By Emmanuel Sampson
Engineer Aniefiok Ekpat, a prominent philanthropist, who doubles as President of Ikot Etefia Youth Development Association,on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, put smiles on the faces of residents of his hometown after donating functional water boreholes to the community as part of his yuletide goodwill gesture.
The donation, which took place during the Christmas festivities, according to him is aimed at addressing the long-standing challenge of access to clean and safe drinking water in the area, and also improving the daily living standards of his people.
Speaking during the commissioning of the boreholes, Engr. Ekpat said the water project was his way of giving back to the community that nurtured him. He noted that the yuletide season represents love, compassion, and service to humanity, adding that access to clean water is a basic necessity that should not be taken for granted.
“This community contributed greatly in making me who I am today. I believe that giving back, especially in a way that improves daily living, is the greatest gift I can offer during this festive season,” Engr Ekpat said.
“The youth of this community have arise as directed by His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno. I want to assure you that more developmental projects are coming in 2026, all we need is your support and cooperation. I use this opportunity to appreciate all my executive members working with me, both home front and those in the diaspora for always supporting my administration to succeed.”
Engr. Ekpat emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and empowerment in building resilient communities. He encouraged the people of Ikot Etefia to work together, support one another, and remain hopeful despite the challenging economic conditions facing many people.
In her message of commendation, Executive Chairman, Ikono Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Engr), Oto-Obong Essien, lauded Engr. Ekpat for helping to address the critical needs of his people by providing a clean and safe drinking water for them.
Ikono Council Boss, while reassuring all individuals and communities of the council’s readiness to support noble initiatives that touches the well-being of people, urges all and sundry to take good use of the facility, and uses the occasion to share the joy of the season with them.
Speaking during the Commissioning, The Vice Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Hon. John Bassey, thanked Engr. Aniefiok and his entire executive members for uniting their people with their little resources. He noted that the unity spirit exhibited by them aligns with that of the governor, which according to him have given birth to the new Akwa Ibom State.
In his closing remarks, Chairman of the Occasion, Akparawa Engr. Innocent Ekpaitak who doubles as President General of Akwa Ibom all Star International, appreciated Ikot Etefia Youth Development Association led by Engr. Aniefiok Ekpat for leading by example, in showing that true leadership is all about responsibility and delivering results.
Akparawa Innocent voice trembled with gratitude as he gave the vote of thanks. “We have always known Engr. Aniefiok Ekpat as a true son,” he said slowly, choosing his words with care. “But today, he has written his name on the sand of time, in every drop of water that touches the lips of our children.” His words were met with thunderous applause. In a final remark, he said, “this is the beginning of a legacy” and urged the community to protect what they had fought so hard to build.
As a sports administrator, Engr. Innocent Ekpaitak supported the captain of Elegant Angel football club, Miss. Anyan Ime with five hundred thousand naira,(500,000), as part of his effort to encourage young athletes in doing their best to compete with their contemporaries anyway in the world.
Others who spoke at the event include, Chief Sunday Udo Udo and his entire council, Inspector Eyakno Abia, Honourable Councilor Representing ward 4 in Ikono 8th Legislative Council, Hon. Nsikak Udo Udo among others, commended Engr. Ekpat for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They expressed gratitude for remembering his roots despite his success and prayed for continued growth in his career.
The borehole donation, would give schools and entire community access to clear water, forms part of Ekpat’s ongoing commitment to community development in collaboration with, ‘Ikot Etefia Youth Development Association’ Engr. Ekpat gives assurance that more humanitarian projects will follow in the future.
