• Council Chairman Highlights Impressive Accomplishments
As the holiday season draws near, the residents and visitors of Ikot Ekpene, an ancient city, are in for a truly extraordinary Christmas experience, according to Rt Hon Unyime Etim, the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Council.
The Raffia City Christmas Village, located strategically in the heart of the city, opposite the Council Secretariat on Stadium Road, has already become a captivating sight. Bamboo structures and traditional decorations adorn the entrance and extend throughout the village.
During a recent tour of the facility, the Council boss, Rt Hon. Etim, accompanied by Governor’s aides and journalists, including Comrade Ernest Akpan, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Mr. Joseph Okon; SA on Media, Rev’d Richard Peters; SA on New Media, Pastor Solomon Essiet; SA on New Media, expressed his excitement about the resplendent Christmas village. The village, which officially opens on Friday, December 1st, and runs until January 1st, promises to be a place for everyone to enjoy, attracting visitors from within and beyond the Senatorial District. Additionally, vendors will have the opportunity to enhance their economic standing.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Victor Bassey, the Council boss commended the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his vision and leadership. He acknowledged that the Governor’s initiatives have greatly contributed to the planning of the Raffia City Christmas Village, which has grown in popularity since 2021, delighting attendees and serving the interests of the people of Ikot Ekpene and beyond.
The Chairman highlighted the Governor’s commitment to hospitality and tourism, as outlined in his ARISE agenda blueprint, which has played a vital role in the event’s success. He further revealed that the Council has subsidized prices for kiosks, enabling vendors to participate at a nominal fee. Additionally, the Chairman assured that the Council has ensured reliable power supply and top-notch security measures at the Christmas village, making it a welcoming and secure environment for all.
Hon. Ndifreke Udom, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Supervisor for Special Duties, emphasized the event’s ability to empower the local community. He praised the Council Chairman for his numerous achievements since taking office and called on people from all walks of life to temporarily relocate to Ikot Ekpene and enjoy the city’s finest Christmas festivities.
The official partners of the event, Keskan Nigeria Limited, represented by its Managing Director, Dr. Akanimo Inyang, expressed optimism about this year’s edition of the Christmas park. They highlighted the significant profits that vendors gained from participating in the previous editions and predicted even greater success and a positive impact on the local economy. Dr. Inyang also commended the Council Chairman for his genuine love for the people of Ikot Ekpene and acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in promoting tourism in the state.
During the tour, the Chairman’s numerous physical accomplishments were inspected, including a fully furnished 12-block administration building equipped with two large generators. These achievements, according to the Chief of Staff, Mr. Victor Bassey, exemplify the Chairman’s dedication to improving the council’s infrastructure. Other notable achievements include the construction of world-class primary health centers in Abiakpo, Urukuso, Amanyam, and other locations, as well as the renovation of the old council hall, giving it a fresh and modern appearance.
TheNewsDesk discovered that under the leadership of Unyime Etim, the administration has made remarkable progress in securing and cleaning up Ikot Ekpene, transforming it into one of the safest and cleanest cities in the state over the past six years.
