Egbona Hails Army Over Civic Centre Project At Nko, Makes Promises
The member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Alex Egbona, on Wednesday commended the Nigerian Army for constructing a civic centre in Nko, Cross River State, in honour of Major General Frank Etim, a serving officer from the community.
According to the Nigeria military, such projects are undertaken in communities where their sons and daughters have attained the rank of Major General and are still serving the country.
An excited Egbona who was at the event as a special guest, said the decision of the military authorities to site the civic centre as well as other projects in a part of his constituency was commendable and ought to be supported.
He pledged to finance the maintenance of the Nko Unity Square in Nko and also provide 20 solar street lights to keep the place illuminated at night. He also promised the provision of a solar powered borehole for the centre under next year’s budget.
He said: “As the representative of Nko people in the House of Representatives, I wish to express our appreciation to the military high command for this wonderful gesture. It goes to show that we have a military that is not just interested in the sustenance of peace through the gun, but also in the strategic people-oriented development projects that will unite the people and foster unity in all ramifications.
“This new pavilion, as well as the community halls will, no doubt, promote peace, leisure, sports, tourism and the prosperity of Nko people. I see this initiative as a major support to the programmes and projects that I have attracted to this community so far.
“With cooperations like this, it means that the Renewed Hope agenda of the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the People’s First mantra of our state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is getting a serious boost, all for the sake of our people.
“I can only encourage other stakeholders in the Nigerian development project to catch this vision and also support in their own way, to ensure that all communities in this constituency and beyond experience development.
“I encourage you, the Nko people, to ensure proper use, management and maintenance of these facilities as an indication that you truly appreciate this gesture and have taken full ownership of same.”
The pavilion was inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede who was represented by Maj. Gen Hilary Nzan.
The commissioning event had in attendance some serving and retired military top brass including the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas Rtd., who was represented by Rear Admiral Obono Ekwe Rtd.
Others were Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Emekah, General Officer Commanding the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. M.O. Ibrahim, Commander 13th Brigade, Nigeria Army, Brig. Gen. Ebri Ukagu, rtd.
Also in attendance was Mr Yibala Inyang, Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Kingsley Agbor, Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area, Cyril Omini and Rev. Mercy Akpama, both members representing Yakurr 1 and Yakurr 2 in the Cross River State House of Assembly as well as the members of the Nigeria Legion, Yakurr chapter.
