By Mfonobong Ukpong
The Chairman of ITU Local Government, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, has reiterated his commitment to the development of ITU Local Government area inline with the Green agenda of government and the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
Presenting his scorecard, Monday at the council Secretariat during a media interaction to mark his first 100 days in office, Mr. Nkutt who highlighted his development efforts in infrastructure, strategic road intervention, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and others, assured the people of ITU of good governance by ensuring even spread of development across the eleven wards in ITU.
In the area of healthcare, Hon. Nkutt explained that his administration prioritizes the health and well-being of his people with several impactful interventions, including the restoration of Water Supply to the Primary Health Centre in Mbak Atai, noting that the move is aimed at improving sanitary conditions for both patients and staff. He also announced that in the past 100 days, he has supported healthcare by funding different kinds of medical related issues. He specifically mentioned a case of a 4-year old child with hydrocele and hernia ailment who underwent a successful operation which has brought hope and relief to the boy and his family.
Still in the area of Healthcare, the ITU Council boss also disclosed that his administration is operating a retainership arrangement with a medical facility in Uyo and in Itu to continue to assist residents with medical bills and healthcare needs.
“Equally, my wife, Mrs. Idongesit Nkutt, has been deeply involved in supporting our healthcare system. She has made significant contributions to families including rewarding the family of the first baby born in the New Year 2025 at Primary Health Centre in West Itam. She also facilitated an 8-week mentorship programme for five newly graduated nurses. This programme is aimed at enhancing self-discovery, character development, career pathway plotting and the general business of nursing practices”.
Highlighting his achievement in the education sector, Hon. Nkutt remarked that education remains a top priority in his administration, disclosing that his Wife has undertaken some interventions in the education sector.
“For instance, my wife has already provided school uniforms, sandals, and writing materials to several primary and secondary schools in Itu. She is actively reaching out to identify additional schools and pupils in need, ensuring that more children have the necessary tools to succeed in their education”.
On strategic road intervention, the Council under his watch has intervened at the failed section of Enen Atai-ikot Akpan axis of the Calabar-Itu highway, pending when the Federal government would undertake a major reconstruction work.
He mentioned that the ongoing remodeling of the Council Secretariat’s perimeter fence is aimed at enhancing security and aesthetic value, as well as making the premises safer and more welcoming.
Within the period under review, a Solar Powered Lights has been installed at the council Secretariat to aid security. In his words; “We have installed a modern, cost effective and low maintenance solar powered lighting within the council premises to aid security and beautify the secretariat complex”.
Other projects undertaken by the Ubong Nkutt administration within hundred days in office include, the renovation of the Legislative Offices, grading of internal roads across the Eleven wards in the local government.
“We have embarked on the grading of internal roads across all 11 wards of Itu, improving accessibility and fostering development in our rural communities. We have ensured that each ward has at least one road measuring not less than 500 metres. Some wards have two or more based on needs assessment”.
In the area of youth empowerment, the Chairman said his administration is committed to empowering the youths of Itu to become self-reliant and contribute positively to the society. He said his government has initiated the sponsorship of 11 youths (one from each ward) for training in the operation of heavy-duty equipments. He further disclosed that the training is to commence on Monday next week at the HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT ACADEMY TRAINEES (MPCSL), an affiliate of Earthmoving Equipment Double Axle Truck Owners/Operators Association (EMEDATOA) in Uyo.
He explained that the training is intended to equip the beneficiaries with valuable skills that would secure them employment in the construction and engineering sector.
Sports development has also received attention in the past 100 days in ITU. Hon. Nkutt said his administration has facilitated international recognition for some talented football stars of ITU origin.
In his words; “ At the just concluded West Itam Football Association Tournament, we facilitated some international recognized football talent hunters all the way from Norway to participate in the finals of the competition. Already two of the footballers were singled out and as we speak, they are in discussion with those boys on the possibility of signing them out”.
