COOPA Citizens' Tour: Ubong Nkutt Showcases Infrastructure Progress, Youth Empowerment Initiatives in Itu

 

 

Since assuming office on October 7, 2024, the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Nkutt has made significant strides in fulfilling his campaign promises related to human capital development and infrastructure, aligning with Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda.

During this period, the Nkutt administration has prioritised infrastructure development in Itu, starting with the construction of a state-of-the-art, one-storey administrative block, featuring 22 offices within the Council Secretariat, which is nearing completion.

Speaking on Wednesday, with members of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), who visited the area as part of their Citizens' Tour, Nkutt highlighted his administration's efforts, including the renovation of the Council's legislative block to create a more conducive working environment for councilors.

He said the administration has also remodeled the council's perimeter fence, installed solar-powered lights on the premises, and revitalised sections of the Primary Health Centre in Mbak Atai by restoring water facilities.

Beyond the council's premises, Nkutt said his administration has sponsored the grading of rural roads across all 11 wards of Itu, ensuring that each ward has at least one road measuring no less than 500 meters.

To empower the youth, Nkutt said the administration has organised a series of training programs aimed at equipping them with skills to compete with their peers statewide, in line with Governor Umo Eno's vision to eliminate unemployment and reduce poverty.

One notable initiative, according to the Chairman, is the heavy-duty equipment operations training for selected youths from each ward, which includes stipends to cover transportation costs.

Additionally, Nkutt noted that an online portal has been established to facilitate the issuance of certificates of origin for Itu indigenes, allowing them to access these documents from anywhere in the world.

Nkutt described the 2025 budget of the Council as comprehensive, incorporating input from all 11 wards of Itu Local Government Area during its preparation.

During his address, the Chancellor of COOPA, Mr. Utitofon Morgan explained that the Citizens' Tour is aimed at assessing local governance activities and evaluating the performance of council chairmen across the state.

Morgan emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration between online publishers and council leadership to ensure the public is well-informed about the activities of their local representatives.

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