The cheering developmental strides recorded by the Itoro Columba led-Caretaker Committee of Ikono Local Government Council, which has remained the leading light in the comity of LG councils in the state continue to enjoy commendations and endorsement from both individuals and reputable organizations, with Mass Mobilization Network, MAMNET, a burgeoning socio-political group in the state committed to driving the advocacy of promoting godly leadership and good governance also taking its turn last week.
Speaking during the group’s courtesy visit on Hon. Columba last weekend, the Coordinator of MAMNET, Amb. Idongesit Nyong commended the Caretaker Boss for distinguishing himself among his contemporaries via what he described as “remarkable development strides” recorded in the area amidst the lean resources at his disposal, pointing that as the rationale behind the visit.
Highlighting some of the feats attained by Mr. Columba, Amb. Nyong commended the Caretaker Boss for identifying key areas of needs by the people by building over 215 Market stalls and handing over the same to traders in the area, which he said has direct and instant economic effects on the beneficiaries.
He also commended the Chairman for his foresight in preparing Ikono for the expansion it was about to witness infrastructural-wise as development was gradually shifting to the area by embarking on building two motor parks (one for buses and taxis and the other for tricycle and motorcycles) at Nung Udoe Itak maintaining that, that would help in boosting the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the area as well as create streams of economic opportunities for the people.
The MAMNET Coordinator who happens to be a native of Ikono specially thanked the
Chairman for aiding the provision of electricity transformers to provide electricity supply to some villages in Ikono that had hitherto not witnessed power supply all their lives as well as revamping abandoned infrastructures in the area such as Multi-purpose processing mill at Afaha Ediene to boost economic activities equally saluted him for investing heavily in human empowerment, noting that it checks confirm that so far, the chairman has facilitated the training of over 322youths in various areas of skills acquisition/provision of startup kits.
Amb. Nyong who described Mr. Columba as a god-fearing leader also commended him for building bridge of unity among the people of Ikono as well as setting record of being the first chairman in recent past to assert himself with the saying that cleanliness is next to godliness by always keeping the council’s secretariat kempt and tidy, a departure from the bushy and neglected farmhouse picture the headquarters premises used to wear.
The group however declared their support for the chairman throughout his tenure in office as well as his future aspiration just as they also declared their support for the government of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
In order to promote educational development in the area, MAMNET also called on the
Chairman to partner with her to organize an inter-school quiz and debate competition for all the secondary schools in Ikono aimed at building the intellectual capacities of the students as well as building their confidence in public speaking.
Responding, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Itoro Columba thanked MAMNET for identifying with him as well as appreciating his modest efforts in bringing back light to the Ntippe Ibibio and making life more meaningful to the people.
Mr. Columba said he owed every height of success achieved during his stint as Transition Chairman, first, to God that gives him the grace and wisdom and second, to the Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel whom he said found him fit out of other eminently qualified sons and daughters of Ikono to oversee over the affairs of the local government.
He also thanked the people of Ikono for the support and cooperation extended to him which he said was the magic behind his achievements, even as he assured them of greater things in the future.
Mr. Columba also thanked the group for also celebrating his boss, Gov. Udom Emmanuel as well as declaring support for him, urged them to continue supporting the mainstream government in the state and remain firm in their support.
The Chairman who identified himself with the innovations and proposal pushed forward by the group assured them of his support, urging them to continue taking the sensitization of what the Governor was doing to better the lots of Akwa Ibomites to people in their various communities.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an award of excellence and exemplary leadership style to Mr. Columba.
Among some of MAMNET’s members on the entourage were: Amb. Idongesit Nyong, (MAMNET Coordinator), Pst. Emmanuel Inyang, Secretary, Mrs. Mary Moses, Inyene John Charlse and Mbere Inyang.
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