- “…Governor Umo Eno inspired me to construct the road project” – Ikot Abasi Chairman, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien
By Joe Udo
Uyo (Converseer) – Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, the Executive Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has done the unbelievable, constructing 1.7km road with a bridge and other numerous projects, including water, health, power, within 2 years.
Recently, Governor Umo Eno had called on local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State to embark on roads and life-touching projects, rather than endless renovations of council offices.
Governor Eno who spoke during a joint meeting of state executive council members and local government chairmen, had advised chairmen to be more considerate in bringing governance closer to the people.
One local government area, that has perfectly responded to the Governor’s clarion call, is Ikot Abasi under the chairmanship of Hon. Essien.
Of the numerous projects, what has stood out is the ongoing construction of the 1.7km Ikot Umiang-Okon Road, with a bridge he has opted to complete along with the road.
The gesture would be opening up that part of the state for the first time, with a proper road, and it is ready for asphalting.
Hinging his motivation on Governor Eno’s transformational strides, the Ikot Abasi Council Chairman, in a brief chat enumerated other achievements of his administration, saying he is able to achieve so much without taking any loan, because the state governor is not interfering with council funds.
He also said that he is highly inspired by Governor Eno’s accomplishments to also replicate the same for his people, adding that the road will be ready for inauguration in two months.
“These projects have made it impossible for me to have any money in my pocket”, the Ikot Abasi helmsman said.
The tour of the project revealed how much intentional leadership at the third tier of government can drive development; agreeing with Governor Umo Eno’s recent instruction that Council Chairmen should do more than renovate council secretariats.
Chairman Ime Essien explained that the Ikot Umbiang Road, initially designed as a 1km stretch, was extended to 1.7km, thereby easing mobility and stimulating economic activity.
“The road which is 7.3m wide, is equipped with 600x600mm concrete drains and double-sided gutters to prevent flooding and enhance durability,” the chairman noted.
Beyond the 1.7km Ikot Umiang internal road, the chairman had in October last year executed and inaugurated the Essene Water Project, Ikot Okwo Health Centre, and rural electrification projects across Ikot Ikara, Ikot Obio Ekpe, and Iboro communities in Edemaya Clan.
The projects, he noted, reflect the council’s commitment to rural connectivity, and improved living standards for residents.
The Ikot Umiang Water Project, is a 39-meter-high water tank of 250 litres, a solar-powered facility capable of supplying water round the clock.
According to him, the automated pumping system ensures that the tank refills automatically once the water level drops, guaranteeing a constant supply for residents.
More photos below…
