Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has said his administration’s rural-development programme is designed to bring underserved communities closer to the infrastructure and public services available in more developed parts of the state.
The governor made the statement at Ebe Ekpi in Esit Eket Local Government Area during the inauguration of a Model Primary Health Centre as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary.
Represented by Senator Ekong Sampson, Eno said significant infrastructure gaps remained in some communities and pledged that his administration would not leave those areas behind.
He urged residents to protect public facilities from vandalism and theft and said community support was important to sustaining peace and development.
Health Commissioner Ekem John described the new health centre as part of the government’s strategy to expand access to primary healthcare and reduce avoidable illness and deaths.
Local government chairman Uduak Ikott said Esit Eket had benefited from infrastructure and economic-empowerment projects and promised continued community support for the administration.
Power Commissioner Iniobong Robson said the health centre carried particular significance for residents who had experienced long periods of limited public investment.
State lawmaker Udobia Friday also described the facility as evidence of the administration’s rural-development agenda.
Nigerian Medical Association President Ernest Omoti urged healthcare workers to maintain high professional standards so communities could derive full benefit from the state’s investment.
Other local stakeholders welcomed the project and called for further development in the area.
The government said the broader objective was to combine healthcare, infrastructure and economic interventions to narrow development gaps between rural communities and the rest of Akwa Ibom.
