October 05, (THEWILL) — When Governor Umo Eno described the newly commissioned Itu Council Secretariat as “beautiful as Government House, Uyo”, it was more than a compliment; it was a powerful endorsement of how far local governance can go when guided by vision and accountability.
At the weekend, that vision took centre stage as Hon. Ubong Wilson Nkutt, Chairman of Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, presented a one-year scorecard that has drawn resounding applause from political leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society across the state.
Governor Eno, speaking while unveiling the new administrative complex, hailed the “Itu Model” as a practical demonstration of the ARISE Agenda at the grassroots, combining infrastructure development, social welfare, and digital innovation.
“What Nkutt has done in Itu is proof that good governance does not depend on the size of the budget but the sincerity of purpose. This is a model worth emulating by other council chairmen”, the Governor declared.
Echoing the Governor’s sentiment, the Commissioner for Housing and Itu political leader, Rt. Hon. Henry Archibong, described Nkutt’s leadership as “a breath of fresh air”, noting that Itu has witnessed the kind of transformation rarely seen at the local government level.
“Ubong Nkutt has restored confidence in grassroots leadership. From modern offices to youth empowerment, from peace to digital governance. Itu now stands as a reference point”, Archibong said.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, commended the Chairman’s prudence and innovation, saying his stewardship in just one year has set a benchmark for others to follow.
“Nkutt’s approach to governance is a masterclass in focus, transparency, and result-oriented leadership. He has redefined what it means to serve”, Edidem remarked.
Traditional rulers, stakeholders, and former council bosses joined in the chorus of praise during the media and stakeholders’ briefing held at Mbak Atai. They lauded the administration’s achievements spanning infrastructure, peace and security, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and sports.
Among the most celebrated milestones is the ultra-modern 30-office Council Secretariat, complete with internal road networks, solar-powered lights, a renovated legislative building, and a perimeter fence, all executed within Nkutt’s first year.
Governor Eno’s admiration for the project, likening it to the State Government House, underscored its quality and significance as a symbol of efficient, people-driven governance.
Security has also been a point of pride, with Nkutt establishing a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Ikot Adakpan Beach, Oku Iboku, to support the military’s fight against riverine threats. The facility, commissioned by Brigadier General N. E. Okoloagu, Commander of 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has strengthened peace and safety in the area.
Beyond infrastructure, Nkutt’s human development focus earned him widespread respect. He has empowered farmers, restored clean water to health centres, sponsored life-saving surgeries, supported students with learning materials, and launched a digital platform that issues QR-coded Certificates of Origin, a first at the local government level.
His administration also made history at the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, where Itu emerged overall champions with 106 medals, including 70 gold, marking the council’s best sporting achievement ever.
Recognition has followed swiftly: from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Premium 96.5 FM, Conference of Online Publishers, and University of Uyo SUG, all acknowledging his transparency and people-centred administration.
As the stakeholders’ meeting drew to a close, community leaders rose in applause, not out of courtesy, but conviction. For them, Nkutt’s tenure has rewritten the story of Itu LGA.
“He has shown us that local government can work,” said Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRH Ntenyin Edet Inyang “We’ve seen the difference, not promises, but projects.”
For Governor Umo Eno and Itu’s political class, Hon. Ubong Nkutt’s first year stands as a living case study in grassroots transformation, proof that when leadership meets sincerity, a council area can shine like the state capital city.
