By Ekemini James
Inclusive leadership is the practice of ensuring that everyone feels valued, respected, and involved or carried along in the scheme of things. It is the recognition that diversity is strength, not weakness, and that different perspectives and experiences can enrich a collective vision or aspiration. Governor Umo Eno, the exemplar of this practice, has demonstrated his commitment to inclusive leadership, empowering the people of Oron Federal Constituency with critical projects that address their needs and aspirations.
Oron Federal Constituency tells a story of transformation, where the once neglected and marginalized communities are now uplifted and integrated into the state’s ARISE Agenda. Few days ago, the people of Oron Federal Constituency turned up in numbers to celebrate Governor Umo Eno for keeping his campaign promises to them.
The event kicked-off in Okobo Local Government Area, where the Governor flagged-off the dualization of the 13.5km Okopedi- Oron Road by East- West Road (Phase II). The project, which is handled by the Chinese engineering and construction giant, CCECC, is to be delivered for commissioning in 24 months, a time-frame Governor Eno urged the contractors to stick to.
The significance of this project cannot be overemphasized. For a constituency rich in culture and natural resources, connectivity is the key that unlocks the opportunities and markets for its people. The dualization of the Okopedi- Oron Road is more than a convenience; it is a strategic move that positions Oron as a gateway to the state and the region.
Remarkably, the Governor’s visit to Oron Beach is a testament of his administration’s commitment to harnessing the potentials of our blue economy which has a greater capacity to employ our youthful demography, thereby reducing rural-urban drift, while increasing participation in the exchange market at export levels.
This is also in fulfilment of his campaign promises to reintroduce the long moribund ferry services that was a popular means of transportation back in the 70s and the 80s, and the conversion of the Oron Beach into a tourist haven, the Governor has in ernest awarded the contract for the construction of the ferries to the Nigerian Navy, and the project is to be handled by a son of the soil, Hon. Orman Esin, who is the Honourable Commissioner for Transport.
For Oron, a resplendent geographical area blessed with a scenic coastline and a rich maritime heritage, ferry services are the lifeline that connects them to the rest of the world. The reintroduction of the ferry services is more than a nostalgia; it is a strategic move that positions Oron as a hub of tourism and culture, promising revenue and recognition for its people.
The truth remains, Governor Eno’s approach is holistic. His commitment to the people of Oron is unwavering, as evidenced by ongoing projects including renovation of primary schools and health centres in Oron. Also, Governor Eno visited Iquita General Hospital in Oron, where free medical services in collaboration with Hensek Integrated Services, an indigenous road and engineering services firm are being provided.
In addition, the Governor also announced that government will conduct Town Hall meetings from June this year, to put the administration’s scorecard before the people and in his administration’s spirit of inclusivity, inquire from the people their needs and that of their respective communities.
More profound is the fact that the Governor’s personal involvement speaks of a leader who is not detached from the realities and aspirations of his people, but is actively engaged in the narrative he has set in motion. His presence and interaction with the people of Oron is a seal of trust, a guarantee of his commitment, and a call to the people to join him in a golden journey steered towards progress.
Governor Eno’s achievements are not his alone; they are the constituency’s collective triumph and an investment in the constituency’s future, a vote of confidence in its potential, and a step towards shared prosperity for the entire people of Akwa Ibom State. The constituency’s growth under Governor Eno’s leadership remains a beacon of hope. It is a call to the people to rally behind their Governor and support the vision that lifts them all.
As Governor Umo Eno continues to pave the path for the state’s advancement, the road and ferry projects in Oron and other projects spread across the state emerge as vibrant threads, weaving together our aspirations as a people bound in unity. It is a narrative of progress, a story of a people poised to break barriers, and a testament to the power of inclusive leadership.
