The Akwa Ibom State Government has organised a two-day capacity-building workshop for Local Government Councillors aimed at strengthening effective governance, improving leadership capacity, and enhancing service delivery at the grassroots.
Speaking at the workshop themed “Enhancing Legislative Effectiveness for Grassroots Development” in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the peaceful and seamless working relationship between councillors and their respective Local Government Council chairmen across the State.
He acknowledged the performances of the 31 Local Government Chairmen and praised the councillors for their team spirit and cooperation.
“I specially thank you, the councillors, for your harmonious working relationship with your chairmen. It is the support that you have given to the chairmen that has contributed immensely to the impressive development that we are witnessing today in all the Local Government Areas of our State,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno described the relationship between the councillors and Council Chairmen as disciplined and progressive, noting that it has contributed significantly to development at the grassroots.
Drawing a parallel between the State and Local Government legislative structures, Governor Eno added: “You are to the Local Government what the House of Assembly is to the State Executive. Without the State House of Assembly working in cooperation with the Executive, you will not see any development in the State.”
The Governor announced the approval for the review of their imprests, security votes, and constituency projects, saying they deserve encouragement for their positive collaboration with council chairmen.
“We expect you to also help the Government in executing small projects that have significant bearing on the lives of our people at the grassroots level,” he said.
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Governor Eno also commended the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, and the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr Uwemedimo Udo, for their effective coordination of council chairmen and councillors across the State.
He further extended appreciation to the General Manager of Ibom-LED, Mr Ime Uwah, for properly interpreting the administration’s vision in repositioning the former E-Library as a centre for capacity building.
The Governor directed that the Centre should also serve as the State School of Hospitality Management for the training of personnel in the tourism and hospitality sector, and instructed the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy to ensure internet availability.
“The building should also serve as a youth-friendly centre for Uyo Local Government Area, and the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, should immediately ensure that internet service is made available in the building,” he directed.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Archibong, pledged the continued support and loyalty of the third tier of government to the Governor and his administration.
Also, the State ALGON Chairman, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, thanked Governor Eno for supporting the councillors to organise the workshop.
“Honourable councillors are agents of grassroots development, and I encourage them to sustain the harmonious working relationship with the local government executives,” he said.
A major highlight of the workshop was the councillors’ passage of a vote of confidence in Governor Eno and his administration, alongside the adoption of a motion endorsing his re-election bid in 2027.
The councillors attributed their decision to what they described as his “superlative performance” in office.