COLUMNIST
Akan Tommey on Remodelling Mission
Akan Tommey on Remodelling Mission
By Joe Etukudo
Eket Local Government Area, often regarded as the economic heartbeat of Akwa Ibom State, is fast transforming into a model of grassroots governance under the stewardship of Hon. Akan Tommey. Since assuming office, Tommey has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not only about occupying a position of power but more about keeping faith with the people and translating campaign promises into tangible projects that uplift the people and their communities.
Among his many initiatives, the completion and commissioning of the Eket City Hall Project stands out as a landmark achievement. It represents the aspirations of the people of Eket for inclusivity, unity, and progress. Today, the hall is actively serving numerous groups, associations, and organizations as a preferred venue for meetings, conferences, social and cultural events. Its multipurpose design reflects the chairman’s foresight in creating infrastructure that fosters social cohesion and community development.
From the onset Akan Tommey had promised to prioritize infrastructural renewal and administrative efficiency within the local government. True to his words, he delivered the City Hall—an initiative that has been lauded across socio-economic classes in the area. For Corporate organizations, professional bodies, artisans, traders and traditional institutions, the facility provides a dignified setting to interact and exchange ideas. Thus, giving credence to the aphorism, that ‘the venue is the event’. The reception of this project has been overwhelmingly positive, signaling that Tommey’s approach to governance resonates with the very people he is serving.
Remodeling the Administrative Block:
Not resting on his laurels, Akan Tommey is working on another ambitious project, which is, the reconstruction of the Administrative Block of Eket Local Government Council. The decision to reconstruct the administrative block is not merely cosmetic. It stems from a deliberate effort to provide a beautiful and conducive working atmosphere for civil servants and administrators. The once uninspiring complex is being transform into a well-equipped and functional administrative hub that will enhance productivity, efficiency and service delivery to the people.
Moreover, the redesigned administrative block offers an aesthetical uplift and digitally powers the Council Headquarters. For visitors, investors and development partners, the transformative look of the Secretariat is projecting Eket as a progressive local government, conscious of orderliness, beauty and a sense of pride with administrative excellence.
As remarked by the Secretary of Eket local government council, Pastor John Odungide, the totality of the projects carried out by the Akan Tommey leadership reflects the interest of the people at the grassroot and it has earned a loud applause across gender in the communities.
Pastor Odungide said that Mkpisong Tommey, the Executive Chairman, is a special blessing to Eket people. The ongoing remodeling of the council’s complex stands out as an architectural piece that symbolize Eket transiting into modern cosmopolitan city. He further said, the projects and governance model of the Eket local government Chairman are in line with the visions of the Arise Agenda, driven by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno at the state level and that of President Bola Tinubu at the national level.
A Broader Vision of Leadership:
Hon. Akan Tommey’s initiatives cannot be viewed in isolation. They are part of a broader philosophy of governance rooted in peace, inclusivity, and prosperity. Since taking office, he has made deliberate efforts to ensure that Eket enjoys climate of peace and tranquility. Under his watch, communities from Okon and Idua to Esit Urua and Effoi have testified to a new sense of progress, stability, harmony and better living standard.
The Chapter Chairman of Eket APC, a son of Okon Clan in Eket local government area, Mr. Akanimoh Patrick Akpan noted that the people of Eket are deeply satisfied by the numerous projects executed on daily basis by the Tommey’s administration to uplift the status of the council, thus making it visually appealing and a reference point as the Headquarters of Eket Senatorial District.
He stated further that, the secretariat remodeling had long been overdue because it many years of existence and became outdated. Tommey’s leadership style reflects the blend of responsiveness, rather than being reactive, he has proactively identified areas of need and addressed them with sustainable solutions. By prioritizing infrastructure, he is laying foundation for economic growth, social development and administrative renewal.
Community Relevance and Future Prospects:
The projects undertaken by our Chairman hold direct relevance to the lives of the people. The City Hall empowers citizens and groups with a shared space for civic life, while the administrative block strengthens the backbone of governance. Together, these initiatives reflect an intentional strategy, to build both the social and institutional frameworks that make development enduring and interesting.
The current Supervisor for Culture and Tourism, in Eket local government council, Hon. Emem Francis, commended the direction of the local governance embarked on by the Akan Tommey administration especially in the dedicated efforts of bringing lofty projects and ensuring high quality in the execution of projects. The former councilor described the Executive Chairman, as a man of projects, from the city hall, to the modern redesigning of the council’s Headquarter with adequate provisions to meet the growing numbers of workers, with security assurances and inclusion of women in matters of community attainments.
Looking ahead, as the dry season approaches Akan Tommey’s administration plans to step up rehabilitation and upgrading significant numbers of urban and rural roads within the three geo-political zones of Eket Local Government Area. This is with the intention of opening up and strongly stimulate the social and economic activities for our people, especially those living in the rural areas. The focus on rural infrastructures signifies more than just physical transformation. It indicates a commitment to institutionalize legacy projects that will outlive his tenure but continue to serve the people for generations to come.
This is the hallmark of visionary leadership, creating enduring structures that strengthen democracy, enhances civic life and showcase true governance as partnership between leaders and the led.
The story of Rt. Hon. Akan Tommey’s leadership in Eket Local Government Area is a testament to what grassroots governance can achieve when anchored on practical vision, commitment and uprightness. With the successful commissioning of the Eket City Hall and soon to be completed reconstruction of the secretariat, the chairman has set our local government on a trajectory of renewal. His strides are not only visible in physical structures but also in the renewed confidence of the people, who now see their local government Chairman as responsive partner in development. As these projects take root and blossom, Eket is positively redefining its identity—not merely as an oil-rich locality but as a center of peace, progress and exemplary governance.
© Joe Etukudo
27-10-2025
