UKANAFUN CHAIRMAN SHOWCASES DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES AS ISDMA VISITS, PRESENTS SUMMIT INVITATION

The Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Hon. Uyo Ukpanah, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the council into a model of grassroots development, declaring that his administration remains focused on delivering impactful projects rather than seeking public acclaim.

Hon. Ukpanah made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Media Advocates, ISDMA, at the council headquarters in Ukanafun.

The council chairman used the occasion to showcase the remarkable transformation recorded under his administration, taking the delegation on an inspection tour of several completed and ongoing projects across the council secretariat.

Among the projects inspected were the fully renovated and furnished main administrative block housing the offices of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, conference room and over 25 staff offices; the newly constructed Obong Barr. Asuquo Ukpanah Administrative Block with 20 offices; the remodelled Women Development Centre; and the furnished Legislative Offices, with brand-new air conditioners installed in all councillors’ offices.

Other projects visited also include the ongoing Traditional Rulers Council Hall with offices, kitchen and convenience facilities; the remodelling of the Primary Health Centre; and the massive advancement of the Udo Ekpenyong Multipurpose Hall, a modern 2,500 to 3,000-capacity event centre expected to be completed by October.

Hon. Ukpanah, who received the delegation alongside his wife, Mrs. Mokut Ukpanah, recalled that his administration inherited a council secretariat that had fallen into disrepair, with virtually all basic facilities non-functional.

“I may not know how to make noise, but with what God has given me, I will remain focused on completing the work before me,” he said.

He explained that upon assumption of office, workers had no functional toilet facilities and were forced to use the surrounding bush.

“I asked my staff where they eased themselves, and they told me they went into the bush. The four overhead water tanks were bad, the toilets were blocked, and about twenty-two convenience facilities were not functioning. We restored the water system, rehabilitated the toilets, renovated the administrative blocks, and ensured both the executive and legislative arms now have befitting office spaces,” he stated.

Earlier, the President of ISDMA, Mr. Emma Akpabio, said the visit was to formally brief the council chairman on the forthcoming ISDMA Leadership Anniversary Summit and present him with an official invitation to attend the event.

He described Hon. Ukpanah as a visionary leader whose developmental strides and people-oriented leadership continue to make meaningful impacts at the grassroots.

According to him, the summit was conceived not only to celebrate leadership excellence but also to provide a platform for dialogue, strategic partnerships and the exchange of ideas aimed at accelerating development across Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District through responsible journalism, positive storytelling and support for policies that improve the welfare of the people.

Mr. Akpabio thanked the Chairman and his wife for the warm reception and their willingness to collaborate with the media, noting that Hon. Ukpanah’s participation would add immense value to the summit.

Setting the tone for the visit, the Editor-in-Chief of The Confluence Magazine, the official publication of the organisation, Dr Imoh Etimudo, explained that ISDMA is a body of media professionals from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District established to serve as conscience of the masses while complementing government efforts in projecting developmental achievements and promoting good governance across the district.

He noted that the creation of local governments in 1976 was intended to bring development closer to the people, stressing that the true measure of governance lies in the quality of projects and services delivered at the grassroots.

Etimudo commended the visible transformation taking place in Ukanafun, stating that the projects executed by the council clearly reflect the purpose of grassroots administration and demonstrate that the dividends of democracy are reaching the people.