A tumultuous crowd of residents from the Oron Local Government Area gathered at the council secretariat on Tuesday to welcome Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as he inaugurated multiple projects in the area.
The projects, which include a state-of-the-art primary health center operational base, a Youth Development Centre, a 4.2-km stretch of Effiong Esang and Ukpong Streets, and 800 meters of discharge drains, were inaugurated to expand infrastructure and improve public services in the coastal area.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state, stating that the project is part of ongoing initiatives aimed at fulfilling the campaign promises he made during the 2023 elections.
Eno revealed that the state government is currently commissioning 31 health centers and 31 primary schools across the state as part of its first-phase developmental projects.
He also disclosed that the Ibom International Hospital would be officially launched in June, describing the facility as one of the best healthcare institutions in the country.
The governor assured the people that all promises made during the first-term campaign would be fulfilled before the unveiling of the ARISE 2.0 agenda ahead of 2027.
Eno insisted that all health centers across the state must have functional incubators and urged residents to report any malfunctioning equipment directly to him or the Ministry of Health.
He announced plans to commence the payment of rural allowances to doctors posted to rural communities, explaining that the allowances would be tied to monthly performance and attendance audits.
During the visit, the governor also inaugurated a newly constructed administrative block at the Oron Council Secretariat, which houses offices for the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Council Secretary, and Supervisors, along with a conference hall. He flagged off the construction of internal roads within the council secretariat and inspected the ongoing Oron Maritime Project.
Governor Eno thanked residents for their overwhelming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and candidates of the All Progressives Congress during the primaries, assuring them that his administration would continue to work tirelessly in the interest of the people.
“The reward for good work is more work, and by the grace of God, we will continue to put in our best to serve you,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, described the facility as one of the largest and most impactful primary healthcare projects ever undertaken in the state.
According to the Commissioner, the project goes far beyond the visible main structure, noting that the operational base also includes an administrative complex and residential accommodation for healthcare personnel to support round-the-clock healthcare services.
“This facility is known as the Primary Health Centre Operational Base because it serves as the coordinating and service hub for primary healthcare activities across this area,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, Asuquo Enweme, stated that the projects would improve healthcare services, youth development, and governance at the grassroots level.
According to him, the Youth Development Centre would serve as a platform for youth engagement, empowerment, and capacity building.
Enweme noted that the construction of the administrative block was inspired by the infrastructural projects undertaken by the state government.
He also commended the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, for her support towards the completion of the project.
The commissioning ceremony attracted government officials, healthcare stakeholders, traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the host community. Residents who spoke during the visit expressed optimism that ongoing projects in the area would boost development and economic activities within the coastal corridor.
The visit also featured an endorsement rally organized by supporters under the aegis of Friends of Umo Eno in Oron.
