GOV ENO HAILS NSIT UBIUM MARKET REDEVELOPMENT

GOV ENO HAILS NSIT UBIUM MARKET REDEVELOPMENT

…as Council Chair Disburses N100m Biz Grant

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has commended the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon. Alfred Charles, for the reconstruction and revamping of the historic Urua Ntakrok Market and his launch of N100 million empowerment scheme to traders.

The Governor made the commendations at the commissioning of the ultramodern market at Ubium South, Nsit Ubium, Tuesday, urging other local government chairman to emulate his rural development strides.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, Gov. Eno described the project as a reflection of the his commitment to rural development under the ARISE Agenda.

He said the once dilapidated market had been transformed into a modern commercial hub capable of boosting economic activities and improving the livelihoods of residents. He noted that the project was a timely intervention, stressing that the local government chairman had demonstrated visionary leadership by identifying and executing a project that directly addresses the needs of the people.

“Over time, this market had fallen into serious disrepair, but the action of the chairman is highly commendable.

“Governor Umo Eno’s administration is big on rural development, and this project aligns perfectly with the ARISE Agenda,

“This market was once an eyesore, but what you have done shows that you genuinely have your people at heart.

“The people have responded positively because you picked the right project at the right time. However, there is still more to do, so do not go to sleep.”

Gov. Eno further disclosed that the state government had continued to support farmers and small businesses through various intervention programmes, including partnerships with the Bank of Industry, while also revealing plans to provide solar-powered boreholes across the state’s 369 wards.

He urged other local government chairmen to draw inspiration from the Nsit Ubium project, noting that several council chairmen across the state were already recording commendable achievements.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, who represented the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, praised the council chairman for implementing projects and policies aimed at improving the economic well-being of women and families.

Mrs Etukudo said Lady Obareki was pleased with the developmental strides recorded in Nsit Ubium, particularly initiatives targeted at empowering women and enhancing their economic independence.

“The First Lady appreciates the chairman for changing the economic status of the people.

“These interventions will create opportunities for our women to earn a living, become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nsit Ubium.”

Earlier, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium LGA, Hon. Alfred Charles, in a welcome remarks, said the newly commissioned market, owned collectively by four villages, was designed to provide a modern and conducive environment for traders, farmers and small business owners.

According to him, the market features 378 shops and stalls, potable water facilities, modern conveniences and improved infrastructure aimed at stimulating commerce and reducing poverty.

Hon. Charles also announced the commencement of a N100 million traders empowerment to 127 traders across the Local Government Area.

“We believe that when traders succeed, families prosper. This market will provide opportunities for traders, farmers and small business owners to thrive, while the empowerment programme will help improve household incomes and reduce poverty”.

The chairman also highlighted several achievements of his administration within the last 20 months, including the purchase of JAMB forms for over 500 students, scholarship support for indigent students, the upgrade of the Patience Umo Eno Cyber School, vocational training for 22 youths and educational assistance for families.

While presenting an overview of the project, the Supervisor for Works in the council, Pastor Abraham Isong, said the market was conceived and executed to stimulate economic growth and improve trading activities within the area.

He disclosed that the facility comprises locked-up and open shops, modern toilet facilities and solar-powered streetlights to enhance security and improve the trading experience.

In his goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Capt. Iniobong Ekong, maintained that loyalty to leadership is demonstrated through performance and tangible projects rather than words.

He commended the chairman for transforming the market into what he described as an ultra-modern facility and assured him of the continued support of the people of Nsit Ubium.

“Loyalty is not captured in texts but in action through projects and initiatives that support the vision of the leader who entrusted you with responsibility,

“The ball is in your court. Your future will be determined by what you do today. You came into office at a time when the governor has provided the autonomy and support needed to deliver. We will continue to support you.”

Also, member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Otobong Bob, commended the council chairman for his developmental strides and urged beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to utilize the funds judiciously.

He also reaffirmed the support of the people of Nsit Ubium for Governor Eno’s administration, assuring the governor of the constituency’s continued backing and support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Chairman of Uyo LGA and Chairmen of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, described the event as a significant milestone in grassroots development.

He noted that rural development and empowerment remained central pillars of the ARISE Agenda and commended the council chairman for localising those objectives through impactful projects.

“One of the cardinal objectives of the ARISE Agenda is rural development and empowerment. What the chairman has done today is a practical demonstration of that vision. By investing N100 million in the economic development of the people, he has shown genuine love and commitment to their welfare.”

The Coordinator of ARISE With Renewed Hope in Nsit Ubium, Hon. Aniekan Ekpo, praised the chairman for executing a project that would leave a lasting legacy in the local government area.

“I appreciate the chairman for building this market for the people of Nsit Ubium. You have written your name in the sands of time and generations yet unborn will remember this contribution.”

The Rector of the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), Prof. Enoidem Usoroh, described Urua Ntakrok as a historic market that has served generations of traders and residents in the area.

She commended the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area for not only initiating the market redevelopment project but ensuring its successful completion.

“This market existed in the days of our mothers and has remained a vital economic centre for our people. I thank the chairman for seeing the project through to completion.”

Prof. Usoroh further urged residents, particularly youths, to embrace skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in line with the Governor’s vision of economic empowerment and self-reliance.

“Governor Eno has consistently encouraged Akwa Ibom people to engage in skills and businesses. I charge everyone to take advantage of such opportunities, excel in their chosen fields and help lift others along the way.”

The Clan Head of Nsit Ubium, Etebom Ukpong Udoewa (JP), representing the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Supreme President of Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, also praised the chairman for transforming one of the oldest markets in the area.

He noted that the upgraded market would attract traders from different parts of the country, promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen economic activities in Nsit Ubium and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of Nsit Ubium stakeholders, Hon. Otuekong Ibiok described the project as an audacious and iconic development that had transformed a long-held aspiration of the people into reality.

According to him, the market redevelopment and empowerment programme would significantly boost economic activities and improve human capital development within the community.

“This is the dream of our forebears becoming a reality. The economy of the community will be strengthened, while the empowerment programme will expand opportunities for residents and improve livelihoods.”

The Market Women Leader of Nsit Ubium, Evangelist Mercy Umoh, expressed gratitude to the council chairman for prioritising the welfare of traders and market women through the redevelopment of the market and the N100 million empowerment initiative. She also thanked Governor Umo Eno for providing what she described as a responsive and hardworking chairman for the local government area.

“We appreciate the chairman for remembering market women in Nsit Ubium. We also thank the governor for giving us a leader who has ensured that we now have a market equipped with modern facilities.”

The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, market women and residents who gathered to witness the commissioning of the market and the unveiling of the empowerment programme.