By Assam Abia.
The Unified Forum of Former Elected Councillors, Akwa Ibom State, Esit Eket Chapter, has commended the management of the Esit Eket Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) of EMOIMEE, for what it described as impactful, people-oriented programmes that are transforming lives across the local government area.
The forum particularly praised the Chairman of the Trust, Mkpisong Sir (Barr.) Bassey Dan-Abia, for providing visionary leadership and ensuring that the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are translated into meaningful development for host communities.
In a statement issued after its meeting in Esit Eket, and signed by Rt Hon Emmanuel Okpodighe, the forum said the recent agricultural training and empowerment programme organised by the Trust was a strategic investment in the economic future of the people.
According to the group, equipping youths and women with modern agricultural skills and providing them with the necessary support to establish agribusinesses will not only create employment opportunities but also enhance food production, strengthen food security, reduce poverty and stimulate the local economy.
The forum noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive for economic diversification through agriculture and would contribute significantly to Akwa Ibom State’s efforts to boost internally generated wealth while reducing dependence on crude oil.
It further applauded the Trust for its scholarship scheme, describing it as a timely investment in human capital development and construction of ICT centers in 3 zone of Esit Eket LGA
The former councillors observed that the educational support would ease the financial burden on parents, encourage academic excellence and produce a new generation of skilled professionals who would contribute to the sustainable development of Esit Eket and Akwa Ibom State.
The forum also expressed delight over the provision of solar-powered boreholes across communities in Esit Eket, describing access to clean and safe drinking water as one of the most critical social services required for healthy living.
It stated that the projects have improved public health, reduced the incidence of water-borne diseases, saved residents the hardship of searching for potable water and enhanced the overall quality of life in the benefitting communities.
The group said the achievements recorded by the Trust under the leadership of Sir Dan-Abia have demonstrated transparency, accountability and a genuine commitment to community development.
While congratulating the management for the visible projects executed so far, the forum appealed to the Trust to introduce a special social intervention programme targeted at indigent elderly persons across Esit Eket.
According to the forum, many senior citizens who devoted their productive years to the service of the community now live in difficult conditions and deserve regular welfare support.
It suggested that such an intervention could include periodic food assistance, healthcare support and modest stipends to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic challenges on vulnerable elderly residents.
The former councillors expressed confidence that the leadership of the Trust would continue to initiate programmes capable of improving the socio-economic wellbeing of the people and further strengthening peace, unity and sustainable development in Esit Eket.
The forum reaffirmed its support for initiatives that promote inclusive development and urged stakeholders to continue collaborating with the Trust in the collective interest of the host communities.