By Michael Effiong

I do not know Callistus  Uko personally but my attention was recently drawn to an article he wrote rubbishing and diminishing the water scheme recently commissioned by Governor Umo Eno, Phd in Ogu-Itu Mbunoso in Ini LGA.

One was aghast at the sheer lack of knowledge exhibited by the writer and the hatred in his heart. How can someone be an enemy of such an impactful project?

In the estimation of the Ukos of this world, the project is what any LG could have executed and then of course, our Governor is a “big” man who should not be wasting his executive time with such “small” people or commission such a project.

Well, I beg to disagree. If he had paid some attention to the activities of the Umo Eno-led administration and even read his speeches, he would have realized that acting in the manner he described above, was totally out of character and perhaps he would not have written his diatribe.

He would have realized that the R in the government’s ARISE Agenda stands for Rural Development which this project falls into and would have even know the significance of Governor Eno’s physical presence and the message that sends to that community and the rest of the state.

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Late Afrobeat king, Fela Anikulapo in one of his most popular compositions, titled “water “ sang: “ If you wan go wash, na water you go use, If want cook soup, na water you go use, if your head dey hot, na water you use…”

In praising the importance of water and its various uses, Fela surmised that “There is nothing you can do without water” and then ended with the chorus ” Water, him No Get enemy.” But it seemed my brother,  Uko has not encountered this great song, because if he had, he would not declare war against the provision of water.

Governor Umo Eno drinking water directly from the water scheme to show it is safe

After meandering through a lot of hogwash,  Uko devotes an inordinate amount of space pontificating on what the governor’s vision and focus should be, desperately trying to defend the premise of his article.

Uko stated that this was not “ a high-impact” project”, advising that the Governor should rather  “prioritize initiatives that will leave lasting legacy”

Dr Elisha Attai displaying the former and current water in bottles

I could not but laugh out loud as I remember a Yoruba proverb, “E nu dun ro fo”, which literally translates to “it is easy to cook a wonderful vegetable soup with your mouth” or using a more relatable example, the best footballers are those on the couch watching the match from their television.

Why have I described Uko’s sense of reasoning in such lowly terms? I was personally in Ogu on the day the project was commissioned and tears flowed from the corner of my eyes especially when my friend, brother and fellow Rotarian, Dr. Elisha Attai mounted the stage to speak.

Dr. Elisha described the excruciating pain his people have been suffering for many decades with lack of potable water. He revealed that it was difficult to find water in the area and when they do, what they find and have been drinking was yellowish, which led to so many diseases.

Beaming with so much joy, Dr. Elisha who spoke on behalf of the Ogu Leadership Forum declared that this project was Godsend.  He went on to show samples of the water they were drinking before and the crystal clear water they have now been provided by the government.

But let’s get real: This was not a mere borehole project, it is a water plant and it took a very dogged Governor to deliver it. It was revealed that before completion, the Governor had to change contractors until he got one that could achieve his aim-which was to make good water flow in Ogu.

Uko and his likes have to name any LG in Nigeria that has the resources to embark on and complete this kind of project. Maybe he is one of those who thinks that LG autonomy equates unlimited funds.

In case he does not know, the water plant comes with a borehole of 660 feet dug with a fully mechanized rotary rig! What this means is that to find water, the contractor had to dig the length of a 55-storey building or just imagine digging the distance of a 220-metre race under your feet!

In addition, it has a water treatment plant which is 100% chemical free and derived from naturally-existing minerals. The plant has the following capabilities: 99 % particle reduction, iron removal, Ph correction, eliminating growth of bacteria and foul odour.

Furthermore, water from the plant is reticulated. That is, the water is automatically distributed from Denmark-made  Grundfos solar pump to at least six locations within 6 communities including the community clinic.

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Though they had been enjoying the benefits of this project since its completion months back, the joy on the faces of the people on that day was not only infectious but indescribable. For them this was certainly, a high impact project, even if it means nothing to Uko and his likes.

