By Evelyn Udobia

The Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Hon. Prince Uyo Ukpanah, has highlighted the transformation of the council secretariat and other ongoing development projects, saying his administration is committed to improving infrastructure and the welfare of residents.

Ukpanah spoke when the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, visited Ukanafun Local Government Area as part of its assessment tour of infrastructural development across the state.

The NUJ assessment tour is aimed at documenting and highlighting grassroots development initiatives.

The chairman said the council secretariat he inherited was in a poor state, but his administration had embarked on several projects that had significantly transformed the facility and created a more conducive working environment for staff.

In his words, “What we came to meet here was not befitting to be called a local government council, but by the help of God, I have been able to embark on numerous projects, change the face of the council secretariat, and give the staff a conducive working environment.”

He disclosed that the Udo Ekpenyong Legacy Hall, which was initially scheduled for commissioning in October, would be completed, equipped and furnished by December, subject to favourable weather conditions.

Ukpanah also announced plans to deepen human capital development in the council’s second year, including the provision of cars, motorcycles, tricycles, business grants, grinding machines, sewing machines and other empowerment items.

Among the projects inspected during the tour was the Women Development Centre, one of the first projects undertaken by the administration. The centre has been fully furnished and equipped with air-conditioning facilities and other amenities for meetings, conferences and related activities.

On his part, the Secretary of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Dr. Ubong Jonah, stressed the administration’s strides the areas of infrastructure and sports.

Jonah noted that Ukanafun had not had a stadium since its creation, but said the present administration had acquired land and commenced construction of a stadium to address the longstanding gap.

He also noted that the renovation and maintenance of the council’s administrative building now provides a more conducive environment for workers.

Speaking on the Women Development Centre, Jonah said the project demonstrated the administration’s attention to the needs and advancement of women in the local government area.

He said the women were appreciative of the facility, which provides them with a dedicated and befitting space for meetings, conferences and other activities.