Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has begun one project per local government initiative in Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District.
The initiative, aimed at massive rural development in the 31 local governments, began with the launch of the building of Model Government Primary School, Idung Offiong in Eket.
Eno said the projects were based on specific needs as requested by stakeholders in each local government, adding that each project would be completed within six months for a new round to start.
He said the model school would be equipped with solar power, security gate, perimeter fence, staff quarters and modern learning facilities, adding that there would be provision of school uniforms, books and sandals for pupils.
“This is the first of the projects that will be delivered in the 31 councils of this state. As part of our rural development drive, we have given the opportunity for communities and local governments to do a need assessment, align it with what we have and deliver to the people.
“This project was chosen by Eket Local Government stakeholders. They want a school built here. We are here today to use this as our point of contact to launch projects that will be under the initiative in Eket Senatorial District. When we leave here, we will replicate it in Uyo Senatorial District and later go to Ikot Ekpene.
“We will do 31 projects across the state, and the projects, I believe, should be ready in six months. Then we will take on another 31.
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“So, if you have a school this time, you may have a hospital next time and if you have a hospital next, you may have markets later. That way, we will touch every part of the state with quality projects.
“We have a budget, and we will stay within that budget. Our father, the paramount ruler, has talked about a school established in 1905. I think we will look at that school and make sure we make the school a model one. 1905 is a long time ago, we will not like such a legacy school to die,” the governor added.
He said one of the main reasons he was keen on education was his determination to curb out-of-school children and ensure that education was made attractive to them through the provision of basic needs and a conducive learning environment.
Eno disclosed plans to select some students in the rural areas for an exchange programme in the United Kingdom as part of efforts to expose them and build capacity that would enable them compete with their counterparts across the globe.
He used the occasion to call on International Oil companies (IOCs) operating in the state to support government’s rural development efforts by adopting any of the model projects and replicating same in their host communities, as part of their corporate social responsibility.
Giving details of the model school, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Dr. Bassey Okon, thanked the governor for approving the project, noting that the new school project would include classrooms, clinic, assembly hall, toilets, water facilities, among others.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government, HRM Edidem E. C. D. Abia and Chairman of Eket Local Government, Akaninyene Tommey, thanked the governor for his commitment to the development of Eket and assured him of their support.