Yakurr is the centre of Cross River State with unparalleled human and natural resources. Yakurr needs a man of honour and integrity to pilot the affairs of the local government against the background of the granting of autonomy to local governments in the country.
I come highly qualified and experienced technocrat, known for my vast contributions in both local and federal spheres of governance. Academically, I hold several degrees, specializing in fields related to public administration, planning, and development. I am well-versed in research, statistics, and strategic management, qualities I honed during my tenure in various federal ministries.
During my time in the federal civil service, I served as the Director of Administration and Planning in several key ministries, including the Ministries of Defense, Water Resources, Petroleum Resources, and Niger Delta Affairs. My distinguished career culminated in my role as Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, from where I retired in 2019.
As a seasoned technocrat, I represented Nigeria at various international platforms, including the United Nations General assembly (UNGA), where I played a significant role in the global efforts to eradicate small arms and light weapons. I also have experience in local governance, having served as the Secretary of the Yakurr Local Government Council and as a candidate in the 2023 senatorial elections under the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP). I joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the 23rd of September 2023 shortly after the elections with the intention to contest for the chairmanship of the Yakurr Local Government Council in the upcoming local
MY PLANS FOR YAKURR PEOPLE.
1. Industrialization:
I plan to transform Yakurr into an industrial hub by establishing the largest cassava processing plant in Nigeria. This facility will produce a wide range of products from cassava, including starch, garri, ethanol, flour, and animal feed, among others. The cassava buy-back program (which gives farmers money to plant cassava and then buy back from them)will guarantee farmers a market for their produce, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local farmers while bolstering the local economy.
2. Education:
My aim is to enhance the educational sector by upgrading infrastructure, improving teacher training, and promoting technical and vocational education. I plan to introduce scholarship programs for indigent students and partner with educational institutions to improve curriculum delivery. My vision is to create a local government that not only boasts of high educational standards but also produces graduates who are skilled and competitive globally.
3. Healthcare:
Healthcare delivery will be a major focus, with plans to upgrade existing health centers, equip them with modern facilities, and ensure they are staffed by well-trained medical personnel. I will also introduce mobile healthcare services to reach remote areas and ensure that maternal and child health programs are prioritized. My administration will also push for health insurance schemes to make healthcare affordable for all.
4. Sports Development:
As a well-known sports lover, I envision a sports renaissance in Yakurr. I will take deliberate steps to raise the Yakurr United Football Club to the national league. This will involve recruiting local talents, improving coaching standards, and providing the necessary financial and infrastructural support. Additionally, the Ugep Township Stadium will be upgraded to a 10,000-capacity arena, making it a destination for regional and national sporting events.
5. Tourism and Entertainment:
My vision for tourism includes developing the Ekori Beach into a top tourist destination. By enhancing its natural beauty, improving facilities, and promoting it through targeted marketing, i intend to make it a regional attraction that will draw visitors and create jobs. The local cultural festivals, such as the Ugep and Yakurr international New Yam Festival, will also be harnessed to attract international tourists. Furthermore, i will support Yakurr sons and daughters to hone their talents in music, dance, and other forms of entertainment, creating a vibrant entertainment industry within the local government.
6. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR):
I will boost the Local Government’s IGR through innovative tax reforms and tapping into untapped revenue sources.I plan to introduce a comprehensive tax collection system that will ensure businesses, traders, and professionals within the local government contribute to its development. The industrialization of the cassava value chain, combined with tourism development, will further raise IGR to unprecedented levels.
7. Governance and Accountability:
With my vast experience in federal ministries, i will implement effective governance structures in Yakurr, ensuring transparency, accountability, and due process in procurement. I will use monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the impact of all government programs, ensuring that they meet the needs of the people.
8. Job Creation:
I will focus on creating jobs for the teeming youth population by supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), creating industrial parks, and fostering public-private partnerships. My cassava plant initiative alone will create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, while the revival of the Nko Rubber Plantation, through a collaborative funding mechanism, will provide additional employment opportunities.
9. Urban Development
I am committed to giving Ugep a face-lift, befitting its status as the headquarters of Yakurr Local Government. This will involve urban planning, the provision of modern amenities, and infrastructure development. Other towns in Yakurr will also see expansion and modernization, making them true urban centers.
10. Infrastructure and Energy:
I will prioritize the electrification of communities such as Agoi that currently lack electricity. My administration will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to extend power supply and improve energy access across the local government area. Additionally, I plan to establish a Yakurr Housing Estate along the Ugep-Nkpani axis, providing modern housing solutions for the growing population.
Conclusion and Appeal
With my wealth of experience in public service and my visionary plans for Yakurr, I am well-positioned to lead the local government into a new era of development and prosperity. My commitment to industrialization, education, healthcare, sports, tourism, job creation, and urban development is evident in my comprehensive manifesto.
As a seasoned technocrat with proven leadership skills and a detribalized Yakurr son who love kekor, I appeal to the good people of Yakurr to grant me the opportunity to serve and unlock the full potential of local government autonomy irrespective of party affiliations. My administration will ensure progress and bring about meaningful change for all.
Thank you and God bless bless all Yakurr people.
Sam Eno, PhD
Sir.dont you have plans for agricultural development, using it as a pillar to improve the economy in your LGA.
That should be your one agenda, because 90% of the growing population in Yakurr are farmers