Governor Eno Credits LG Autonomy For Rural Growth, Honours Outstanding NYSC Member
Governor Says Local Government Autonomy Is Driving Grassroots Development
AKWA Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting financial autonomy to local governments, saying the policy has strengthened grassroots governance by increasing funding for rural infrastructure and improving the quality of life in local communities.
The governor made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), led by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Akuagbaogu, alongside an outstanding corps member, Odinakachi Kelechi, whose Community Development Service (CDS) projects earned him the NYSC State Honours Award.
Calls on Council Chairmen to Maximise Increased Resources
Governor Eno said the autonomy granted to local government councils has provided them with greater financial capacity to undertake development projects and urged the chairmen of Akwa Ibom’s 31 local government areas to channel available resources into improving rural infrastructure.
He encouraged the council chairmen to work closely with the state government to accelerate development, noting that collaboration would produce greater benefits for residents across the state.
According to him, while the local government chairmen have continued to make meaningful contributions in their respective councils, stronger partnerships with the state government would further enhance the delivery of quality infrastructure and public services.
State Offers Support for School Renovation
The governor commended corps member Odinakachi Kelechi for demonstrating exceptional leadership through his community service efforts, particularly the renovation of a classroom at his place of primary assignment in Okobo Local Government Area.
Impressed by the initiative, Eno directed the Chairman of Okobo Local Government Area, Hon. George Henshaw, to commence the process for the complete renovation of the school, assuring that the state government would provide the necessary support.
He also highlighted his administration’s investments in model schools and primary healthcare centres, describing them as templates that local government councils could adopt through productive collaboration with the state government.
Governor Reaffirms Support for NYSC
Governor Eno congratulated Kelechi on receiving the NYSC State Honours Award and his nomination for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Presidential Honours Award, describing his achievements as an inspiration to young Nigerians.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NYSC, particularly through continuous improvements to the orientation camp and the welfare of corps members serving in Akwa Ibom State.
Earlier, NYSC State Coordinator Mrs. Ngozi Akuagbaogu thanked the governor for his consistent support, especially the increase in the monthly state allowance for corps members from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, noting that the policy had significantly improved their welfare and morale.
She listed Kelechi’s contributions to include the renovation of a classroom, donation of ten three-seater desks, anti-cultism sensitisation campaigns and free extra-mural lessons for students preparing for external examinations.
The visit culminated in the presentation of the NYSC State Honours Award certificate to the distinguished corps member in the presence of senior government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakeneyi, members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries.
