A’Ibom PDP gov candidate unveils rural dev blueprint

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic party in Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has said that rural development would form a major component of his economic blueprint entitled, “Arise Agenda”.

He said when elected, his administration would focus on the development of the rural communities by renovating, reactivating and building primary healthcare centres across the 329 political wards in the state, and other areas of need.

Eno who stated this during the official adoption of PDP candidates by a political group called “5 Over 5 Initiative” held at the council hall of Ibesikpo Asutan, on Saturday, said his administration would adopt the international development approach by partnering with communities, creating Agricultural and ICT hubs for their development.

“We will adopt the International Development Approach by partnering with communities in the creation of agricultural and ICT hubs for the socio-economic development of the communities,” he said.

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He disclosed plans to institute a free healthcare scheme for the elderly to leverage the health policies of the current administration.

Pastor Eno who was the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board, during the Obong Victor Attah-led administration recalled that his first political appointment was by a son of the area, adding that he would remain eternally grateful to Obong Attah and by extension, Ibesikpo Asutan.

The immediate past Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources maintained that the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration has made huge investments in the health sector, especially in secondary healthcare, stressing that the focus of the next administration will be to further the strides.

While commending the group for the initiative and endorsement of PDP candidates, Eno promised to run an all-inclusive government by listening to the elders, seeking counsel from the traditional fathers, listen to youths, women, and all stakeholders for the development of the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Nsikan Linus Nkan said Pastor Umo Eno has the capacity to further development in the state and has successfully managed his private business for many years.

He stressed that the people of Ibesikpo Asutan were comfortable and happy with the choice of Pastor Umo Eno as the candidate of the PDP and the next governor of the state.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the group, Etubom David Jackson, described the 5 over 5 Initiative as a state movement and assured everyone that members of the group are believers and crusaders of PDP.

He promised that the group was going to canvass for votes at the grassroots to ensure the victory of all PDP candidates in 2023.

In their separate remarks, the Member representing Ibesikpo Asutan state constituency, Hon. Aniekan Uko, Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Mrs Akon Michael, and the Paramount Ruler, Edidem III, Clement F. Ekpenyong noted that Pastor Eno has demonstrated capacity, competence and character hence the entire Akwa Ibom people are queuing behind his candidacy for the 2023 elections.