UMO ENO, URBANIZING THE ITU/IBIONO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

The Itu-Ibiono Federal Constituency is undeniably transforming into a burgeoning metropolitan hub within Akwa Ibom State. Over the past two decades, the developmental indices of this area have experienced significant and remarkable growth, an evidence to the concerted efforts of successive administrations that have prioritized the rapid urbanization and infrastructural development of the area .

This sustained focus has catalyzed the expansion of various sectors, including transportation, education, healthcare, and social amenities, thereby elevating the overall standard of living for its inhabitants.

In particular, Governor Umo Eno, PhD, has continued this trajectory of progress with avowed commitment. His administration has not only sustained but also accelerated the developmental momentum, transforming Itu-Ibiono into a strategic medical corridor and a vibrant hub for quality infrastructure development.

This includes the construction and enhancement of vital roads, schools, health facilities, and educational institutions, all aimed at fostering a more modern, accessible, and livable environment.

However, amidst these achievements, it is imperative to recognize the pressing need to extend such urbanization initiatives beyond the existing urban centers. There is a critical necessity to develop additional cities and urban areas from the rural regions surrounding Uyo, the state capital.

This strategic expansion is vital for several reasons:, because creating new urban centers from rural areas will help distribute economic activities more evenly across the state, reducing over-concentration in Uyo and alleviating urban congestion.

And upcoming cities will stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities, and attract investments, thereby expanding sustainable growth

PAVING WAY FOR URBANIZATION THROUGH ROADS CONSTRUCTION

One of the flagship development strategies of Governor Umo Eno in his pursuit to urbanize the Itu-Ibiono Federal Constituency is the extensive construction of roads.

Roads serve as the backbone of any thriving city, as they are fundamental to its growth and development. Without a robust and well-maintained road network, population influx into these areas will be hindered, and property values will remain depressed.

Currently, several significant road construction projects are underway within the Itu and Ibiono Local Government Areas, which collectively constitute the federal constituency.

IBIONO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

1, Construction of a 9.0 km road linking Ikot Ada Idem, Ndiene Obio Imo, and Ikot Oku Ikono.

2, Dualization of a 7.87 km segment, Phase 3 of the 3rd Ring Road.

3, Construction of a 10.9 km road from Usai Use to Use Ikot Amama, featuring two bridges spanning 40 meters and 20 meters.

ITU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

1, Construction of 5.3 km of internal roads.

2, Construction of a 5 km stretch of Mary Slessor Road

3, Construction of a 1.5 km Atan Mbak Obio Itam Road in Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

4, Construction of a 2.6 km Tarbanacle Road, including a 1.2 km underground drainage system.

5, Construction of a 12 km Mbiatok Itam – Mbiaya – Mbiakon Road, featuring a 60-meter span bridge.

COMPASSIONATE HOMES

Governor Umo Eno, PhD, is undertaking a compassionate and strategic initiative to support vulnerable members of the Itu Federal Constituency, specifically homeless widows, widowers, and persons with disabilities.

He is constructing well-furnished two-bedroom bungalows equipped with portable water and powered by solar energy to provide safe, comfortable, and sustainable shelter for these individuals.

Moreover, he is empowering them financially by providing each with half a million Naira to start their own businesses, thereby promoting economic independence and self-reliance.

This initiative aims to improve their living conditions, uphold their dignity, and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods, reflecting the governor’s commitment to social welfare and inclusive development.

The beneficiaries of this project in the Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency are as follows:

Beneficiaries Of Compassionate Homes In Ibiono Local Government Area:

1, Mrs. Beattie Cletus Sunday – Village: Ikot Nkop

2, Mrs. Ekong Nkra – Village: Ibiaku Ikot Akpan

3, Mr. Peter Ufia Daniel – Village: Ibiaku Ikot Udom

4 Mrs. Arit Ndareke Akpakpan – Village: Kot Akpan Obong

5, Mr. Aniefiok Samuel Ben – Village: Kot Asukpong

6, Madam Mfon Akpan Essien – Village: Ikot Edok

Beneficiaries of Compassionate Homes in Itu Local Government Area:

1, Mrs. Nyong Etim Okon – Village: Ikot Abiya, Oku Iboku

2, Mrs. Eno Ete – Village: Atai Ibiaku Itam

3, Mr. Ubong Linus Edet – Village: Mbang Itam

4, Grace Edet Usoro – Village: Akon Itam

5, Mrs. Bassey Akpan Effiong – Village: Ekiti Itam Akpanobong

6, Madam Grace Okon Peter – Village: Ikot Ekwere Itam

HEALTHCARE SUB-SECTOR

– Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency Become The Healthcare Corridor

Governor Umo Eno is strategically leveraging the advantageous location of the Ibom Specialty Hospital at Ekit Itam in Itu Local Government Area to establish a comprehensive medical corridor.

