02/04/2025
OKOBO: COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, ENGR GEORGE HENSHAW HOSTS PDP STAKEHOLDERS
~Calls for concerted effort in development of the area
~As Stakeholders mobilizes for Governor Umo Eno's Town Hall Meeting in Oro
In a strategic move to galvanize support and foster unity among party faithfuls, the Executive Chairman of Okobo Local Government, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) George Henshaw, hosted a strategic stakeholders' meeting of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.
The meeting, convened by the Chapter Chairman of the PDP in Okobo LGA, Pastor Asuquo Nduonyi, at the behest of the Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Engr.) George Henshaw, aimed to thank party stakeholders for the valuable support and also brief party members on the upcoming visit of Governor Umo Eno to Oron Federal Constituency.
The meeting, which took place at the council secretariat in Okopedi, brought together major stakeholders from various PDP structures. In his remarks, Chairman Henshaw emphasized the need for collective effort in achieving Okobo's development goals.
He highlighted his administration's achievements within a few months in office, including the completion of a 14-office legislative block with a chamber and committee rooms, construction of solar-powered boreholes, grading of rural feeder roads, and appointment of 154 officials to serve in the local government council. "We have achieved a lot within a short period, but we still have a lot to do," he noted.
Building on this momentum, the chairman also outlined plans for future projects, such as the construction of a Sports Stadium, Health Facilities, and a computer-based center. He expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno and the PDP stakeholders for their support.
As the meeting progressed, the Executive Chairman revealed that another purpose of the gathering was to pass a message from His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, to the people of Okobo Local Government. He maintained that the governor has initiated a Town Hall Meeting, which has already taken place in Abak Federal Constituency.
In light of this development, the council boss announced that the next meeting is scheduled to take place in Oron Federal Constituency, which includes Okobo LGA, on Saturday, April 5th, 2025. He called on all party stakeholders to mobilize and prepare to receive Governor Umo Eno.
Earlier, Pastor Asuquo Nduonyi, the Chapter Chairman of the PDP in Okobo, emphasized the importance of collaboration and development in the local government area during his opening remarks. He expressed gratitude to key leaders, including the executive chairman, commissioner, and State House of Assembly member, for their exceptional leadership and dedication to Okobo's development .
The Honourable Commissioner for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, PhD, delivered a goodwill message, emphasizing the importance of unity among party members. "It has taken a very long time since the history of the party in Okobo for the stakeholders to meet like this... Let's build this bond of unity, let the party come back together as it used to be so that we can enjoy the dividends of the party," he said.
In a similar vein, Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey, the member representing Okobo State Constituency, reiterated his commitment to the welfare and development of Okobo. He assured the gathering that he would continue to advocate for the needs and interests of Okobo people.
Chief Barrister Ekpenyong Ntekim, the Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State, also delivered a goodwill message. He assured the party of the cooperation and support of the elders and stakeholders, stating, "We will cooperate with you and do all that's necessary and expedient for us to have a good outing."
The Leader of the Okobo Local Government Legislative Council, Rt. Hon. Essien Ntekim, reaffirmed the Legislature's commitment to collaborating with the Executive arm.
Ulap Eteka Ukpong, Dean of the College of Supervisors and Special Advisers, reassured of the group's unwavering commitment to the party and the local government. Ukpong reiterated the group's pledge to collaborate with key stakeholders, fostering a spirit of cooperation and inclusivity to drive progress in Okobo.
As the meeting drew to a close, the stakeholders pledged to work together to achieve the party's goals and promote Okobo's development. The meeting served as a shining example of the party's unwavering dedication to unity, cooperation, and the relentless pursuit of progress and prosperity for Okobo.
Prominent stakeholders who attended the meeting included Rt. Hon. Barrister Peter Umoh, Emeritus Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, former Chairman of Okobo LGA, Hon. Dr. Sylvester Attah, State Officer of the PDP and Publicity Secretary of the PDP Akwa Ibom State, Engr. Edwin Ebiese, and other prominent stakeholders of the People's Democratic Party in Okobo.
Other stakeholders, including Rt. Hon. Deacon Asuquo Koffi, Emeritus Vice Chairman of Okobo LGA; Pastor Etim Ibok, Secretary of Okobo LGA; Elder Honourable Ben Oyombio, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of Okobo; Mr. Nse Oluhu, Supervisor for Youth Development, Sports, and Internal Security; Ulap Eteka Ukpong, Dean, College of Supervisors and former Chairman of the People's Democratic Party; Comrade Emmanuel Anso, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Okobo Chapter, and other prominent stakeholders of the People's Democratic Party in Okobo.
The successful stakeholders' meeting marks a significant milestone in the party's journey towards unity, progress, and inclusive governance.
(c) *Media and Public Affairs*
Okobo LGC, Akwa Ibom State
April 2, 2025