By Sam Akanimo
Two of the three senators representing Akwa Ibom State are currently locked in a feverish battle to endear themselves to their constituents. They are Senators Aniekan Bassey of Uyo Senatorial District, and Ekong Sampson of Eket Senatorial District. The other senator is Godswill Akpabio of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the Senate President. Akpabio is likely to have a smooth sail back to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly in 2027.
For Bassey and Sampson, anything could happen if they failed to deliver tangible dividend of democracy ahead of the 2027 ballot war. Interestingly, in celebration of Democracy Day, the people of Uruan community, were said to be rejoicing over the manifestation of representative governance.
Senator Bassey is being praised for delivering a 1km farm road in Ekim Enen, a project that has brought hope and excitement to the rural community. Roads are the arteries of a country, transporting people, goods, and services. Building and maintaining them is essential to economic growth and development. For the people of Uruan, this road represents more than just a transportation route – it symbolizes connectivity, progress, and a brighter future.
The road’s high quality and timely delivery have earned Senator Bassey widespread praise from the community. This initiative demonstrates his unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of his constituents and fostering economic growth in the region.
By delivering this project, Bassey is said to have proven his dedication to partnering with Governor Umo Eno in building internal road networks in rural areas. This collaborative effort aims to make life more meaningful for constituents, connecting them to markets, services, and opportunities.
Building roads is not just about connecting places, it’s about connecting people, creating opportunities, and driving progress. For the farmers in Ekim Enen, this road means increased access to markets, improved livelihoods, and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
The newly constructed farm road in Ekim Enen marks a significant achievement in Senator Bassey’s ongoing efforts to transform the region and improve the livelihoods of its people. His dedication to empowering rural communities and stimulating agricultural development has made a tangible impact on the lives of Uruan residents, setting a high standard for public service.
As the community celebrates this milestone, they acknowledge Bassey’s unwavering support and dedication to their well-being. This project serves as a testament to the power of effective governance and the impact it can have on the lives of ordinary people. So says Micheal Joseph Okon, a public affairs analyst.
On his part, Sampson has constituted a Constituency Projects Assessment and Implementation Committee with President of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Uyo branch, Uwem Akpan, FNSE, as its Chairman. The committee, according to Sampson, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Udoma, will ensure follow-up on effective constituency projects delivery for the area.
Other members of the committee include Efefiong Antigha, Innocent Tom, Ann Eyo, a lawyer, Daniel Akpan Essien, Victor Onomo, while Mrs. Ekaette Inyang, an engineer, serves as Secretary. Among other things, the panel will oversee on the spot assessment, quality control, environmental friendliness and timely delivery on projects facilitated to and earmarked for the constituency by Senator Sampson.
The Project Implementation Committee will work closely with members of the state House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders in the respective local government areas.
As part of its duties, the committee will visit St Vincent Secondary School, Oti-Oro, Okobo Local Government Area, St Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, Eket and Excellence College, Ikot Unya, where Senator Sampson has facilitated the construction of JAMB/CBT Centres in Akwa Ibom South.
They will also embark on assessment visits to parts of Eket Local Government Area for massive rehabilitation of electricity, Urueffong/Oruko Local Government Area, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi and other locations in Akwa Ibom South for physical infrastructure.
At the moment, water projects attracted to Mkpat Enin and Ikot Ekpe communities in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area by Senator Sampson are already progressing smoothly. This is as indigenes and stakeholders have hailed Senator Sampson for attracting the projects to their communities.
A prominent community and political leader in Mkpat Enin Urban, Aniedi Ekanem, after inspecting the ongoing projects, commended Sampson for the water project interventions.
According to Ekanem, ‘one thing about Senator Ekong Sampson is that he acts proactively. He doesn’t wait to be told what to do and at what time’, the stalwart said, hailing Sampson’s impressive NEEDS assessment pedigree.
Ekanem highlighted that the two benefiting communities have been facing potable water challenges over years, noting that Sampson’s foresighted gesture will significantly ameliorate the situation for the indigenes of the area.
He relayed the gratitude of the two communities through the acting village head of Mkpat Eteidung E.J. Ekpa and Village head of Ikot Ekpe, Eteidung UdoUdo whom he said, were very appreciative of the senator’s life touching gesture.Senator Sampson marks his eventful first one year in office tomorrow. He has been widely praised for his focused, people-driven representation. In February, Senator Ekong Sampson empowered over 700 of his constituents with education and business support grants.
He has mandated the commencement of framework for the second tranche of the Ekong Sampson Empowerment Programme, with an expanded scope. The Empowerment Committee is headed by Otuekong (Barr.) Ini Ikott, a former member of the state House of Assembly representing Onna State Constituency
