Uduak Ikot, 2026 Budget and Development of Esit Eket

Uduak Ikot, 2026 Budget and Development of Esit Eket

At the winding down of the year 2025, the Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs Uduak Ikemesit Ikot presented a budget of 12.231 billion naira for legislative approval to be used as a working guide for the 2026 fiscal year.

The 2026 budget was carefully designed with concerted efforts to prioritize government projects and programmes in line with the ARISE Agenda of the State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD.

The budget which centres around human and socio economic development, as well as public service delivery are the key areas of focus considered for the 2026 fiscal year, in tandem with the campaign promise of the Council Boss.

However, it is not an overstatement that Ikot’s administration has so far encouraged and promoted empowerments, investments, skills acquisition, capacity building, agriculture, health care delivery, upgrade of social infrastructure such as housing, water and sanitation, electricity, sports and culture, amongst others.

The Council Boss has consistently reiterated that her administration is committed to ensuring that the dividends of democracy are extended to every citizen of the area, in one form or the other. This commitment is already evident across the area, with more impactful initiatives set to follow.

This, therefore, is a clear indication that Ikot’s administration is devoid of selfishness but rooted on selflessness, people centeredness with focus on positive change of narratives in governance. Suffice it to say that Mrs Ikot came prepared with full package of development for the betterment of Esit Eket LGA.

As captured in the 2026 budget, Hon. Ikot’s administration aims at channelling its focus in 2026 to rehabilitation of rural and inter-community roads, construction of rigid pavement/landscaping of the council secretariat premises, improvement of drainage system to address flooding, completion of all ongoing and abandoned projects with more market rehabilitation.

This year, promotion of youth empowerment through skills acquisition and ICT training, more support for women empowerment initiatives across wards as well as contract for ultra-modern/well-equipped ICT Centre for JAMB based and skills enhancement shall receive the needed attention.

This commitment does not end there. This year, the Ikot-led administration is placing greater emphasis on youth empowerment through skills acquisition and ICT training, expand support for women empowerment initiatives across all wards, and giving due attention to the award and execution of contracts for an ultra-modern, well-equipped ICT Centre dedicated to JAMB-based training and skills enhancement.

Primary Healthcare and social welfare has equally received a boost in Uduak Ikot’s administration as the budget made provision for availability of essential drugs and basic medical equipment, strengthened maternal and child healthcare programmes, and support for the elderly, widows and vulnerable persons.

In order to enhance food security and rural livelihoods, provision is made in the budget to support farmers with inputs and extension services, encourage cooperative farming and agro-value chains, and engage youth in agriculture as a sustainable business ventures. Furthermore, public school teachers within the area will be encouraged to cultivate an agriculture mindset in pupils and students, fostering early interest in farming, food security, and self-reliance.

To whom much is given, much is expected. Uduak Ikot’s administration has so far done well in Esit Eket while still planning to do more for the people. However, the people also have an obligation to support government programmes and policies.

It is high time the people stopped the habit of sitting on the fence while work on community building is in progress. Citizens are encouraged to reject destructive criticism, unwarranted attacks, and needless distractions against government, and instead embrace constructive dialogue and the contribution of ideas, with all hands on deck, to collectively move Esit Eket forward.

It was John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States who said in part of his inaugural address in January 1961 that; “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Media Unit,
Office of the Chairman,
Esit Eket Local Government Council.