…inspects model school project
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing quality projects that would stimulate the economy and enhance development across the state.
Governor Eno gave the assurance during an inspection of ongoing construction work at the Model Secondary School in Ikot Akpan Abia Ubium, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
He said the project was in line with his administration’s vision of building model secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of the state, in furtherance of the educational advancement component of the ARISE Agenda.
He thanked the people of Nsit Ubium for coming out en masse to receive him, noting that the inspection was to ascertain the level of work done at the site ahead of the project’s official flag-off.
“It is a walk-in visit because it is our habit to visit our project sites regularly, and I thank you for coming out to receive us.
“I am here to inspect the level of work done so that when the bill is presented in the office, I will know if it aligns with the work on the ground. That is the way we work.
“You are all aware of government’s intention to build international model secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of the state. This, in particular, is to test if what we are about to do would be good for other senatorial districts.
“So, we have started the project here in Nsit Ubium for Uyo Senatorial District, and we expect to flag off this project between now and December. We are just waiting for the supplementary budget to be released,” he stated.
Highlighting the economic benefits of the project, the Governor assured that it would boost the local economy and promote business development in the area.
He urged the youths to show support and avoid unnecessary negative criticism, noting that educational development symbolizes light in Nsit Ubium.
“Our political leader is here; please work with him and give him the necessary support. Don’t mind what critics say. All I am interested in is to remain focused and encourage those who want to work.
“Yes, more roads will be constructed, but it is not only about roads. Projects like this will boost the community’s economy, and businesses will grow. Projects like this make a community thrive,” he noted.
Governor Eno appealed to contractors to ensure they register on the ARISE Portal to stand a chance of bidding for and securing contracts under the project.
He explained that the registration process is to secure accurate data and ensure accountability, transparency, and proper verification whenever the need arises.
“If you are a contractor and you know how to draw and interpret building plans, please ensure that you register on the ARISE Portal to stand a chance of winning one of the contracts. The registration is necessary so that we can have accurate data, accessible at the click of a button, for verification, accountability, and transparency.
“Please, let’s come together and forget about unnecessary criticism and blackmail. Tell our youths to come home and join hands to build our state,” he explained.
In an overview of the project, the Delivery Adviser on Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, said the institution would have top-notch facilities, including a Technical Laboratory, ICT Centre, Administrative Building, hostel blocks for male and female students, library, sporting facilities, multi-purpose hall, staff and principal quarters, and a large farmland.
In his remarks, Senator Effiong Bob appreciated the Governor for the project, saying, “Anywhere you go, we go with you. As you are moving up, we are following you progressively.”
He assured that the youths of the area would continue to support the Governor and collaborate with contractors to ensure the successful execution of the project.
On his part, the Clan Head of Ubium, His Royal Highness, Etebom Ukpong Noah Udoewah (JP), and the Village Head of Ikot Akpan Abia Ubium, Chief Ime Ben Uboh, appreciated the Governor for the project and his outstanding service to the state.
They called on the people of Nsit Ubium and the entire state to continue to support and pray for him to successfully deliver on the ARISE Agenda.