This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility, quality, and efficiency of healthcare delivery across the state by creating a concentrated zone of medical services and facilities.

Governor Umo Eno’s healthcare corridor acts as a dedicated zone where various healthcare facilities, ranging from primary health centers to specialized hospitals are clustered together.

This integration facilitates seamless patient referrals, improves resource allocation, and boosts the overall capacity of the healthcare system. By developing such a corridor, Akwa Ibom State can attract more patronage, both from within the state and beyond, positioning itself as a medical tourism hub.

It also encourages economic growth by creating jobs and attracting investments in health-related infrastructure and services.

250 BED HOSPITAL

By flagging off the new 250-bed hospital as a secondary healthcare facility within this corridor, Governor Eno is strengthening the referral system, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care at the right level. The construction of numerous health centers across Itu and Ibiono Local Governments further expands access, reduces healthcare disparities, and promotes community health.

TWO UPCOMING HEALTH CCENTRES

Since the Government of Akwa Ibom State has adopted a policy of implementing one project per local government at a time, the first project focused on education in Itu Federal Constituency. The next planned projects are the construction of two health centers in the two local government areas.

SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER

When Governor Umo Eno formally inaugurated the Senior Citizens Centre, he emphasized that this facility represents a vital addition to the community infrastructure, strategically positioned along the medical corridor stretching between the Ibom Specialist Hospital and the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.

The center, located in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, is designed to serve as a comprehensive sanctuary for our senior citizens, addressing their diverse needs and enhancing their quality of life.

The facility, upon completion, will boast a wide array of amenities tailored to promote health, recreation, relaxation, and social engagement for the elderly. These will include a fully equipped medical clinic to provide accessible healthcare services, a games village to encourage mental stimulation and social interaction, restaurants and lounges for social gatherings, a swimming pool for exercise and leisure, a guest house for visitors, a modern gym to support physical fitness, and a cinema dedicated to entertainment and cultural enrichment.

The establishment of such a center underscores the Governor recognition of the invaluable contributions of our senior citizens to society and highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring their well-being, dignity, and active participation in community life.

As our population ages, the need for dedicated facilities that cater specifically to the health, recreation, and social needs of the elderly becomes increasingly urgent. .

Education Sector

To enhance the appeal and quality of public education, Governor Umo Eno PhD has embarked on a strategic initiative to establish a primary model school in each local government area and a secondary model school in each senatorial district. This ambitious project underscores the government’s commitment to providing world-class educational facilities and fostering an environment conducive to holistic learning and development.

The model schools are designed to serve as centers of excellence, setting a standard for public education across the State .

They feature state-of-the-art classrooms that create an inspiring and conducive learning atmosphere. Additionally, these schools are equipped with teachers’ quarters to attract and retain highly qualified educators, ensuring that students receive quality instruction. The curriculum has been enhanced to include modern, relevant content that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Beyond academics, the model schools emphasize extracurricular activities and physical development through comprehensive sports facilities. They also boast modern laboratories for sciences, an e-library for digital learning, and computer laboratories to foster technological literacy. Furthermore, the inclusion of demonstration farms for agricultural practicals aims to boost hands-on learning in agriculture—a vital sector for Nigeria’s economy.

The inclusion of Itu Federal Constituency among the beneficiaries highlights the government’s dedication to equitable development and improving educational infrastructure across all local government areas.

These model schools are not just centers of learning; they are catalysts for community development, youth empowerment, and national progress. By investing in such comprehensive educational facilities, Governor Umo Eno is laying a solid foundation for a brighter future, where every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to excel.

So the model school has been completed in both Itu and Ibiono local government areas as follows :

1, Model Primary School, Afaha Itam,

Itu Local Government Area Itu LGA

2, Model Primary School, Ikot Ekop, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area

The Conclusion Of The Epistle

The upcoming Itu-Ibiono Federal Constituency Town square Meeting will give constituents the chance to hear about the government’s achievements in their area and to express their needs directly to the authorities.

As Governor Umo Eno PhD works to bring governance closer to the people, moving away from a top-down approach and embracing a bottom-up model, this Town Square meeting exemplifies the best form of democratic governance.

By: Emmanuel Nicholas