•Reaffirms commitments to grassroots development
•Canvasses support for Gov. Umo Eno’s unity agenda
The member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Itorobong Etim, has reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots development and effective representation, as she hosted a media parley with members of the Uruan Media Community.
During the interactive session, Hon. Etim gave a comprehensive account of her legislative strides and constituency interventions over the past two years, highlighting several motions she has sponsored and co-sponsored in the House.
Among her key legislative efforts revealed were the motion calling for the restoration of electricity supply to nine communities in Uruan Local Government Area, which had been without power for four years.
She also sponsored a motion for the revival and proper functioning of the Nyong Essien Model Secondary School, Issiet Ekim, in Uruan, citing the urgent need for improved educational infrastructure in the area.
She equally sponsored “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State School of Culinary Studies/Hospitality Management and a Board, and for Other Matters Connected Thereto”, which had its public hearing recently.
In addition to her personal motions, the lawmaker co-sponsored several others of public importance, including a motion calling for the establishment of a students’ hostel in Akwa Ibom State University to ease accommodation challenges faced by students.
She also supported a motion urging the Federal Government to immortalize the late General Philip Effiong in recognition of his critical role in ending the Nigerian Civil War.
Also part of her legislative record is a motion she co-sponsored on the need for the state government to take urgent steps to address the gully erosion site at the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit.
Beyond her contribution on the floor of the House, Hon. Dr. Etim has initiated a wide range of empowerment and development programmes targeted at improving the living standards of her constituents.
She spearheaded the training of 154 individuals in life and income-generating skills, with 110 trained in fashion design and 44 in ICT.
As part of her economic empowerment drive, she disbursed a N10 million business support grant to women and a N2.2 million educational grant to support students in their academic pursuits.
Market women in Uruan also benefited from her empowerment schemes, with 52 beneficiaries receiving grants of N52,000 each to support their businesses.
In the area of rural infrastructure, the lawmaker facilitated the provision of solar lighting to a local palm oil mill in Ikot Otoinye and supported the installation of solar-powered streetlights in Mbiakong community.
She also oversaw the renovation of the village town hall in Mbiakong, giving it a modern architectural touch.
In a gesture of cultural pride and unity, Hon. Etim, during a thank-you visit to her constituents in December 2023, extended support to youths across all the wards in Uruan.
She also instituted a unified royal regalia initiative by presenting wax materials to traditional rulers, aimed at promoting cultural identity and cohesion among the monarchs.
Speaking during the parley, the lawmaker said her two-year tenure has been focused on attracting the dividends of democracy to the people of Uruan and fostering unity across communities.
She credited the leadership style of Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, describing him as an “epitome of unity” whose governance model continues to inspire her legislative and developmental approach.
Hon. Etim urged the people of Uruan to rally behind the governor’s vision and support his administration fully.
The lawmaker thanked the Governor for his developmental strides across all facets of the state’s economy through his ARISE Agenda.
Hon. Dr. Etim assured her constituents of a brighter future, stating that her work is far from over.
She pledged to continue working tirelessly for the overall progress of Uruan, emphasizing her unwavering dedication to the welfare and development of the area.
