Flood Alert: Gov Eno backs UCCDA to demolish structures on waterways
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has given full backing to the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) to demolish all illegal structures obstructing natural waterways.
The Governor provided this support while addressing a cross-section of government officials and other leaders during the June edition of the government house monthly prayer service, held at the Latter House Chapel, Government House Uyo.
Governor Eno noted that Akwa Ibom has been listed as one of the flood-prone states in this year’s predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), hence the need for proactive measures to avert any flooding disaster.
It would be recalled that NiMET had listed 148 LGAs in 31 states, including Akwa Ibom, as being at risk of severe flooding from April to November 2024.
He emphasized that rather than allowing a few buildings to cause flooding that could submerge an entire community or area, the government will not hesitate to pull down structures built illegally on waterways.
He therefore directed the leadership of UCCDA to proceed with the demolition of such buildings in the state capital to avoid any flooding incidents in the state.
Speaking on the “One Project Per Local Government” initiative, Governor Eno appealed to stakeholders to show leadership and be more interested in development plans in their various areas as the initiative enters the second phase across the thirty-one Local Government Areas.
Governor Eno noted that while his government is committed to doing more in the state, stakeholders must be more involved, especially in ensuring that the projects are executed for the overall interest of the people.
Beyond infrastructure development, Governor Eno said the idea behind the One Project Per Local Government initiative was to create jobs and empower the youth, expressing the belief that the youth assigned to the contracts should engage other youths in the course of executing the project, thereby expanding the scope of youth development and empowerment.
He maintained that while the government has given free hand to the benefiting areas to choose projects and locations, the stakeholders should equally ensure unity of purpose, collaboration, and spread across different wards and units.
Commenting on the theme of the prayer service, “From Glory To Glory,” drawn from 2 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 18, Governor Umo Eno agreed that despite the enormous challenges, more work still needed to be done if the state is to move to another level of glory after the first anniversary celebrations.
On the Father’s Day celebration coming up tomorrow, Governor Eno went ahead to celebrate fathers for providing leadership, first in their families and by extension providing stability in the larger society, and prayed for more grace upon the fathers in carrying out their unique roles.
The service had the Chairman of the Conference of Qua Iboe Church, Reverend Ekpedeme Efanga, deliver a sermon on the theme “From Glory To Glory,” as intercessory prayers were also offered for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state..
