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Onofiok Luke To Push for Revitalisation of ALSCON, Expand Mkpat Enin Oil and Gas Academy

By Ubong Sampson

The most preferred gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom state, Onofiok Luke has promised to ensure that the Aluminum Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi is revitalized and put back to business.

Luke made the promise, Thursday, during a consultative visit to Ikot Abasi and Mkpat Enin chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing executives, stakeholders and members of the party in Ikot Abasi, Luke said his administration will do everything possible to ensure the restart of ALSCON and ensure it resumes production to create employment for youths in the state.

Luke also assured his administration will harness the tourism potentials in the area by developing the beautiful beach front and encourage private investors to partner in the development of the jetty and other infrastructure along the Uta Ewa beach front, creek and the coastline to boost the economic life of the area.

He hinted that his administration, when voted on board, shall look into and address the long-standing grievances against Ibom Power Company by Ikpa Ibekwe Clan comprising Ikpetim village which plays host to the company and surrounding villages, including Ikot Aba, Ikot Etetuk, Ikot Akpan Ata, Ikot Okpoinua, while also promising to construct the Ikot Okpoinua Road down to Edemaya clan passing through Atan Ikpe village.

Addressing the party in Mkpat Enin, the people’s aspirant disclosed plans by his administration, when given the mandate, to consider upgrading and expanding the Oil and Gas Academy at Nyadiong to train some of the manpower needs for Ibom Deep Seaport.

Also part of his plans, according to him, is a focus on primary health centres which for the area, will begin with the Ikot Akata centre where health workers are hardly present because the facility, as well as the staff quarters are dilapidated.

Luke also said having noted how strategic and important the Mkpat Enin- Ikot Enyienge – Ikot Unya road is to Ikpa Ikono clan and its people, his administration will consider the construction of the road which links Efa in Etinan local government area.

He further mention Ikot Obiokpong – Ikot Okopodong road which links the East West road through Ikot Etefia Ukam for easy access to Ukam Market for Ikpa Ibom people in Ikot Obiokpong, and the Ikot Ebak – Ikot Ekpenyong road through to Ikot Ekpaw and Minya Ntak which he said, can encourage trade and social ties between Ukpum Minya and Ibiaku clans.

Luke concluded his address in both areas with a promise to bring government closer to the people, with those in the interiors not exempted, as it is part of his plans to be making working visits to local communities where he will have the chance to have a first hand understanding of the challenges facing the people.