GOV ENO INSPIRING PERFORMANCE BY MKPAT ENIN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

GOV ENO INSPIRING PERFORMANCE BY MKPAT ENIN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN

By Imoh Etimudo

The age-long adage that great leaders don’t create followers, rather they create more leaders has found expression in the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, particularly in the performance of local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State.

A typical example of such local government area is Mkpat Enin where the council chairman, Hon. (Engr.) Emmanuel Inyang has technically replicated the vision of the ARISE Agenda within the capacity and reach of a local government area. He confirmed that the inspiration for emancipation of Mkpat Enin comes from Governor Eno.

Thus, on the strength of such inspiration and the wings of dedication and innovation, Mkpat Enin has seen remarkable impact of good governance, a replica of the ARISE Agenda across strategic sectors.

To Hon. Inyang anything education and healthcare cannot wait, he gives accelerated hearing and directs immediate implementation.

This is seen in the purchase of 100 JAMB forms for indigenes of Mkpat Enin to encourage them to enrol in tertiary institutions. This is complemented with free CBT training to be acquainted with the examination technicalities.

Hon. Inyang’s administration has equally paid school fees for 50 students of Mkpat Enin origin studying in different higher institutions across Nigeria.

There is consistent donations of exercise books to primary school pupils and the production of the first ever Ibibio/English phonetics textbooks distributed to schools in Mkpat Enin local government area.

Very importantly, Hon. Inyang has disbursed 34 Million Naira as bursaries to 580 students of Mkpat Enin. Out of this amount, 100,000 each goes to 100 post graduate students while 50,000 Naira each goes to 480 undergraduates.

Similarly, healthcare is given same priority by the administration. Several indigenes of Mkpat Enin have received financial support for medical attention. Interestingly, most of the beneficiaries not known to the Council Chairman and have never met him before soliciting support.

In infrastructure, the Mkpat Enin administration has done greatly. The leadership has furnished and handed over the Traditional Rulers Complex to the royal fathers, there is the grading of over 77km roads across Mkpat Enin such as the Ibekwe-Ikot Mkpeyen-Ikot Unya-Ikot Eda-Ikot Abasi-Obio Akan Road, Ikot Inyang Okop-Ibioette Road, Ikot Edim-Ikot Ayan-Ikot Osunotuk-Ikot Akpabio-Ikot Etefia-Ikot Akan Ukam Road, Mkpat Enin-Ikot Obio Akwa-Ikot Ekpe Road, NYSC Road, Mkpat Enin, Asong-Atanuk Road, Ekpuk-Minya Ntak Road, Ikot Abia-Ikot Obio Ekoi Road, Ikot Ekim Town-Ikot Aba Road among others.

To the credit of Hon. Inyang’s administration, there is the provision of brand new 33kva transformer to Ikot Oyoro restoring light to the community after over five years of total blackout.

There is also the rehabilitation of transformer at Ikot Akpan Ukam, renovation of legion, renovation of Divisional of Police Headquarters, Mkpat Enin, provision of borehole water at Ikot Umiang and Esa Ekpo communities as well as the purchasing and presentation of official cars to the leader of the Legislature and Council Secretary.

A replica of Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, Hon. Inyang floated a 100 Million Naira Empowerment programme to Mkpat Enin people including business grants and gift items respectively.

Within the Council and in the communities, there are other ongoing projects such as landscaping and perimeter fencing of Council Secretariat, Renovation of Ekong Sampson Hall, remodelling of Ikot Akpaden Motor Park, construction of compassionate homes and others.

His proactive leadership in strengthening security within Mkpat Enin led to the interception of kidnapping victims by security operatives.

Hon. Inyang’s leadership philosophy is that he will derive more satisfaction from the lives he has transformed than the structures and infrastructure built. So, while building the infrastructure, he is commited to taking care of those who will enjoy the facilities.

The peace mantra of Governor Eno is also replicated in Mkpat Enin. Hon. Inyang has been able to carry along all stakeholders of the local government area, uniting all interests and seeing himself as a chairman for all, not for a faction.

He is quite accessible to his people and has a grasp of the grassroots. This is because Hon. Inyang values feedback so as to feel the pulse of his people, and know what to do for them at a particular time.

According to him, “I go among my people.” This reflects in him always keeping his door open, surrounded by a legion of aides and being intentional in putting smiles on the faces of his people.

Strangely, he has maintained a good working relationship with the legislative arm of Mkpat Enin, always working harmoniously with the councillors and supervisors. “Whenever we have concerns, we always dialogue and move forward. Our only interest is Mkpat Enin,” the Council Chairman revealed.

Hon. Inyang is passionate about creating impact in the lives of people. This disposition precedes his election as a local government chairman. In office, he is concerned about projects that will touch the lives of people and not embarking on projects to score political points.

He has assured Mkpat Enin people that there will never be abandoned projects in his administration. Every project he initiates will be completed within the lifespan of his administration while reiterating continuous delivery of dividends of democracy.

Hon. Emmanuel Inyang came on board with the acronym, EMMANUEL which stands for: Empowering communities through dedicated services, Making Education Advancement a priority, Maintaining old and providing new infrastructure, Advancing agricultural and rural development, Nurturing Good health and a brighter future for all, Uniting Communities towards progress, Embracing sustainable growth and Lighting up every corner of the beloved Mkpat Enin.

Has this governance goals been met? Significantly, Hon. Inyang has attained the set goals. He has therefore admitted that his administration is able to do all that because of the support of Governor Umo Eno. The governor gives them the funds and the inspiration to achieve their goals of giving the people quality dividends of democracy.

Hence, “Governor Umo Eno is the secret of our success story,” Hon. Emmanuel Inyang “confesses,” noting that there is healthy competition among local government chairmen in the State because Governor Umo Eno is a performer.

Dr Imoh Etimudo writes from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
.