IKONO COUNCIL BOSS PLAYS HOST TO IKONO PARTY STAKEHOLDERS, FAITHFUL


.....Doles out empowerment packages for constituents


It was merriment and celebration galore today in Ikono LGA as the super-performing council Chairman, Hon. Itoro Columba in his characteristic nature played host to party stakeholders and faithful at Nung Udoe, Itak.


The epoch making event organised at the behest of the Chairman held at the home of the PDP State Legal adviser, Barr. Goddy Umoh and had in attendance the member representing Ikono/Ini in the house of reps, Hon. (Obong) Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, member representing Ikono State Constituency, Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo, Council Executive, members of the Legislature, Chapter and Ward officers of the party and the generality of party faithful in the Local Government.


In his address, the Council helmsman said he thought it wise to host the party as a show of his love for his people and a reminder of his continuous loyalty and gratitude to the party for giving him and other party candidates the platform to serve and excel. He reiterated that it has been in his character to gather his people together from time to time to fete them and ensure that what accrues to them as those in government is shared with indigenes drawn from the 11 wards.


"We are not in the best of times as it relates to funding. I wish to state that autonomy hasn't begun yet. Government went to court not to challenge autonomy but the draconian NFIU guidelines associated with it and as spokesperson of ALGON, I related the position of the Association with facts. The joint account which is a creation of the law remains the only known channel through which funds meant for the third tier of government is warehoused and subsequently shared. Joint Account can only be repealed by the amendment of Section 162 of the Nigerian constitution. Until that happens, status quo remains".

"We have a little improvement on what accrues to us and that's why we have gathered here today. We have selected our subjects from across the 3 geo political zones of Ikono to be empowered today and i assure you that we will continue to do this on a more regular basis. We called you as a council to thank you for your solidarity and cooperation and I assure you that the mandate you've given us has not been wasted. I stand proud to say we have not disappointed you and we will continue to hold the flag of people-oriented leadership high.

" I will do all within my power to ensure that we have a peaceful government so we have a peaceful Ikono", he said.


The Council Chairman promised to sustain the tempo and ensure that more persons benefit from his magnanimity and benevolence. He admonished those who received cash empowerments to invest it in productive ventures and declared that going forward an empowerment scheme will be organised in collaboration with SMEDAN to train Ikono persons on carrying out feasibility studies and writing of business plans.


He intimated the gathering that training in 20 different areas of skills was in the offing as forms will be out soon. Beneficiaries, he said, will be trained and empowered to start up the businesses for which they'll be trained. Furthermore he disclosed that he had written to 16 companies and potential partners who will equip the trainees at the end of the training.

He also spoke on the upcoming training of 200 entrepreneurs in collaboration with SMEDAN to prepare them for grants and loans.

The Ikono Council helmsman added that his approach to development is different as he believes in training first and then kiting the trainees with tools to start up. He assured Ikono people that he will continually promote and sustain peace in the area as long as he remains Chairman as it is in his nature to do so.


The PDP Chapter Chairman, Chief Moses Akpan in his response lauded the Chairman for continuously identifying with the platform he rode to governance. He urged party faithful to borrow a leaf from the Chairman whom he described as a leading light among his contemporaries and a good example in faithful stewardship. "In your journey to grace, remember that your ascension was as a result of the magnanimity of the party. Bear in mind that once you forget the party, your downfall is imminent", he said


In their separate responses, The House of Reps member for Ikono/Ini federal constituency, Hon.(Obong) Emmanuel Ukpong-udo and his State Assembly counterpart, Hon.Asuquo Nana Udoh commended the Chairman for his uncommon show of love to the party and his people and promised to continually support him. They both reiterated their commitment to the creation and provision of employment opportunities for the generality of Ikono people and admonished the beneficiaries of the Chairman's cash empowerment packages to put it to effective use.


Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Chapter Chairman of the Party, Hon. Itoro Etukudoh thanked God for the success of the day and commended the Chairman for deeming it fit to give back to his people which urging him not to relent in reaching out.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of financial packages running into millions to 10 party faithful drawn from across the three geopolitical zones of the local government.