By The Evangelist News Edition, Monday September 4, 2023.
As part of his strategic engagements with Traditional Rulers in Akwa ibom State to propagate the Arise Agenda of the present administration, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,Frank Archibong has charged Clan Heads to foster stronger synergy with the State Government to advance the cause of rural development.
Speaking during an interface with Clan Heads from the 31 Local Government Areas under the auspices of Assembly of Clan Heads which took place in Uyo on Tuesday,the Commissioner said their unwavering support to Pastor Umo Eno was imperative as respected figures and custodians of the traditional norms and customs of the people.
He pointed out that most of the developmental projects would be situated in the rural communities as Pastor Umo Eno had already expressed his readiness to kickstart projects per Local Government Area which would have direct bearing on the socio-economic lives of the people, enjoining them to take ownership of those projects , sustain and protect the facilities against vandalization.
The Chieftaincy Affairs boss appreciated the Clan Heads for their resolve to stand by Pastor Umo Eno and see to his emergence as Governor of Akwa ibom State, assuring that their welfare would remain a priority to the State Government and that other compelling needs would be addressed in due course.
Responding, the Clan Heads pledged to work closely with the State Government under the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno to ensure the realization of the goals of ARISE AGENDA.
They stated that Umo Eno means well as he has prioritized rural development in the scheme of things judging by the recent flag- off of construction of rural roads in the three senatorial districts of the States and other plans line up for grassroots development.
Corroborating this position,the Clan Head of Ikpa Ndung Asan, Ikot Abasi LGA, His Highness Celestine Udia stated that
” Assembly of Clan Heads is one and we have resolve as a team to support our Governor. Umo Eno is a Pastor, God’s messenger, as such ,we will give him the needed base to deliver what God has placed in his heart for us. Anywhere he goes,we follow”.
Also speaking, the Clan Head of Eket Offiong,Esit Eket,HH.Nsuduok Etteudo Ikot said
“the rural development policy that the Governor has articulated under the Arise Agenda and the fact that we are most likely to have at least one project per Local Government shows that indeed rural development is really a reality and we will stand by Umo Eno at all times”.
The Monarchs also lauded Frank Archibong’s leadership style and sterling performance in the Ministry,saying he had done creditably well to have earned a reappointment and hailed Governor Eno for bringing back the Commissioner to the Chieftaincy Affairs Ministry .
Others who also bared their minds during the meeting were ;HH Donald Ubo, Clan Head of Itam,Itu LGA, and the President of Assembly of Clan Heads, HH Okoko Sylvanus Udo, clan Head of Ukana West , Essien Udim LGA, HH Etebom Ebong Noah, Nsit Ubium, and the Clan Head of Ikono Clan, HH Etebom Okon Udo Ekpo.
Moving a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary,Elder Ini Ikie appreciated the Royal Fathers for their swift response to the call and for turning out in large number for the meeting, praying for their well-being, that of Governor Umo Eno, Commissioner and the Ministry.
Also present was the Secretary,State Traditional Rulers Council, Elder Emmanuel Umontuen
