By Ogenyi Ogenyi Uyo
More than N1.7bn with of projects have been attracted to the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency by a member of the National Assembly Barr Ime Okon the last two years.
Okon who stated this during a mid-term media chat yesterday, said the amount was aside from assistance rendered to over 800 individuals with different cash and social needs.
Highlighting his legislative strides in his first two years, the lawnaker noted that he has sponsored or co-sponsored eight bills and motions, including, “a bill to establish the Metallurgical and Material Engineers and Scientist Registration Board of Nigeria.
Others include, “a bill to establish the Biomedical Engineers and Scientist Registration Board..Motions on the urgent rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, the disparity between HND and BSc holders in security agencies, and the need to decongest correctional centres, among others.”
Okon who is the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs, said that in line with his constitutional duty of oversight functions, he actively participated in ten House Committees, including: Gas Resources, Healthcare Services, Host Communities, and Works, adding that he is also co-opted into three additional committees: Procurement, Basic Education, and Interior.
He however listed a wide range of infrastructure, empowerment, and welfare projects facilitated by his office and valued at over ₦1.7 billion, surpassing the ₦200 million project limit typically allocated to members as constituency project
Some of the completed and ongoing projects include, “construction of furnished 6 classroom block, Technical School, Ayadehe, and 4 classroom block with toilet facilities, PCN Primary School, North Itam, Itu LGA. Construction of 1.5km Joshua Uwah Street, including installation of solar-powered street lights and drainage system, in Mbak Itam III, Itu LGA
“Commissioning of an ultra-modern 450-capacity, Civic Centre in Idoro and ongoing construction of 1000-capacity Civic Centre in Nkwa, Ibiono Ibom LGA.”
Others include: Installation of solar-powered street lights in Ikot Obio Enang, Ikot Edok, Ikot Obio Enang, and Ikpa Ikot Ubo/Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom LGA and Itu LGA, provision of solar-powered boreholes, roads with drainage and lighting, and digital tools and educational support through bursaries to over 300 students, including 18 Law School students.
He also sponsored a Free Medical Outreach in Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs, donation of cars, scholarships to children of deceased political stakeholders, and medical and welfare support to over 800 constituents and facilitation of employment opportunities in federal and state agencies, including the UUTH, Nigeria Police Force, and Federal Fire Service.
He however corrected the widespread misconception surrounding the 2025 constituency project allocation, clarifying that while each constituency is now allotted ₦1 billion worth of projects, no cash is handed directly to lawmakers, even as all projects are executed by relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“It is important that I correct a popular misconception which has gained traction across the country, members are alleged to have been given N1 billion cash each for Constituency projects in 2025 budget. There is no such thing; rather, each Federal Constituency is allotted Constituency projects to the tune of N1billion in the 2025 budget.
“The difference this time is that, the project total worth was increased to N1billion from N200million. Also, I must emphasize that; no member executes or administer projects. That is the duty of the various Ministries, Department and Agencies where the projects are domiciled”. He explained.
He revealed plans for a massive empowerment programme later in the year, targeting skills development and financial upliftment of constituents.
