Akwa Ibom Communities benefitting from electricity through EU and ECOWAS interventions have urged the donor agencies to assist in other life touching projects in rural areas in Akwa Ibom State.
The benefitting communities were Ikot Inyang Abia and Ikpe Annang in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Council areas of the state appreciated the international donors for providing them with rehabilitated transformers and restoration of electricity lines
The donor agencies had earlier gifts repentant ex militants in the communities with starter packs after training them in various vocational skills .
Related: 50 Ex-militants Get Empowerment From ECOWAS, EU In A’Ibom
Addressing the benefitting communities at both Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Council Areas respectively, representative of ECOWAS, Dr Joel Bisina said handing over of electricity Transformers to the Communities was another milestone in the implementation of ECOWAS -EU Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria.
Bisina said the gesture was aimed at preventing further proliferation of illicit trafficking and flow of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigerian communities promoting peace and security .
“This is aimed at preventing further proliferation of Small Arms and Weapons in communities and the electricity would boost businesses of the former militants.
“The Small Arms and Light Weapons Action is designed to sensitize border Communities, strengthen the capacity of National Security institutions personnel on borders.
Related: 150 Youths Set For Training In ECOWAS-EU/A’Ibom Post-Disarmament Programme
He said the intervention has provided six Community Micro projects to selected border communities in Nigeria.
He listed the communities as Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, adding that the projects were aimed at boosting development as well as creating sustainable peace and security.
The ECOWAS representative urged the benefitting communities to put the projects to good use as it would assist them in the development of their areas.
He appreciated EU and ECOWAS for providing funds for the project while the communities provided necessary supports and enabling environment for completion projects .
Responding, the Village Head of Ikot Inyang Abia, one of the benefitting communities, Chief Johnny Okpon appreciated the donor agencies assuring that the facility would be protected against vandals for the benefit of all.
“This project would protected against vandals. The starter packs given to the ex militants would be be utilized with provision of electricity here . We thank EU and ECOWAS for this gesture and we want them to do more in our Communities, ” he said.