Indeed, What Uko has done with his drivel is to stoke the ire of Ogu people by questioning the presence of the Governor on one of their greatest days on earth as described by an elderly traditional ruler.

Imagine if the Governor was not there, that local government would not have benefitted from an additional road, two of their indigenes would not get automatic employment as personal aides to oversee the maintenance of the project, the General Hospital and the Ogu Community Hall, may not have received such immediate attention.

Finally, Governor Eno has gradually been painting a picture of what he envisions as his legacy. He says, he wants to make an impact in the hearts and minds of people by delivering life-touching projects. No doubt, it is through projects like this, located in the most rural of communities, that he is building his own lasting legacy- and from all indications, the people are loving it.

Ogu Project: Water No Get Enemy Except Callistus Uko

Michael Effiong,  Senior Special Assistant to Governo Umo Eno writes from Lagos

Etim Etim provides insights into an emerging political alliance between Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, setting the stage for Akwa Ibom’s 2027 elections.

The alliance gained traction following the recent local government election in Essien Udim LGA, where Governor Eno’s PDP allowed the APC to win in Akpabio’s stronghold, marking a rare display of inter-party cooperation.

This alliance signals a calculated political strategy, where Eno’s respect and cooperation with Akpabio may influence future election outcomes and reinforce stability in the state.

Additionally, Governor Eno’s amendment of the State TRC law to accommodate Akpabio’s preferences further solidifies their partnership.

As political analysts speculate on potential reciprocation from Akpabio, Etim suggests that this alliance could reshape aspirations within both PDP and APC, impacting the ambitions of those eyeing governorship and senatorial positions in 2027.

-By Michael Effiong

-By Michael Effiong

In the last few days, I have been inundated by a barrage of questions “Why is your Governor investing in Lagos?

What is the rationale behind a project like this in Lagos State instead of Akwa Ibom where it will create jobs and empower the local contractors? Why now when people are hungry?

It has been questions galore all referring to the decision of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to develop a real estate facility in Lagos dubbed “Ibom Towers”

As a trained journalist of over 30 years, I know that today’s media space is filled with misinformation, disinformation and outright lies which are then elevated to trending public discourse by various people for motives that are often not altruistic.

Even a group of Akwa Ibom indigenes decided to host an X (Twitter) Space on the issue. I was on that platform for over two and half hours but it was obvious that none of the speakers had taken time to conduct any research on the said project.

That was when I became very alarmed because the basic foundation for contributing to any intellectual discourse is research, I could not believe that the speakers could not just investigate the matter properly, have a full grasp of the issues before coming to the public forum to not only express their anger against the project but were even contemplating street protest!. They more or less confirmed what I used to consider a myth, that we hardly read as black people.

Anyway, I did not take the hullabaloo seriously until a very well respected senior colleague of mine called in the dead of the night. I was in a state of panic when I picked the call, thinking something major has happened to him or his close ones until he brought up the issue of the Ibom Towers.

I could not believe my ears, I begged for a few seconds to change my position and then went on to lay out the facts of this matter.

I explained that the project was not a bolt from the blue. In fact ,on May 29, 2024 when the Governor delivered his first anniversary speech, he gave a hint about the project.

According to the Governor while laying out his plans for the next 365 days “Government will be active in the commercial property market in both Lagos and Abuja respectively by converting our existing strategic facilities in those cities into commercial use for the benefit of our people. These planned investments in infrastructure will bring huge returns to our State and signpost our determination to play big in the thriving real estate business in those two major cities”

His next words where “You mean he had mentioned his plans in his speech?

I replied “Yes sir, I am quoting the speech verbatim? He then said ‘Even at that, why would your governor leave your state and go all the way to Lagos to buy land and build an 19-storey Towers?

I replied, “ Sir, I hope you are not sleepy because it is a long a story? He responded “You know how I dey carry Akwa Ibom matter for head, give me the full story, I am all ears”.

