Frank Archibong Marks 50th Birthday with Water Project, Compassionate Home in Eket Communities

Frank Archibong Marks 50th Birthday with Water Project, Compassionate Home in Eket Communities

To celebrate his 50th birthday, Hon. Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Akwa Ibom State, has gifted a 20,000-litre borehole water system with a treatment plant to Esit Urua village, while also commissioning a newly built compassionate home for a local resident, Chief Francis Mbong Bassey, in Ntaisip, Ikot Ibiok.

Commissioned on August 20, the water project was described by Archibong as a response to heartfelt pleas made during the campaign season.

“When we came to the Primary School for campaigns, one of the requests from the women was water,” Archibong recalled.

“The youths of Esit Urua came to my house and still solicited for water. Sorry it took longer than expected, but we’ve added a treatment plant and reticulated it to two different locations.”

He urged the community to take ownership of the project, stressing that, “This water was based on request… and I want the people to protect it as their own.”

Archibong also dedicated the compassionate home to the larger vision of Governor Umo Eno, noting that the initiative was in line with the administration’s agenda to tackle homelessness.

“It’s our little way of complementing the Governor’s efforts in redeeming the homeless. The government cannot do it alone,” he said.

Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akan Tommey, praised the gesture as a symbolic birthday offering to the commissioner.

“This is a gift to him on his 50th birthday. Don’t treat this potable water supply as government property, but treat it as your personal property.”

On his part, the Member representing Eket State Constituency, Hon. Nsidibe Akata, described Archibong as “Godsent,” adding that his consistent community engagement has made a real difference in Eket.

The Paramount Ruler of Eket, His Royal Majesty ECD Abia, lauded the initiative, calling water “a critical need” for the village.

“Government will do everything to protect Esit Urua and provide for its needs. We appreciate Frank for giving Esit Urua water, because aside from the air we breathe, water is the best thing we have,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Esit Urua community, Chief Julius Imaekop expressed gratitude to Archibong for keeping his campaign promise.

“We are thankful he came back to fulfill what he promised. We ask the government to remember us again in other areas too,” he said.

The projects, which align with the state government’s grassroots development vision, have been warmly welcomed by residents, who see them as both a personal and communal blessing.