By Patrick Antia
Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Barrister Etetim Onuk, has disclosed plans by the Local Government Council to initiate an Empowerment Scheme, aimed at awarding soft loans to the families of soldiers who died in combat.
This much was revealed by the council’s helmsman, at the 2018 armed forces remembrance day celebration, held at the Local Government Council grounds on Monday, January 15, 2018. He said the gallantry of the soldiers who gave their lives for the nation is commendable and must never be forgotten, adding that the relatives of the late heroes also share in the honour.
Barrister Onuk averred that due to the immeasurable pain they have to bear whenever a loved one pays the supreme price, the least the nation can offer is support and encouragement. He promised to work out modalities to engage the services of the legionaries, in the security operations; within the Local Government Council.
In his address, the Chairman, Itu Area Council of the Legion, Major Archibong Eniang (Rtd), thanked the leadership at the Akwa Ibom State Government and Itu Local Government Council, for their support and urged all to contribute towards the sustenance of the widows of fallen heroes.
Sequel to the wreath laying ceremony, the Itu Local Government Council Chairman, while addressing the congregation at the Interdenominational new year, rededication and armed forces remembrance day service, on Sunday; called on all to rededicated their lives and the community to God and always seek his divine guidance and protection, stressing that as Christians, the importance of Thanksgiving and rededication cannot be overestimated. He said with the turnout, he is convinced that the people of Itu have already keyed into the rebuilding process.
“Like I said during my inaugural speech on this ground on the 7th day of December, 2017, it is true that we are not where we ought to be yet; it is also true that the ponderous pace of development in our land was due to several unfortunate incidents in the past. I stand here to say that we have blamed ourselves enough, we have quarreled enough, we have cried enough, we have complained enough, we have fought ourselves enough. It is time to do what the Bible says in the Book of Nehemiah 2:18 that we should rise up and build our dear Local Government Area.” He said.
Onuk urged the people of Itu to remain united and continue to support government’s programmes and policies, arguing that God’s promise for Itu would only be fulfilled when the spirit of love, unity and progress is enacted.
In his remark, the Chairman, Itu Area Council, of the Nigerian Legion, Major Archibong Eniang (Rtd) said he is impressed with the turnout and thanked the Council Chairman and members of Council for their contribution. He thereafter decorated Barr. Onuk, and other eminent sons and daughters of the Local government, with the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem.
Others decorated by the Legion Chairman include, Vice Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Mrs. Emem Ekpanya, Senator Anietie Okon, Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRM Edet Akpan Inyang, Leader, Itu Legislative Council, Barr. Bassey Bassey, The Itu/Ibiono Police Area Commander, ACP Sylvester A. Edogbanya, Obonganwan Grace Ekong , Mrs. Henry Archibong and Mrs Idongesit Ituen.