Citizens Demand Transparency, Better Services at Etim Ekpo Governance Townhall
By Unyime Okon
Citizens of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area have called for improved transparency, accountability, and inclusive service delivery during a one-day town hall meeting on governance and citizens’ engagement organized by Policy Alert in partnership with the Etim Ekpo Local Government Council.
The meeting, held at the council secretariat, brought together 61 participants—33 men and 28 women—from various communities across the local government area. It was part of efforts to strengthen participatory governance and encourage dialogue between the council and residents.
Representing the Executive Chairman, Hon. Gideon Uwa, the Leader of Council, Hon. Joseph Jim, said the administration would sustain open forums that allow citizens to share their concerns directly with government officials. He assured that citizens’ inputs would guide local governance priorities.
Delivering an overview of the project, Idorenyin Eyo, Project Lead at Policy Alert, said the initiative seeks to promote accountability and inclusive governance at the local level. She emphasized the importance of citizen involvement, particularly the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in decision-making processes.
“Strengthened citizen participation is key to ensuring that local government decisions reflect the needs of the people,” Ms. Eyo said. “Good governance should benefit everyone.”
During the plenary session, participants raised several issues affecting their communities. Comrade Isaiah, youth president of Udun Atai Ikot Ebon, called for the installation of solar-powered street lights across rural communities, noting that poor lighting contributes to insecurity and hampers economic activity.
Another participant, Eriyana Emmanson, from Obong Ata Essien, appealed for better equipment at primary healthcare centres, particularly in Ikot Affiong, to improve maternal and child health services. She also called for new street lights to enhance public safety.
Some participants urged the council to provide grants and capacity-building support to help young women become self-reliant and active contributors to the local economy.
Responding, the Supervisor for Health, Etinyene Offongekpe, commended Policy Alert for partnering with the council to institutionalise citizen engagement. He said the council would document and transmit all concerns raised during the dialogue to the chairman for review and action.
Mr Offongekpe explained that the installation of solar street lights was being carried out in phases, village by village, and urged residents to remain patient.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of a handbook titled “Improving Service Delivery in Local Government Administration”, developed by Policy Alert as a tool for communities and civil society organizations to monitor and engage with local authorities on transparency and service performance.