and feel completely abandoned and isolated from our neighbours.”

He lamented, “The last time we had electricity in this village was in 2006 during former Governor Victor Attah’s administration. As farmers, we struggle to transport our agricultural produce to the market due to inadequate road access.

“We earnestly appeal to the government for assistance so that we can experience the dividends of democracy, just as others do in the state. We hope that government officials will remember us in terms of development, just as they seek our votes during elections.”

Obonganwan Mary Amos, speaking on behalf of the women, also expressed concern about the community’s healthcare challenges, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth, due to the lack of hospital services nearby.

She noted that the closest hospital is the General Hospital in Mbioto, and the poor condition of the Ikot Obio Eka – Ikot Ibok – Ikot Nte – Mbioto II Road worsens travel times and increases the risk of complications during these critical times.