The Lawmaker representing Etung State Constituency in the Assembly, Hon Kingsley Ntui Isong has inaugurated the Etung Economic Development Team to fast track the development of the Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, which was held at the Mini auditorium of the Assembly Complex in Calabar, the Lawmaker stated that the Economic team is to promote sustainable economic growth, job creation and prosperity within Etung communities.
The Lawmaker lamented that Etung, which was created as a Local Government Area since 1996, has no resemblance to an urban centre with poor health and other facilities despite having the lead in cocoa production in the Cross River State.
“Basic indices and statistics have revealed that CRS is the number one cocoa producer in Nigeria, with Etung taking the lead in the state. It therefore categorically pronounced Etung as the giant cocoa producers of the State with available huge mineral deposits and agricultural resources etc.” He stated.
According to Isong, the team’s terms of reference include;
“Conducting research and analysis to identify economic opportunities and challenges, developing strategies and initiatives to attract investment and foster entrepreneurship as well as providing a sound blueprint to reshape the Etung Economy.”
Declaring the event open, the Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, commended the Etung Lawmaker for the initiative which he described as a model and a welcomed development adding that such engagements with constituents are key for the overall transformation of constituencies.
Ayambem applauded the unity among Etung people and called on all constituents to continue to support their representative who is poised to provide effective representation to them.
The Speaker said Etung is blessed with a common language and admonished them to draw strength from the common language and always present a collective front.
On their part, both the Paramount Ruler of Etung, HRM, Ntufam Anthony Etta and the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Etung LGA Mr Tony Ede promised to provide a conductive environment for the team to achieve its goals.
The Economic Team has 48 members with Hon Isong as chairman, Engr George Abang, Coordinator and HRM Ntufam Anthony Ntui Etta as traditional rulers representative. It also has an Advisory Council of 18 members to be chaired by Prince Ebuta Ayuk and a Local Community Management Sub-Commitee composed of members from the ten council wards of the LGA.
In his response, the newly inaugurated Coordinator, Engineer George Abang thanked Hon Ntui for the opportunity given to him to serve his people. He promised to put in his best in the assignment.
Present at the well attended event were; several Lawmakers including the Leader of the House, Rt Hon Francis Asuquo, APC Party stalwarts, past and present political appointees, and the Senior Pastor of Message Message Point Assembly, Apostle Bassey Udosen who offered prayers for the success of the team.