I then began my defence “ In the first place, the Governor has not come to Lagos to buy any land. The truth is that the 19- storey development dubbed “Ibom Towers” is a child of necessity and an intentional investment. We have a landed property in a very prime location, Victoria Island to be exact. That property used to be our Governor’s Lodge, it is now referred to as the Old Governor’s Lodge. It is a dilapidated structure that has not yielded any single kobo to the state.

“I am not a real estate expert, but as a layman, I would say that the Governor had four options. First, leave the property in its current state and just keep it in the books as a thing of pride, second, outright sale of the property, third, put the property up for lease and fourth, develop the property.

‘The Governor decided to be audacious, instead of doing the ordinary, he chose the tougher but more rewarding fourth option with the decision to add value to that landed property and develop it into a picturesque facility called “Ibom Towers”, this option would ensure that the state still retains the property as well as guarantee return on investment and the funds would be ploughed into critical infrastructure back home in Akwa Ibom in furtherance of his ARISE Agenda.

“Now this Ibom Towers is a development that will feature 30 meticulously designed apartments: Spacious one bedroom units, elegant two-bedroom units and lavish three bedroom units. That is not all, there will be an opulent 4-bedroom duplex penthouse that would have breathtaking views of the Lagos skyline.”

“The contractors handling this development have been given a very strict timeline because the Governor wants to make returns on this investment in good time. I have asked those opposing this development their best option for the use of that prime property. They all usually side step the issue and come up with extraneous matters. But I would not ask you the same sir.

I then continued “ Interestingly, the Ibom Towers is part of the Governor’s overall Housing plan that covers all segments of the property market: Low, middle and high income earners.

“For example, a few weeks ago in Uyo, the Governor laid the foundation of the Ewet Luxury Gardens Estate. It is a high-end, commercial residential estate development. It will consist 32 units of 5-bedroom ensuite fully detached duplexes, 3 living rooms, 3 maid quarters, study/living room, fully fitted kitchen, laundry room and green area. It will be a gated estate with such shared facilities as tennis court, gym, swimming pool facilities etc.

“It was at that Ewet Luxury Estate ground breaking that the Governor spoke about the Ibom Towers. That Estate like the one in Lagos, is aimed at making money for the state. The same template has been adopted for the Dakkada Luxury Estate that was begun by the last administration. So, while he is thinking about making use of the property in Lagos, he is also doing the same at home.

“ I must add, sir, that the Governor has not been oblivious to the need for affordable housing and even shelter for the poorest of the poor.

“The administration in its first year completed the 236-Units Grace Estate and the Governor has approved that 264 more units be constructed. He has also approved that 150 units in the Estate should be exclusively allocated to civil servants from Grade levels 1-8. The allocation will be via a draw which can be entered only once with N50,000. The houses will be given out free of charge.

“Then of course, the Governor has been making waves with his ARISE Compassionate Homes Initiative. This is a unique programme where rural dwellers with very terrible abode are given brand new 2-bedroom fully furnished homes complete with external kitchen, 24-hour solar power and water system free of charge. 200 units of the homes are currently being built. Some have already been completed and handed over to very elated beneficiaries. His target is to deliver 400 Units before the end of his first term

My colleague shouted “Really. That is so impressive ?” Knowing full well that I have caught his attention, I quickly added “ The Governor has done a lot in rural development, healthcare, entrepreneurship…

He cut me off immediately “That is okay, that is okay do not bother, so what is all the fuss about?

My response was “Sir, we would keep educating them to make them see reason, but as you know, one cannot always please the world”. I then reminded him of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey’s famous song “The Horse, The Man and His Son popularly known as Ketekete

“You are so right, you cannot please everyone all the time. Everything is clear to me now. I think he should ignore them and continue his good work. Sorry that I disturbed your sleep,? were his next words.

I responded thus: “I am always at your service sir, we will keep discussing the issues. One thing I know is that our Governor is a private sector- driven technocrat, he would be the last person to take an investment that will benefit his people to any other state. Thank you for calling me to clarify issues, thank you for your patience and love always sir” And I hung up!