Four LGs to benefit from EU support

Chief Osung, Chairman - Urueffong Oruko LGA

Four Local Governments drawn from  the three senatorial districts, Ibiono Ibom, Onna, Essien Udim and UrueOffong Oroko are to benefit from one hundred and eight projects of the European Union Niger Delta Support Programme Component 4.

The Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Ante Okwong gave the hint during a meeting with Council Chairmen from the four benefiting Local Governments.

Mr. Okwong reaffirmed the commitment of the State government to continue to attract development to the grassroots to boost the living standards of the people.

Represented by the Director of Administration in the Ministry, Mrs. Ekanem Albert Attah, the Commissioner said the overall objective of the Niger Delta Support Programme is to help mitigate the conflict in the Niger Delta through development and support given to local community development initiatives.

Mr. Okwong said that the European Union is expected to provide seventy five percent of the cash while the local government is to provide a counterpart funding of twenty five percent, adding that the communities which the projects are to be sited would provide land, security as well as monitor the projects.

He said the meeting was to discuss the modalities for selecting the projects and communities and advised the Chairmen to liaise with traditional leaders, women, youth groups, faith based organizations and other stakeholders in selecting the sites for the projects to ensure that everyone benefits from the projects.

Speaking earlier, the Head of Department of International Cooperation in the Ministry of Economic Development, Mr. Idongesit Ekpo disclosed that the European Union is planning to execute 800 micro projects in nine Niger Delta States between 2014 and 2015, stating that 108 projects are to be sited in the four LGAs selected in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr. Ekpo said the European Union micro projects to be sited in the four selected LGAs will include mini water projects, health facilities, educational blocks, civil centres or town halls, markets, cassava mills, palm oil and rice mills.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Onna Local Government, Obong Ufot Akpan noted that the projects would go a long way to impact positively on the people as well as create employment for the youths and others thereby reducing youth restiveness.
While commending Governor Godswill Akpabio and the European Union for the initiative, he pledged the readiness of the Council Chairmen to support the programme and play the roles expected of them. 

Others who spoke were the Vice Chairman of Urueoffong Oruko, Hon.  Mrs. Precious Selong and Supervisor for Works, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Idorenyin Umana