UYO – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting financial and administrative autonomy to local government councils, describing the policy as a catalyst for accelerated rural development and improved living standards across communities.
Governor Eno made the remarks at Government House, Uyo on Monday, while receiving a delegation from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), led by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Akuagbaogu, alongside a corps member, Odinakachi Kelechi, who distinguished himself through outstanding Community Development Service (CDS) projects in Okobo Local Government Area.
The Governor said the local government autonomy initiative has empowered councils with increased resources to execute grassroots projects, stressing that the policy has begun yielding tangible results in rural infrastructure development.
He urged the chairmen of the 31 local government areas in the state to strengthen collaboration with the state government to fast-track development in rural communities.
According to him, while many council chairmen have performed creditably in their respective areas, greater synergy with the state government would enable the delivery of more impactful projects for the benefit of the people.
Governor Eno cited his administration’s model schools and model primary healthcare centres as examples of development templates that local governments could replicate through strategic partnership with the state government.
The Governor also commended corps member Odinakachi Kelechi for demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to community service through the renovation of a classroom block at his place of primary assignment in Okobo.
He disclosed that he was impressed by reports of Kelechi’s achievements and decided to honour him as a way of encouraging selfless service among young Nigerians.
“As a government, we will support the complete renovation of the school,” the Governor assured, directing the Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Hon. George Henshaw, to commence the necessary processes for the project.
Governor Eno congratulated the corps member on his recognition by the NYSC and his nomination for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Presidential Honours Award, describing the feat as a reward for dedication, sacrifice and patriotism.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of corps members serving in Akwa Ibom State, promising continued support for the NYSC, including efforts to maintain a conducive orientation camp environment.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Akuagbaogu, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his sustained support to corps members in the state and indigenous corps members serving in other parts of the country.
She particularly commended the administration for increasing the monthly state allowance for corps members from N5,000 to N20,000 and ensuring prompt and consistent payment.
“The gesture has significantly boosted the morale and welfare of corps members serving in Akwa Ibom State,” she said.
Akuagbaogu highlighted Kelechi’s notable achievements, including the complete renovation of a classroom, donation of ten three-seater desks, organisation of anti-cultism sensitisation campaigns for students, and the provision of free extra-mural lessons for JSS3 and SSS3 students preparing for external examinations.
The visit climaxed with the presentation of the NYSC State Honours Award Certificate to the outstanding corps member.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah among other government functionaries.
