The Executive Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, hon. (surv.) Iniobong Ekpenyong today 28th July 2021 played host to the delegation of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Abuja in his office at the council’s secretariat, Idu.
The delegation is on a fact-finding tour of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
According to the representative of the Honourable Minister of Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Engr Kayode Adebayo, the tour is to assess the level of development at the grassroots vis- a- vis the accrual monthly allocation to the Local Government Councils by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The need to improve and strengthen the local government system in Nigeria has necessitated this visit. There is this general belief that Local Government in Nigeria are not functioning due to poor funding and neglect orchestrated by State Governors.”
“This assessment tour by the ministry is to ensure that the Hon. Minister has adequate information on the state of Local Government in the country to brief the president on the true situation of things in the third Tier of Government.”
He said that the tour will afford the ministry the template to compare the financial inflow of Local Government Areas in different states of the federation and their development index and assured that the federal government is working to get Autonomy to Local Government.
Engr Kayode stressed that at the end of the on-the-spot assessment by the ministry, a compendium of projects undertaken by the present administration of 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria will be produced.
He also added that plans are on the way by the ministry to give awards to 10 best performing Local Government Chairmen during the forthcoming National Local Government Submit at Abuja.
According to Mr. Kayode, the award will take into consideration projects executed by each Local Government administration and their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base
Responding, the Executive Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Hon. (Surv). Iniobong Ekpenyong welcomed the delegation of the Federal Ministry to Uruan Local Government Council.
The Council boss commended the Ministry for taking the pains to go round the country for proper assessment of the development in the grassroots.
He thanked the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State H.E, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for always coming to the rescue of Local Government Councils in the State when there is a shortfall in the allocation
The Chairman who highlighted his administrations’ 7 points Agenda stressed that his 7 months old administration revolves around it
Surv Ekpenyong listed projects so far executed by his administration to include, Building and construction of 4 bedroom block in Comprehensive high school, Idu Uruan., Grading of the access road to the council within three weeks in office, Grading of 60km of roads in South-south, southeast and northern parts of Uruan LGA, Facilitation of the restoration of electricity to Idu, Ituk Mbang, Mbiaya, Utit Uruan and, Ikpa Uraun, Repairs of Council generating set and restoration of electricity to affected areas and offices within the council premises., Refurbishing of Chairman’s office and other offices within the council.
Other projects executed by the administration of Hon. Surv. Ekpenyong are; Painting and giving a facelift to the fence and other adjourning areas within the council premises., Repairs and maintenance of the council’s borehole, Ongoing Construction of health center in partnership with the private establishment at Nung Ikono Obio village, Ongoing Skills acquisition programme at the council.
The delegation was shown around projects executed by Hon. Surv. Iniobong Ekoenyong’s administration within and outside the council secretariat.
Present at the event was the Vice-Chairman, Uruan LGA, Evang. Mrs. Uduak Udoenang, Hon Henshaw Atakpo- Deputy leader, Mr. Michael Etim- Hon .sup. Works
Mr. Christian Edem Etim,- Hon. sup. Political, legislative, and chieftaincy Mrs. Mary Okon -hon. Sup Women Affairs, Mr. Patrick Edem Etim- Special Adviser, Economic Development and Revenue Matters
Others present are, Mrs. Enobong Andrew – Director of Finance and Supplies, Mrs. Elizabeth Efet – Director of Admin and General Services
