The Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Barr Ime Okon, has won the admiration of his constituents and Civil Society Organisation, CSO, in Akwa Ibom State following his achievements for the two years in office.
Okon while addressing the press disclosed that he has attracted projects worth over N1.7 billion to his Constituency, within the last two years and sponsored or co-sponsored eight (8) bills and motions.
He highlighted the bills to include: a bill to establish the Metallurgical and Material Engineers and Scientist Registration Board of Nigeria.
“A bill to establish the Biomedical Engineers and Scientist Registration Board.
“Motions on the urgent rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road, the disparity between HND and BSc holders in security agencies, and the need to decongest correctional centres, among others.
Okon who is the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Governmental Affairs, said that in line with his constitutional duty of oversight functions, he actively participates as a committed member of ten House Committees, including: Gas Resources, Healthcare Services, Host Communities, and Works, adding that he is also co-opted into three additional committees: Procurement, Basic Education, and Interior.
He also listed a wide range of infrastructure, empowerment, and welfare projects facilitated by his office and valued at over ₦1.7 billion, surpassing the ₦200 million project limit typically allocated to members as Constituency project funds.
Some of the completed and ongoing projects listed by the Lawmaker include:
“Construction of furnished 6 classroom block, Technical School, Ayadehe, and 4 classroom block with toilet facilities, PCN Primary School, North Itam, Itu LGA
“Construction of 1.5km Joshua Uwah Street, including installation of solar-powered street lights and drainage system, in Mbak Itam III, Itu LGA
“Commissioning of an ultra-modern 450-capacity, Civic Centre in Idoro and ongoing construction of 1000-capacity Civic Centre in Nkwa, Ibiono Ibom LGA.”
Others include: Installation of solar-powered street lights in Ikot Obio Enang, Ikot Edok, Ikot Obio Enang, and Ikpa Ikot Ubo/Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom LGA and Itu LGA
“Provision of solar-powered boreholes, roads with drainage and lighting, and digital tools.
“Educational support through bursaries to over 300 students, including 18 Law School students. Free Medical Outreach in Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs
“Empowerment through donation of cars, scholarships to children of deceased political stakeholders, and medical and welfare support to over 800 constituents.
“Facilitation of employment opportunities in federal and state agencies, including the UUTH, Nigeria Police Force, and Federal Fire Service.
He revealed plans for a massive empowerment programme later in the year, targeting skills development and financial upliftment of constituents.
He also called for continued media support, public collaboration, as well as prayers for the success of the State Governor, Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and fellow federal lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking, the CSO, under the umbrella of Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, CHRAN, which was represented by its Secretary, Comrade (Barr.) Christopher Ekpo commended the Lawmaker for the life-touching projects that he has attracted to the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency.
Ekpo noted that CHRAN had tracked and verified the existence of those projects during its constituency projects tour even as he expressed satisfaction with the quality and the utility of the projects, particularly the classroom blocks at PCN Primary School, North Itam, Itu Local Government and Technical College, Ayadehe, Itu Local Government Area; the solar-powered borehole at Afaha Itam, Itu Local Government Area; the solar-powered streetlights at Ikpa Ikot Ubo/Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area; the Joshua Uwah Street road construction at Mbak Itam III, Itu Local Government Area and the Civic Centre at Idoro, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
He, therefore, urged the lawmaker to ensure water supply to the quality toilets that he has attracted to PCN Primary School, North Itam, Itu Local Government Area and to also ensure that toilets are provided at Technical College.
