By Solomon OKPO and Bassey Eduno
EKET, Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, has intensified his constituency development efforts with fresh interventions in education, healthcare, and power infrastructure across Eket and its environs.
The lawmaker on Saturday undertook an inspection tour of ongoing and proposed projects, including the construction of staff quarters and the rollout of a digital literacy programme at Girls’ High School, Ikot Ibiok, Eket.
During the visit, which was unannounced, Senator Sampson reiterated the strategic importance of the school, describing it as a critical institution, reportedly the only girls’ secondary school within Eket Federal Constituency.
He disclosed that, in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), he facilitated the school’s inclusion in a Federal Government-backed smart education and digital literacy initiative, which has already received approval.
He further revealed plans to commence the construction of staff quarters within the year, alongside the provision of perimeter fencing and installation of streetlights to enhance security for both students and staff.
“The goal is to equip our students with relevant digital skills for the 21st century, while also ensuring teachers operate in a safe and conducive environment that supports productivity,” Sampson stated.
At Immanuel Hospital, Eket, the senator inspected newly constructed Doctors’ Call Rooms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery. A similar facility has also been completed at the General Hospital in Ikot Abasi.
In the power sector, Senator Sampson announced plans for a major reactivation of electricity infrastructure in Ikot Ataku and surrounding communities within the year. This follows earlier interventions, including the installation of a 500KVA transformer in Okon Clan, Eket, which restored electricity to several areas.
The senator’s education interventions extend beyond Eket. He has facilitated the construction of ICT/CBT centres at Excellence College, Ikot Unya in Mkpat Enin; St. Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, Eket; and St. Vincent Secondary School, Oti-Oro, Okobo.
In December last year, he also disbursed an education grant of ₦100 million to 500 students and selected teachers across the senatorial district.
Earlier in the day, Senator Sampson paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akaniyene Tommey, where he briefed him on ongoing and planned projects within the council area.
Senator Sampson, who chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, continues to maintain a broad spread of constituency projects across the 12 local government areas of Akwa Ibom South, with a focus on education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.
