The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, on Saturday, October 15, commissioned a newly constructed market in Ikot Ebre, Asutan in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Gov Emmanuel said the new market was a testament to the capacity, diligence and focused leadership of the council chairman, Hon (Mrs) Akon Michael Asuquo.
Noting that the market was strategically positioned in a manner that required remodelling, the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, said the edifice was clear evidence that Mrs Asuquo was a good leader, who keyed into his completion agenda.
Calling on the people of the area to get ready to make judicious use of the facility, Gov Emmanuel promised to support the people with micro-credit loans that would encourage them to sell in the market.
“The market is strategically positioned for higher development and facelift. It is good the chairman has shown and led the way for others to follow. This market shall be remodelled for a better output.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Linus Nkan, observed that market construction and the establishment was a major source of investment and promised to join hands with the chairman to build phase two of the market.
In her remarks, the chairman of the Council, Hon. (Mrs) Akon Asuquo said it was her dream to build a market for the people when she realized that there was no market in Asutan. According to her, she decided to build the market to replace an old market that had existed in the area.
“Today, I’m proud that we’ve been able to establish a market here. I thank the village head of Ikot Ebre for supporting us. I thank our leaders for coming to witness our strides “, she said.
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Also speaking, the Chairman House Committee on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Mark Esset; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Ini Adiakpan; joined others to thank the chairman for her foresight and great accomplishment.
Meanwhile, the Member, Ibesikpo/Asutan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Aniekan Uko thanked the chairman and her husband for allowing God to use them to bless the people of Ibesikpo Asutan and beyond.
He called on the representative of the governor and commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong to inform the governor that the people would appreciate it if the market can be garnished with lockup shops.
He promised to empower women and men during his next empowerment programme, to ensure the growth of the market.
Similarly, the ALGON Chairman, Rt. (Hon.) Iniobong Robson thanked the chairman for building the market and described markets as one of the most important things that served as an anchor of progress for the rural people. He prayed that those who shall enter the market to sell shall prosper.
In their separate remarks, the former State Chairman of PDP and Political leader of the area, Rt. Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk; the Paramount Ruler of the LGA, Edidem Francis Clement Ekpenyong; and others, thanked the chairman for her visionary leadership.
Also speaking the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Trade, Comrade Iniobong Raphael, said the market was a business environment meant for the progress of the people.
Noting that Gov Udom Emmanuel was the first to give attention to market women, having provided N2 billion interest-free loans for traders, Mr Raphael listed the various markets in many LGAs that the governor has built and made available for the people.
Highlight of the event was the choir rendition by Ibesikpo/Asutan Council Choir conducted by the chairman, Mrs Akon Asuquo, and cultural performances, among others.
