04/01/2023
My Pact with the people of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency
In a couple of months, we shall approach the polls to exercise our franchise as a people committed to unity, equity, fairness, zoning and quality representation. When that is done, I shall passionately work to fulfilling the mandate. A legislator is defined by a three pronged responsibility : law making, oversight functions and one who communicates, enlighten their constituents about Government policies and communicate progress of programmes. This I shall prosecute passionately knowing our people deserve the best.
Two responsibilities have shaped my life and have served as a compass that regulate relationships. First my years as a university lecturer . The other, my appointment as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Agriculture and Women Affairs as well as Agriculture and food sufficiency Ministries. This made me to understand the problems people are faced on a daily basis and what it takes, to bring soccur. The legislature like the executive, comes to the rescue in solving or finding solution to these human challenges. By the special Grace of God, in addition to other things, i’ll target these subset:
1. Women/Youth Development:
We can change the narrative of families leaving in abject poverty with women and youth engagement in productive ventures. Our women shall be grouped to cooperatives, where they shall benefit from Grant and specific training to equip and empower them economically. Restiveness and unemployment find expression from youths who are unproductive. Assist those that are employable with useful information and opportunities. Those interested in skills, training platforms shall come to the rescue. The successful ones shall be engaged where opportunities abound,others count on our provision of start-up packs . By all means necessary, we must ensure a reversal of culture by returning our women and youth to sustainable economic ventures. The multiplying effect will be there for all to appreciate.
2. Education:
Education is a necessity. As a disciplined lecturer that taught in the University, and a lover of education, this sector would never be ignored. Having being the Staff Adviser for students for about eight years in the University, I know the problems. We shall continue and expand our existing scholarship scheme to accommodate more indigent but brilliant students. Link our graduates to existing opportunities . We will partner with relevant authority to attract more projects to our schools.
3. Multi-Sector Partnerships for Community Development:
There are fallow grounds that must be harnessed deliberately for, the empowerment of stakeholders, development of rural communities. We shall look the way of special projects, social interventions, Banks of Industry and Agriculture, whose target is empowering small and medium enterprises to benefit our people. It is this same focus that will sustain our drive as we seek improvement of infrastructures in our communities through projects. This will accommodate elders and communities. Ikono/Ini have need of more rural electrification, roads, health, schools, water, Agriculture services etc. These we shall respond to.
4. Constituency Briefings:
We do not intend to represent the people when the people are not represented and their opinions not captured. A representative democracy as ours, demand accountability. We shall present scorecards not for the next election but as a defining characteristics of a representative whose interest is the people. Rest assured such fora shall be a demonstration of my love for our people and not stories. We shall use this and others to track our work rate and design New trajectories to serving our people.
5. Agriculture /Food Sufficiency:
Ikono/Ini are popularly referred to as the foodbasket of Akwa Ibom State. It account for a number of agriculture produce required for consumption and production. We shall ensure a value chain effect in Cocoa, Rice, Palm, Cassava, and husbandry. We shall partner government and private sector in this direction. Our youths , women and men shall be encouraged to take advantage that agriculture provides for a functional economy where many will be pulled out of poverty, enjoy economic independence and contribute to building a diversified economy away from a mono oil economy.
We look forward to assisting our people access facilities, and work with relevant authorities to provide needed infrastructures to make agriculture attractive.
6. Inclusiveness and Respect to Institutions:
Everyone will be carried along. Royal fathers and mothers will be given their due respect . Persons with Disabilities will not be left out. Training Programmes will be done for them and subsequent empowerment.
7. The Supremacy of God will always be acknowledged as His Glory will reign in Ikono/Ini
Beloved constituents, I am here to represent you and be your needed voice
