By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Stakeholders in Ibeno have urged the member representing Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Udobia Friday Udo, to make peace, unity and harmonious coexistence a major priority of his representation.
The stakeholders made the call while commenting on the commissioning and handover of a newly constructed and furnished three-classroom block at Iwuoachang Community Secondary School, Ibeno recently.
They said their appeal was rooted in the principles of “Ubuntu” and good neighbourliness, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
According to them, political representation should not be measured solely by the number of physical projects attracted to a constituency, but also by the ability of elected representatives to promote stability, unity, security and the overall wellbeing of the people.
They urged Udobia to use his position to encourage dialogue, understanding and reconciliation among communities in Esit Eket and Ibeno, particularly whenever disagreements arise.
The stakeholders said schools, roads and other infrastructure were important to development, but warned that such projects could not achieve their full potential where communities were divided by persistent conflicts.
They also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at strengthening peaceful relations and preventing disagreements from escalating.
Earlier, Udobia had commissioned and handed over the three-classroom block to the school as part of his constituency intervention.
The facility, which coincided with the commencement of the 2026/2027 academic session, comprises three classrooms, a principal’s office, staff office, storeroom and separate toilet facilities for students and teachers.
The classrooms were furnished with desks, while a water facility was also provided.
Speaking at the event, Udobia said the project was designed to address classroom shortages and improve the learning environment for students.
He appreciated the state governor, Umo Bassey Eno, and the people of Ibeno for their support, saying investment in education was in line with the education component of the administration’s ARISE Agenda.
The lawmaker urged the school authorities and the community to ensure proper maintenance of the facility.
Commissioning the project, the All Progressives Congress candidate for Eket Federal Constituency, Dr Eunice Thomas, stressed the need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to take advantage of opportunities within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
The school principal, Mr Ikpaette Asukpa Ikpaette, commended the intervention, saying the additional classrooms would help address the school’s accommodation challenges.
The Iwuoachang Village Council also expressed appreciation for the project and appealed for continued attention to the school’s outstanding needs.
The Iwuoachang Concerned Forum and Iwuoachang Students Forum presented awards to Udobia in recognition of his intervention in the school.
The event was attended by members of the State House of Assembly, representatives of the local government council, traditional rulers, community leaders, students and other stakeholders.
