...as Ekong Sampson calls for local, state government collaboration
Barr Ekong Sampson
As part of the fulfilment of his vow to ensure effective government presence in the rural settings, the Hon Commissioner for Rural Development, Rt Hon (Barr) Ekong Sampson has introduced a new strategy to sending prompt government intervention to the rural communities through the Prompt Response Mechanism, as newly introduced by him. Disclosing the initiative to newsmen in Urueoffong Oruko during the last inspection visit of his led ministry to the area, Barr Ekong noted that the ministry under his leadership is out to re-create the village and make lives more meaningful to those in rural areas through the Prompt Response Mechanism (PRM) which he said, is part of the Rural Development Master Plan (RDM) he earlier launched and set to work with. 
The Commissioner can be quoted to have earlier said that RDM will serve as a compass for sustainable rural development in Akwa Ibom State.
Barr Ekong whose purpose of visit to the area last weekend was to inspect the collapsed bridge in Mbokpu Eyoakan, noted that problems as such was what the PRM is created for, as a means to tackling life-affecting disasters in rural communities.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the visit, the commissioner expressed deep concern on the huge challenges facing the people of the area ranging from lack of electricity, lack of access roads and collapse bridge which he said, have impeded economic activities the affected communities, pointing out that the ministry under his watch is zealously committed to unlocking opportunities for industrialization across the state in tandem with the transformation policy of the state governor.
According to Barr. Sampson, the rural development ministry under the current administration in the state has put up a vibrant force towards the transformation of rural communities in the state which in the nearest future will serve as a model to other states of the federation in the area of rural development.
He further explained that the Prompt Response Mechanism of the ministry meant to tackle issues decay in community infrastructures was to attract the presence of the state government towards providing remedies to the “repulsive” situation, and to also create vistas in rural development strategies that will enable the government through the ministry respond immediately to rural challenges.
He noted that the regular visits to affected sites is to enable them have a good feel of people’s plight, so as to know how to advise the government on the situations.
While promising to the ensure the government meets the needs of the area relevant to his jurisdiction, Barr Ekong stated that the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge and the supply of power to the Elei, Okpu Odu, Eyo Abang and Mbokpu Eyoakan communities will improve the living standard of the residents, as well as the economic status of the listed communities which he said, will in turn, enhance productivity.
While applauding the effort of the transition chairman and the Secretary of the Council, Mrs. Precious Selong and Elder Bassey Esin for their doggedness to embark on the remedial project of the collapse bridge, the Commissioner assured them of the government’s position to look into the challenges facing the area.
He further called for a strong collaboration between local governments areas and the state government, while also calling on the people living in the rural areas to encourage the government and support its efforts by not destroying public infrastructures but should imbibe the culture of safeguarding government properties which he said, are for their own good.
Earlier, the council chairman, Hon (Mrs) Precious Selong who received the commissioner in her office before leading him around the affected areas noted that the aforementioned areas has never had electricity, while stressing that the collapsed bridge in Mbokpu Eyoakan Community has made the situation urgently in need of government intervention.
Hon Selong decried the untold hardship imposed to the rural dwellers in the area by the deplorable situation and appealed to the state government through the ministry to urgently come to the rescue of the people.
Also in the inspection team were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Arit Okpo and the Director of Civil Engineering, Mr Emmanuel Atteh.
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