By Israel Umoh
The Abak Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, under the Chairmanship of Mrs Ime Effiong Charles has executed and completed some life-touching projects worth millions of Naira to mark her first 100 days in office.
Mrs Charles who won under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was sworn into office by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on Monday, October 7, 2024.
The projects include public convenience in Abak main market, Health Centre, Ikot Antuk in Midim, rehabilitation of a section of Abak Council’s Secretariat housing offices of Paramount Ruler, Director of Agriculture, Director of Schools and NULGE Chairman.
Other achievements are:
*Distribution of educational materials to pupils in public primary schools across the five clans of Abak; *Evacuation of waste dumps, notably at Abak Main Market along Ubom Itor Street to enhance environmental sanitation;
*Strengthening collaboration with security agencies to ensure peace and safety in the area;
*Appointment of over 100 youths as personal assistants, special advisers, and revenue committee chairmen and members; *Appointment of Ward PAs to Chairman across the 12 wards to coordinate developmental efforts;
*Fostering a harmonious relationship with the legislative arm to fast-track administrative goals; an upward review of legionnaires’ subventions to support the families of ex-servicemen and their widows;
*Distribution of rice to residents during the festive season;
*Promotion of inter-party relations to foster unity and concerted approach towards Abak development and progress;
*Uniting Abak political and social fabric (as seen during the Christmas Unplugged event) to chart a common front towards repositioning Abak, among others.
The Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Ime Effiong Charles, gave reasons for embarking on the projects in her 100 days in office.
Speaking with our reporter in the area on Friday, 24 January, Mrs Charles said she embarked on Public Convenience in Abak main market because traders were dying in silence.
“Since there was no public convenience, this caused traders especially women to always lament on a typical Abak main market day. The women even men needed a place to ease themselves. We decided to undertake it equipped with solar-powered public water works to aid the convenience.”
Talking about the health-care delivery service in the area, the Chairman said “we have built and completed Health Centre at Ikot Antuk to cater for the adults and young ones in the area and neighbouring communities. Infants will be immunised and health personnel will minister health to the people.
“Again, my administration rehabilitated a building in the council’s Secretariat housing offices of Paramount Ruler, Director of Agriculture, Director of School and NULGE Chairman. In fact, the building was in a deplorable state as the roof of Paramount Ruler’s office was leaking. Now, the Paramount Ruler and other royal fathers could meet in a comfortable and ambient environment.”
According to her, “Within the first 100 days in office, we have empowered 100 youths, 40 women to be sweeping Abak-Ikot Ekpene Highway up to Afaha Obong.
“Within this period too, we have provided free exercise books and uniforms for pupils of public primary schools in Abak.”
Mrs Charles who says she is gingered to do more stated “we will soon commence grading of rural roads known as Trunk C in the 12 wards of the area, building a befitting town hall for Midim, and facilitate the sanitation through timely evacuation of refuse from Abak Main market and villages, among other projects.”
She, therefore, called on Abak people to cooperate with her administration under “BEST Agenda which is anchored on Building Infrastructure, Empowerment, Security Development and Transparency.”
Some political stalwarts in Abak did not hide their excitement in assessing Mrs Ime Charles administration in her first 100 days in office.
Hon. Bernard Utang, Special Assistant on Political Matters to Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, described her as a daughter of destiny.
“You anything that is divine cannot fail but must succeed. She has done well in her 100 days in office. I commend her for political inclusiveness- bringing political leaders of different shades together to fashion a way and manner to develop the area.
“Apart, she has embarked on people-oriented projects to better the lots of the people.”
Another political leader in Abak, Hon. Ime Willie Abia congratulated her over her works in the area.
Abia, who is the Chairman, Itoro Ward, described her as a good mother and prayed God to keep and sustain her in office.
He specifically thanked her for the support given to youths and women in the area.
