…Says administration committed to workers’ welfare, grassroots transformation

By Dianime Uko and Enobong Akpan

The Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council, Hon. Elder Ntiedo Usoro, has highlighted the achievements of his administration since assuming office, saying the council has recorded significant progress in infrastructure, healthcare, workers’ welfare, empowerment and other areas of grassroots development.

Usoro stated this during an inspection tour of projects and facilities in Essien Udim by the State Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, led by the Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, represented by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore.

The inspection provided an opportunity for the council chairman to present the administration’s scorecard and showcase some of the projects executed and ongoing across the local government.

Reflecting on the condition of the council when he assumed office, Usoro said he inherited both the assets and liabilities of the local government. He noted that the council secretariat was in a deplorable condition at the time, describing the facility as one that existed largely in name only because of its poor state.

According to him, the situation has changed significantly under his administration, with interventions aimed at restoring the dignity and functionality of the council.

One of the achievements highlighted by the chairman was the restoration of electricity supply at the council secretariat. He explained that the restoration of power has improved communication and administrative activities, while also creating a more conducive environment for staff and visitors to carry out their duties.

The council chairman also emphasised his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that the council has continued to pay the full entitlements due to serving councillors, while also attending to the welfare of other categories of workers.

“Our administration considers staff welfare as an important component of effective grassroots governance,” he said.

On infrastructure, Usoro listed the construction of roads and a healthcare centre, provision of free medical care, and construction of markets equipped with shops as interventions designed to improve the standard of living and economic activities of residents.

He said the administration has also introduced empowerment initiatives targeted at women, youths and staff through cash grants, which are intended to provide beneficiaries with financial support and create opportunities for them to improve their livelihoods and participate more actively in the local economy.

Another project highlighted during the inspection was the fully equipped event hall named the Godswill Akpabio Hall. The facility, according to the council boss, is expected to provide a suitable venue for official functions, community activities and other social events within Essien Udim.

The chairman also mentioned the donation of vehicles and other relevant interventions as part of the administration’s efforts to improve transportation, mobility and the effectiveness of council operations. He said the various projects and programmes were being implemented with the objective of bringing government closer to the people.

Usoro said the achievements recorded by his administration reflect its commitment to supporting the development objectives of the state government and contributing to the implementation of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda at the grassroots.

He stressed that the council would continue to pursue initiatives capable of improving infrastructure, strengthening social services and creating opportunities for residents.

The NUJ inspection tour afforded the State Working Committee an opportunity to see some of the projects and interventions presented by the council administration. The exercise also provided a platform for the council to document its development efforts and showcase its scorecard to the visiting journalists.