The people of Nsiak Village in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State can now breathe a sigh of relief as Hon. Iberedem Isonguyo Akpan, Honourable Councillor representing Ikot Ekpene Urban Ward 4 by INEC and 5 by AKISIEC, has brought smiles to their faces with the commissioning and official handing-over of the ‘Liberation Water’.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Nsiak Village Civic Center, was attended by dignitaries and top government officials.
In his opening remarks, Honourable Iberedem Isonguyo welcomed and thanked everyone for responding to his humble invitation to witness the historic and extraordinary commissioning in his ward. He also expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by his constituents to represent them in the Local Government Legislature, a responsibility he has taken seriously to avoid disappointing them.
He then extended his congratulations to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on his election victory and subsequent victories in the courts. He also took the opportunity to thank the immediate past Governor, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, for the peaceful administration that made their legislative work easier, as well as for the support he provided during his time in office.
In his first year in office, Hon. Iberedem Isonguyo Akpan has provided financial assistance to support local businesses and education in his constituency. Ten women received business grants of 20,000 naira each, while ten men received grants of varying amounts. Additionally, ten students were awarded a bursary of 10,000 naira each to support their education. These grants were presented to the beneficiaries during the first legislative year empowerment program held on November 25, 2021.
In addition to his legislative duties, Hon. Iberedem Isonguyo has made it a priority to ensure that the majority of the ward stakeholders, executives, elders, and supporters have shared in his salaries for the past three years.
During the event, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, the political leader of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, emphasized that the responsibilities of a legislator are not solely focused on executing projects, but also include moving motions, sponsoring bills, engaging in oversight functions, and making bye-laws that, when signed into law, will bring about significant projects for the constituency. Senator Essien commended Hon. Iberedem Isonguyo for going above and beyond in fulfilling the mandate given to him by his constituents, suggesting that he deserves a higher position to further serve the community.
Through divine providence and the generosity of the Leader of the Ikot Ekpene Legislature, Hon. Iberedem Isonguyo was appointed Chairman of the prestigious Committee on Finance and Appropriation of the 7th Legislative Council, a committee superintending over the process of scrutinizing the passage of yearly budget estimates as presented by the Executive Chairman.
In his modest effort, Hon. Iberedm has moved significant motions for the betterment of his constituents and the generality of Ikot Ekpene people.
In his words at the commissioning and official handing-over: “I have been particular about peace building because I know that without peace, we will not be able to enjoy the benefits of government. This is why I convened several peace-building meetings within the life-cycle of my mandate. In the build-up to the just concluded general elections, I held an inter-party meeting which converged all former Councillors in the ward to harp on the need for a peaceful election, an effort that has strengthened our bond as a ward.
In order to promote sports development and nurture young football talents, I took the initiative to sponsor and accompany the ward to the 2022 Chairman’s Football Competition, along with organizing other minor sporting activities.
As I stand here today, witnessing the completion of the LIBERATION WATER Project, I am filled with a deep sense of fulfillment. This project is my way of expressing gratitude to the ward for granting me the opportunity to represent them. The borehole water will benefit both residents and visitors, and I pray that just like the living water, those who drink from it will be fully satisfied in Jesus’ name. Amen!” he passionately expressed.
It is important to note that the day before the commissioning, I had the privilege of appearing on Premium 89.9FM, Abak for the Arise Akwa Ibom Radio program, which is sponsored by Mr. Ekerette Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. The program focused on the Arise Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno. During the broadcast, I had the opportunity to highlight my significant accomplishments as a councilor. It was an unforgettable experience as listeners called in to express their gratitude, acknowledging my effective representation of the people without making excuses.
Also in attendance at the commissioning was PDP Chapter Chairman; Hon. Uduak Ekene, the Principal of K’ini Abasi Foundation; Ambassador Ndiana Isong, Political Leader of Ward 3; Mr. Benson Umoinyang, Political Leader of Ward 5; Mr. Favour Otong, Village Head of Nsiak; Chief Aniefon Edet Udo, Pastor Kufre Nwaowo (aka Bishop), Mr. Lawrence Isang, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media; Pastor Solomon Eshiet, PDP Ward 8 Leader; Mr. Daniel Obot (aka Commando), Personal Assistant to the Governor on Project Monitoring; Mrs. Emem Kingsley Ekong, Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President; Unyime Udo Akpan and Imo Udo Umoren.
Highpoint of the event was the official commissioning of the “Liberation Water” project by Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien joined by the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity; Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, PDP Deputy Woman Leader; Obonganwan Abigail Anthony, PDP Chapter Women Leader (Ikot Ekpene); Deaconess Mbuotiden Udoma and Leader of the 7th Legislative Council (Ikot Ekpene Local Government); Hon. Lawrence Inyang as the project was dedicated to God by Apostle Anny Paul.
To God be the Glory!
