…Pledges To Build Compassionate Home For Widow Comfort

By Udeme Hosea

The Executive Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Rt Hon. Uwemedimoh Udo, PhD, who also serves as the state  Chairman of ALGON, has made impact in the lives of his people  by supporting 162 small-scale businesses through a recent  one-day empowerment program that took place in June 2025. This initiative, which was unprecedented in Uyo’s history, involved a grant of N100 million, with categories ranging from N2 million to N250,000.

Hon. Udo disclosed these achievements last week during a ceremony at the council Secretariat where the leadership of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, led by the Chairperson, Comrade Nsikak Okon, presented an Award of Excellence to him for his service to humanity.

Hon. Udo, thanked Ak-NAWOJ for the recognition, promised to continue in rendering selfless service to humanity, as it is his lifestyle.

The council Boss who said  the wide-reaching empowerment is to boost the local economy and improve the lives of business owners, explained that, the selection process for the beneficiaries was based on hard work and merit, with no room for lobbying.  Expressed satisfaction that the target beneficiaries were happy with the initiative, noting that, empowering people brings him joy and fulfillment.

According to him, beyond business empowerment, he hinted that, his administration has also invested heavily in the power sector to alleviate the stress of alternative power sources in Uyo. Some of the notable power  projects include, the provision of a sub-station to Ibiam Street, Obio Offot, transformers to Ifa Ikot Okpon and other areas that had previously struggled with lighting challenges,  revealing that, he proposed 17 sub-stations in his 2025 budget and is committed to completing them before the year ends.

The ALGON Boss highlighted other initiatives his administration has undertaken to improve lives to include, remodeling of a functional motor park at Oron road, complete with an internal road, drainage system, sanitation facilities, security and well-lit surroundings to support nighttime business.  Saying that, the development aims to restore organized transportation and reduce illegal loading points at Oron road by timber junction.

Hon. Udo also demonstrated his commitment to compassionate leadership by promising to support Madam Comfort Ekpeyong  of Nsukara Offot, a widow whose plight was brought to his attention by AK NAWOJ with a compassionate home,  urged those in positions of authority to strive to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, prioritize their  welfare and development, emphasizing that citizens are the key owners of the economy.