…visit NUJ Chairman, present award of recognition
Worried by what they described as constant marginalization of their villages, Members of the Three Core Communities of Eket Local Government Area, comprising Esit Urua, Ebana and Edeobok, villages have taken their plights to the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, calling on the Governments at all levels to urgently intervene in addressing infrastructural challenges affecting their communities, particularly the Eket-Ibeno Road, which they described as “a death trap.”
The group made the appeal on Wednesday, October 8 2025 during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo.
President of the group, Mr. Nsemeke Etukakpan, who led the delegation, said the three communities came together due to the marginalization of their communities. They maintained that their continuous marginalization has the tendency of creating far reaching consequences that will do nobody no good.
“We are happy to be with you and to have your audience and we congratulate you on your victory and subsequent swearing-in to office.
This group comprises Esit Urua, Ebana and Edeobuk villages. We’ve agreed to unite as one indivisible unit,” Etukakpan said.
He explained that the group had earlier met with prominent stakeholders including Barr. Assam Assam, SAN, the Director-General of Government Business, who appointed him as Personal Assistant on Security; the Paramount Ruler of Eket, HRM E.C.D. Abia; and the Eket Area Police Command amongst orhers.
On the state of infrastructure, Etukakpan lamented that the Eket-Ibeno Road, though commissioned by the previous government remained incomplete and had claimed several lives.
“It’s sad to say the Eket-Ibeno road was commissioned but not completed. It’s very dangerous, especially at night. Without good roads, businesses won’t thrive,” he decried.
Addressing community specific issues, the President commended Hon. Frank Archibong for the provision of a reticulated water system to Esit Urua community.
He said that Esit Urua needs a processing plant for its large palm fruits plantation, renovation of its abandoned health centre, and perimeter fencing for its schools.
He disclosed that the Vice president of the group had earlier donated chairs and tables to the health centre to ease operations.
For Ebana, he appealed for a 500KVA transformer, internal roads, and solar-powered street lights to boost business activities.
“The Ilaje people, mostly fishermen, reside in Ebana. If we have tarred roads, solar light, and power, it’ll improve their business and the community’s economy,” he added.
In Edeobok, Etukakpan commended a federal lawmaker, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh for facilitating the provision of a 500KVA transformer but appealed for more government intervention, especially in rehabilitating the community’s primary school which, he said, lacks water, toilets, a fence, and staff quarters.
He also urged government and oil companies to train and employ youths from the three communities in the oil and gas sector.
While commending Governor Umo Eno for his developmental strides within two years, Etukakpan expressed optimism that the administration would address the lingering challenges faced by the communities.
Responding, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, assured the group of the Union’s commitment to telling their concerns to the appropriate quarters.
“It’s my pleasure to reunite with my brothers. As a union, our duty is to draw the government’s attention to areas of need. We’ve done it for others, and we’ll definitely do the same for our people,” he said.
John after listening to the visiting team said, I am in sympathy with your concerns of years of neglect after oil exploration, but expressed hope that the narrative would soon change.
“As NUJ, we’ll find a path to air your concerns before relevant authorities.
He further encouraged the group to consult widely and engage key stakeholders representing Eket at both state and national levels.
The visit ended with the presentation of an award of recognition to the NUJ chairman by the Three Core Communities.
