MKPAT ENIN COUNCIL REJECTS ‘UNDERPERFORMING’ LABEL, LISTS PEOPLE-ORIENTED PROJECTS

MKPAT ENIN COUNCIL REJECTS ‘UNDERPERFORMING’ LABEL, LISTS PEOPLE-ORIENTED PROJECTS

The listing of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area among councils described as “underperforming” by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has sparked reactions, as records of projects executed by the administration of the Chairman, Hon. (Engr.) Emmanuel Inyang, appear to present a different picture.

In its report on the inspection tour of the 31 local government areas, the Committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Mfon Idung, listed Mkpat Enin alongside Nsit Ubium, Abak, Esit Eket, Ikono and Udung Uko as councils which, in its assessment, did not demonstrate a satisfactory level of project execution commensurate with funds received.

The Committee cited inadequate infrastructural development and poor utilisation of resources in the affected councils.

However, information made available by the Mkpat Enin Council shows that the administration of Engr. Emmanuel Inyang has undertaken several infrastructure, education, empowerment and community development interventions since assumption of office.

For ease of verification, the projects and interventions attributed to the administration include:

1. Construction and furnishing of the Traditional Rulers Complex, Mkpat Enin.
2. Rehabilitation of the Nigerian Legion House, Mkpat Enin.
3. Rehabilitation of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Mkpat Enin.
4. Ongoing construction and remodelling of the Ikot Akpaden Motor Park.
5. Ongoing remodelling and landscaping of the Local Government Secretariat.
6. Provision of borehole water to communities.
7. Provision of a new 300KVA transformer to Ikot Oyoro after years of power outage.
8. Payment of bursaries of ₦100,000 each to 100 postgraduate students and ₦50,000 each to 480 undergraduate students, totalling ₦34 million for 580 students.
9. Implementation of educational support initiatives, including educational grants, ICT training and distribution of learning materials to public schools.
10. ₦100 million empowerment programme involving business support and distribution of items such as generators, sewing machines, refrigerators, hair dryers, clippers and grinding machines.
11. Sponsorship of indigenes for skills-acquisition training.
12. Restoration of electricity in Ibiaku Esa Ekpo, Ukam, Ibiotio Ndon and Ekim communities.
13. Ongoing construction of Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents.
14. Presentation of official vehicles to the Leader and Secretary of Council.
15. Donation of over 10,000 exercise books and educational materials to public schools.
16. ICT training programmes for Mkpat Enin indigenes.
17. Payment of allowances to 87 village heads.
18. Payment of stipends to 87 youth presidents and town criers.
19. Provision of educational grants to 100 students in tertiary institutions, including law students.
20. Sponsorship of 15 indigenes at the DAKKADA Skills Acquisition Centre.

According to the council, these interventions form part of its “Emancipation Blueprint,” with education and human capital development as key focus areas.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify the projects on ground and engage constructively on their status and impact.

Pst. Etete Cletus
Supervisor for Information, Culture and Tourism
Mkpat Enin Local Government Area