By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged communities across the country to take ownership of public infrastructure by protecting government projects from vandalism and neglect, saying they are investments meant to improve the lives of the people and should be preserved for future generations.
The Senate President’s message was delivered by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Unoma Godswill Akpabio, who represented him at the commissioning of several constituency projects in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The projects, facilitated by the Senate President, include modern classroom blocks, road infrastructure, a water scheme and other community development initiatives designed to improve access to education, potable water and transportation, while stimulating economic activities within the benefiting communities.
Addressing residents, traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups at the ceremony, Mrs. Akpabio said the projects reflected the Senate President’s commitment to improving the living conditions of the people through practical and impactful interventions.
She noted that meaningful development is measured not only by the execution of projects but also by the willingness of beneficiaries to protect and maintain them. She therefore called on community leaders and residents to see the facilities as collective assets and ensure they are safeguarded against vandalism and misuse.
According to her, governments commit enormous public resources to the provision of infrastructure, making it imperative for citizens to complement such efforts by taking responsibility for the maintenance and protection of public facilities.
Mrs. Akpabio said the newly constructed classroom blocks would provide a more conducive environment for teaching and learning, while the road projects would improve movement of people and goods, enhance commercial activities and strengthen connectivity within the affected communities. She added that the water scheme would provide residents with access to safe drinking water and contribute to improved public health.
She said the projects underscored Senator Akpabio’s commitment to grassroots development and inclusive governance, adding that public office should always translate into visible improvements in the lives of the people.
The Senate President’s wife commended the support and cooperation of the people of Ika Local Government Area and urged them to continue working together to sustain the development strides being recorded in their communities.
She also encouraged elected public office holders to remain focused on delivering projects that respond directly to the needs of the people, stressing that democracy is strengthened when citizens can point to tangible improvements in their daily lives.
Traditional rulers, community leaders and residents who witnessed the commissioning expressed appreciation for the interventions, describing them as timely projects that would improve education, healthcare, transportation and access to clean water across the benefiting communities.
The event attracted political leaders, government officials, party supporters, religious leaders and other stakeholders who commended Senator Akpabio for sustaining people-oriented interventions aimed at accelerating development in Akwa Ibom State.
