Exclusive:

UNYIME IDEM FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF IKOT UKPONGEREN BRIDGE IN ORUK ANAM LGA

The member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, today, November 19 2022, flagged off the construction of the collapsed Ikot Ukpongeren bridge in Oruk Anam LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

Performing the flag off, Idem said during the 2019 general election, he discovered that the only bridge linking the people of Ikot Ukpongeren and the outside world was destroyed 40 years ago during the Nigerian Civil war. Idem said he was touched by the plight of the people and took the matter up on the floor of the House of Representatives through a motion he sponsored.

The Ukanafun born lawmaker said he was happy that the motion has yielded fruits with the flag off taking place today.

He said when completed the bridge will ease movement of goods and services within and out of the community. He also said the bridge will connect the people of Oruk Anam and their Mkpat Enin neighbours who for decades had difficulties in accessing each other since the collapse of the bridge. He urged the people to cooperate with the contractor handling the project to ensure timely delivery. He also urged them to take ownership of the bridge and ensure they maintain it.

Idem said the project was his own way of thanking the people for standing by him during the 2019 general elections. He urged them to get involved in the electioneering activities of the 2023 general elections and vote for the next set of leaders at all levels. He promised to do more to better the lives of the people by attracting more projects and providing empowerment programmes.

Speaking separately, the Village Head of Ikot Ukpongeren, Chief Inemesit Joshua Nkannang, a community leader, Engr. Ime Peter, the Youth Representative, Mr Edidiong Esenowo, the Supervisory Councilor from the area, Mr Princewill Pedro, Chief Ebenezer Ubom representing Utu Village and Deaconess Nse Edward Amos representing the women, appreciated the lawmaker for sharing in their plight and coming to their rescue. They extolled the excellent performance and development strides of Rep. Idem, noting that they have not had it this good. They noted that the bridge when completed will enhance their trade with other communities and ease movement. They urged the people to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that they vote en-masse for the PDP in the forthcoming 2023 election.

In a related development, the Deputy Chairman Communications Committee in the House of Representatives, will on Monday November 21, 2022, hand over a fully furnished 40 seater capacity Digital learning centre to Community Secondary School, Ikot Esenam, Oruk Anam LGA.

The Apostle of Motions and Constituency development said the project is to complement the education completion agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel and to promote knowledge economy.

He urged the benefitting students to take advantage of the facility and venture into ICT, data analytics, programming and other ICT related careers. He has extended invitation to stakeholders of Ward 10, the people of Ikot Esenam and Oruk Anam LGA to attend the hand over ceremony.

Media Unit
Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency
11/19/2022