The Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Ime Effiong Charles, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, hosted a Stakeholders’ Engagement to mark her one year in office, during which she presented a detailed scorecard of her administration’s achievements across key sectors.
The event, held at Skytop Hotel, Ediene Abak, brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, clerics, and representatives from all five clans of the area. It began with prayers and words of exhortation by Rev. Idongesit Inyang, Area Superintendent, Qua Iboe Church Abak Field, who committed the administration to God’s guidance for greater accomplishments ahead.
In her address, Hon. Charles described her first year in office as “a journey of service, reflection, and renewed commitment,” anchored on the B.E.S.T Agenda – Building Infrastructure, Empowerment, Security, and Transparency – in alignment with Governor Umo Eno’s A.R.I.S.E Agenda.
She said her administration had worked to redefine local governance through people-centered and transparent leadership, ensuring that development reached every community in the area.
“Our vision was to make governance in Abak people-driven and impactful. One year after, that vision has taken root, and the results speak for themselves,” she stated.
Highlighting her administration’s achievements, the council boss listed several completed and ongoing projects, including:
• Construction and commissioning of a fully equipped Health Centre at Ikot Antuk, Midim Clan.
• Construction of a modern public toilet facility and a solar-powered borehole at Abak Main Market.
• Remodeling and furnishing of offices for the Traditional Rulers’ Council, NULGE, Agriculture Department, and council stores.
• Grading of rural feeder roads across all 12 wards to boost local trade.
• Distribution of educational materials to pupils across the five clans.
• Engagement and payment of stipends to 85 women for daily street cleaning and waste evacuation.
• Empowerment and monthly stipends for 500 youths to tackle unemployment.
• Restoration of electricity in Ikot Eshiet community after years of blackout.
• Sponsorship of 10 Abak youths at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, each receiving laptops and stipends.
• Establishment of the B.E.S.T Model Farm at Ediene Abak.
• Ongoing construction of a Legislative Chamber and renovation works at Abak Polyclinic and Comprehensive Secondary School, Eka Midim.
Hon. Charles expressed deep gratitude to God for His guidance, to Governor Umo Eno, PhD, for his support, and to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his mentorship. She also acknowledged the Paramount Ruler of Abak, Akuku (Dr.) Saviour Sylvester Udofia, for his fatherly wisdom, and appreciated the Vice Chairman, Hon. Revd. Mfon Udoudom PhD, the Secretary of council, Dcn. Gift Umoh, Councilors, Supervisors, and staff of the council for their commitment to service.
She extended special thanks to her husband, Elder Effiong Charles, whom she described as her pillar of strength and constant source of encouragement.
“As we enter our second year, we are not slowing down. We will embark on bigger and bolder projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. The B.E.S.T is yet to come,” she declared.
Stakeholders from the various clans took turns to commend the chairman’s performance and leadership style.
Speaking for Abak Clan, former council chairman and commissioner, Hon. Arc. Okon Obot, praised the council boss for providing an opportunity for engagement and pledged the clan’s continued support.
Representing Ediene Clan, the Honorary Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilization, Hon. (Dr.) Ekemini Umoh, said Mrs. Charles had restored women’s confidence in leadership through visible results within one year.
Former House of Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok, who spoke for Otoro Clan, lauded the synergy between the executive and legislative arms, urging sustained collaboration for greater development.
Immediate past council chairman, Rt. Hon. Apostle Ekerete Inyang, who represented Afaha Obong Clan, thanked Hon. Charles for taking good care of the councilors and supervisors and for continuing to engage the council’s casual staff. He advised her to remain focused and not be distracted by social media critics.
For Midim Clan, Prof. Nkereuwem Etukudo, Provost of the Federal College of Laboratory Science and Technology, Jos, described the chairman as a performing and fair-minded leader who had evenly distributed development projects across Abak. He urged her to lay a solid foundation for ICT education in public schools.
Also speaking, APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Ofonmbuk Anaka, said Abak had become a reference point in Akwa Ibom for unity and collaboration, assuring the party’s continued backing for the administration.
Leader of the 8th Legislative Council, Hon. Xavier Thompson, commended the chairman for her motherly leadership, which he said had fostered cordial working relationship among Councilors.
A vote of confidence in Hon Charles' leadership was later moved by the House Leader, Hon. Obongofiok Odudu Sunday, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Hon. Michael Udo Uko.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elder Udeme Otong, commended the Abak council boss for her impressive stewardship in one year, noting that she had boosted confidence in women holding leadership positions.
He urged stakeholders to promote unity and support the local government’s development drive while appreciating Governor Umo Eno, PhD, for creating an enabling environment for local government administrations to thrive.
The event was graced by several dignitaries and critical stakeholders of Abak Local Government Area.
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