– Chisom Okoro
In alignment with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Ikono Local Government Area has made notable progress in several key projects aimed at improving infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing the local economy.
The Chairman of Ikono LGA, Engr. Oto-Obong Essien, stated this, when she led the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, across her projects sites in the area.
They included the ARISE Model Farm, located behind the council secretariat, the ultra modern ARISE Local Government Council Administrative Block and auditorium, and a well-equipped ICT Center aimed at aiding the development and digital empowerment of the people.
One of the projects completed is the Ikono Biogas Toilet, and the Ikono motor park project.
Explaining the concept of the Ikono Biogas Toilet, she said the facility is designed to convert human waste into cooking gas for community use.
“The biogas toilet is part of our drive to generate wealth from waste while ensuring proper sanitation for the market and commuters,” Hon. Essien noted.
The facility, located beside the newly completed motor park, will serve the bustling daily market and traveling public, with waste converted to methane for clean cooking energy.
At the Ikono ARISE Model Farm, she revealed that over 10,000 yam stands and 10,000 oil palm seedlings have been cultivated.
The farm, in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, is expected to boost agricultural productivity, create economic opportunities, and aim to eliminate hunger across the state.
Further showcasing infrastructural development, the Ikono Local Government Council Administrative Block is undergoing major construction.
The restored building, named the ARISE Ikono Council Hall, will provide a more conducive working environment for over 400 staff members and host meetings with a 600-person capacity hall.
According to Hon. Oto-Obong Essien, this restoration addresses years of inadequate working space.
Hon. Oto-obong Essien emphasized that the nearly completed Ikono Motor Park, now at 95% completion, will ease business activities and improve traffic management. “This park is a key part of the infrastructural goals under the ARISE Agenda. It will create an organized hub for transport and commerce, while also generating revenue for the local government,” she stated
These projects reflect the vision of the ARISE Agenda and the commitment of Ikono’s leadership to grassroots development.
