By Solomon OKPO
The Eket Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) of EMOIMEE received a resounding vote of confidence on Monday, November 17, 2025, as critical stakeholders rose from the Trust’s fourth quarterly meeting with praise for its performance since inception in 2022. The meeting, held at the Atan Palace of the Eket monarch, brought together clan heads, village authorities, political leaders, and community influencers who jointly affirmed that allegations of mismanagement were unfounded.
Retired Air Commodore Charles Usoh opened the session with a comprehensive scorecard of the Trust’s activities over the past three years. Using detailed slides, he highlighted the number of completed and ongoing projects, debunking rumours that funds meant for community development had been diverted.
His presentation, widely applauded by participants, addressed concerns raised in a recent petition by some aggrieved groups. Stakeholders described the petition as “baseless and frivolous,” noting that every issue raised was dissected and resolved during the meeting. Many agreed that the allegations amounted to “making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Outgoing Board Chairman, Archbishop Senator Helen Esuene, also addressed speculation surrounding her resignation. Contrary to rumours of internal rot or mismanagement, Esuene explained that her decision was driven purely by personal commitments.
According to her, “I have run a single-parent family for more than three decades, and it is now taking a toll on me. I am also fully engaged in ministry work, which is time consuming. These obligations compelled me to step aside, just as I did when I exited politics after reaching its zenith.”
Esuene, a former First Lady of the defunct South Eastern State and one-time federal minister, lauded EMOIMEE HCDT for emerging as one of the best among the 156 Trusts nationwide. She assured stakeholders that the institution is now strong enough to operate without the “teething problems” of its early years, and announced that her successor would assume duties soon. She urged stakeholders to embrace constructive criticism while acknowledging and supporting good leadership.
President of the Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, commended the Trust’s commitment to transparency and accountability, but cautioned against the spread of falsehoods capable of tarnishing the image of dedicated community leaders.
Similarly, elder statesman Rt. Hon. Nduese Essien advised the Trust to prioritize projects that directly respond to community needs rather than embarking on ventures that may yield little value.
The Executive Chairman of Eket LGA, Rt. Hon. Akaninyene Tommey, praised the Trust for its “spectacular performance” and tangible contributions to community development. In the same vein, Deputy Leader of the House and Member representing Eket State Constituency, Hon. Dr. Nsidibe Akata, emphasized the importance of regular stakeholder briefings to discourage misinformation and rumour-mongering.
Other speakers offered guidance and constructive suggestions, all geared toward strengthening unity and enhancing the Trust’s performance.
The meeting was attended by the leadership of the Trust, Mr. Nsudoh Nsudoh, Barr. Fan Gabriel, and Air Commodore Charles Usoh (rtd), alongside the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Edidem E.C.D. Abia, and his wife, Akwa Obongawan Mandu C. Abia.
The gathering closed with a renewed sense of cohesion and optimism, signaling a united front for ongoing development efforts across Eket communities.
