By Uko Okon, Uyo.
The Ikono Local Government Chairman, Engr. Oto-oblong Essien has been honored with the prestigious “Commander of Peace” award by the United Nations (UN) International Peace and Governance Council.
Speaking from her office in the Ikono Local Government Secretariat on Wednesday, Essien expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the award to the citizens of Ikono Local Government Area.
The Council boss believed that part of the reason for her recognition was the active role she played in the United Nations activities when she was a councilor.
“I dedicate this award to the citizens of Ikono Local Government Area,” Essien said. “They have been very understanding and supportive, irrespective of the fact that I am a woman. They have supported me to succeed, and so I dedicate this award to them.”
Essien also reflected on her past involvement with the UN, which she believes played a role in her nomination. “You know, the UN has a way of doing things, and I don’t know how I was nominated, but I remember being very active in UN activities. Whenever I saw an opening, I would register to participate,” she shared.
She went on to highlight her previous appointment as the State Coordinator of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Nigeria (OPSWASH) under the UN.
“I remember when I took girls from my local government to participate in the 2024 United Nations competitions which I thought did not matter at then, but they added up to my recognition by the International Body,” she said.
In her remarks, Essien emphasized her administration’s commitment to sustaining peace in the local government through engagement with youth and women, especially in agriculture and skill acquisition.
“By way of maintaining peace in this Local Government, my administration has engaged the women, youths, and everyone in different areas.
”My administration has paid so much attention to agriculture because our priority is to feed the whole of Akwa Ibom State”.
Surprisingly, the youths in my local government have shown great interest. Some of them have even applied for and secured rented land to plant this year,” Essien noted.
Additionally, she revealed that her administration is working on enrolling the people of Ikono in skill acquisition programs to promote self-reliance. “We have also completed the motor parks to generate revenue for the local government,” she said.
The Council Chairman disclosed that her administration is mulling an initiative which will cater for the education of the handicap persons across the local government.
