The Christmas Homegoing directed by Governor Umo Eno in all 31 LGAs of the State was held in a warm and celebratory atmosphere, that drew key government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders in Ika LGA.
While extending Governor Eno’s goodwill to the people, the Chairman Ika Local Government Council, Barr. Utibe Nwoko lauded the humanitarian disposition of the State Chief Executive, which has continued to bring Sucor to economically disadvantaged demographics.
Nwoko further announced an additional 1 million Naira to each of the 11 Wards to support ward-level logistics, as well as other cash interventions, in appreciation of the support his administration has continued to enjoy from the people.
In his remarks, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his magnanimity, noting that the gesture was an expression of his deep-seated humane values, while suing the people’s continued support to government.
Other stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas in describing the Yuletide as a season of charity, urged them to be responsive citizens.
The distribution across various villages was confirmed with brief stops at Ikot Ntia and Abiakan villages, where the Youth President, Mr. Friday and Village Council Chairman Pastor Benson Esau, respectively confirmed receipt of the largese, with gratitude to the Governor.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ika, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, extended Christmas goodwill to traditional rulers across the LGA with the presentation of special yuletide packages.
The packages, which included a big cow, bags of rice and a cash gift of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira), were presented on December 20 at the Ika Local Government Secretariat, Urua Inyang.
Hon. Nwoko said the gesture was to appreciate the royal fathers for their steadfast support, leadership and contributions to peace, unity and grassroots development in their respective communities.
He described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in governance and custodians of culture whose roles are vital to sustainable development.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Paramount Ruler, Edidem Okosi Ekot III, expressed gratitude to the council chairman, describing the gesture as timely and reassuring.
He commended Hon. Nwoko’s people-oriented leadership and pledged the continued support of the royal fathers toward sustaining peace, security and development in Ika Local Government Area.