Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended the Executive Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Evang.) Edidiong Joseph Inyang, for delivering people-centred governance and critical infrastructure.
The governor gave the commendation on Monday, October 12, 2026, while commissioning the ultra-modern Executive Block and the newly built Legislative Chamber at the Council Secretariat, Nung Udoe.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking the second anniversary of the New Era administration and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.
Governor Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, described the projects and the massive empowerment programme as proof that governance should be measured by its impact on the people.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to compassionate governance, citing the Compassionate Homes initiative and the payment of over N100 billion out of the N111 billion gratuity arrears backlog inherited from 2021.
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The governor also disclosed that over 4,000 youths across the state have benefited from skills acquisition and start-up grants of N750,000 to N1 million each, alongside the establishment of youth development centres to promote entrepreneurship.
He urged beneficiaries of the Ibesikpo Asutan empowerment to put the support to productive use and build sustainable livelihoods.
Earlier, the Council Secretary and Director-General of the NewEra Mantra, Dr Edidiong Essien, described the anniversary as a milestone of purposeful leadership. He listed achievements of the Inyang administration to include the new Legislative Chamber, solar power for the Executive Block, provision of 11 transformers to communities, groundbreaking for the Traditional Rulers Chambers, healthcare interventions, educational scholarships and free NECO registration, remodelling and fencing of the secretariat, work on the stadium, grading of rural roads and improved security.
Dr Essien disclosed that the anniversary empowerment gulped over N50 million, with the distribution of five cars, two mini-buses, tricycles, trucks and cash support to students, market women, youths and entrepreneurs.
In separate goodwill messages, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Nsikan Linus Nkan, commended the council chairman for his performance over the past two years and expressed gratitude to God for the progress recorded under his leadership.
He also reiterated the resolve of the local government’s political leadership to support the governor and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Former lawmaker Aniekan Uko said the anniversary was not an occasion for lengthy speeches, as the projects and interventions on ground provided visible evidence of the chairman’s performance.
Uko expressed pride in Inyang’s roots in Ibesikpo Ward 1, noting that the administration’s achievements extended beyond what could be adequately captured in the printed report available at the event.
He said the chairman had justified the confidence reposed in him and had not disappointed those who believed in his leadership capacity.
Commending the newly constructed legislative chamber, Uko noted that the facility had provided councillors with a befitting environment for legislative business, contrasting it with the working conditions available during his own time as a councillor.
He also praised the administration’s emphasis on faith and spiritual development, describing its efforts to encourage people to embrace Christian values and reverence for God as an encouraging aspect of the chairman’s leadership.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, who led other council chairmen at the event, also commended Inyang’s performance.
Udoh said the achievements recorded in Ibesikpo Asutan demonstrated the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development and reflected the objectives of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s ARISE Agenda.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the encouragement and financial support extended to local government chairmen, describing the assistance as an important enabler of development projects and service delivery at the grassroots.
On behalf of ALGON, Udo announced a contribution of N5 million in support of the anniversary celebration.
Other dignitaries who commended the administration included the South-South Zonal Secretary of the APC, Dr Ita Udosen; the Iroko of Ibesikpo Asutan, Otuekong T. O. Akpan; the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, HRM Edidem Clement F. Ekpenyong III; and the member representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Pastor Ubong Attah.
The dignitaries applauded the administration’s development initiatives and acknowledged the progress recorded during Inyang’s first two years in office.
Speaking on behalf of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elder Udeme Otong, the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, conveyed the Speaker’s goodwill message and commendation to the council chairman.
Bob, who represents Nsit Ubium in the State House of Assembly, said the Speaker and members of the Assembly were proud of Inyang’s achievements, particularly the provision of a conducive working environment for councillors.
He singled out the ultra-modern legislative chamber as a significant accomplishment, stressing that the facility represented a tangible achievement that could be assessed beyond political rhetoric.
“This is not a report; we have tangible things to see,” Bob declared, describing the new legislative chamber as a major landmark in the administration’s record of performance.
He added that, based on the projects executed, the Assembly had given the chairman a resounding pass mark.
The House Leader also expressed appreciation to the Governor for releasing funds to local government councils, noting that such support was essential to enabling council chairmen to provide meaningful development for their people.
The high point of the celebration was the commissioning of the ultra-modern executive block and legislative chamber, alongside the presentation of cheques and the distribution of empowerment items to beneficiaries.
The ceremony also featured the handover of vehicle keys and the presentation of other mobility and support items, including minibuses, tricycles and trucks, as announced during the event.
Another major highlight was the first official sitting of councillors in the newly constructed three-dimensional diagonal legislative chamber, marking the commencement of legislative proceedings in the new facility.
The commissioning and empowerment exercises were witnessed by political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other guests, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the projects and interventions showcased by the administration.
Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs Obongawan Goodness Emmanuel Obot; the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Ubong Ekanem; the APC Chapter Chairman, Obong Hon. Effiong Edet Effiong; the PDP chapter representative, Mr Nsikak Nkanga; councillors; supervisors; directors; personal assistants to the Governor; party executives; and other stakeholders.
As Ibesikpo Asutan marked 30 years of its creation alongside the second anniversary of the Inyang-led administration, the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the area’s history, recognise the contributions of its founding heroes and assess the development priorities of the current administration.
The commissioning of key public facilities, distribution of empowerment packages and commendations from political leaders and other stakeholders placed infrastructure, institutional development, economic empowerment and grassroots service delivery at the centre of the anniversary celebration, with renewed expectations for sustained development across Ibesikpo Asutan.
