17/06/2026
ENGR. UBONG'S WARD TOUR: LISTENING, LEARNING, AND PREPARING TO SERVE
"Leadership is most effective when it listens first, understands deeply, and serves faithfully" - Anonymous
In every community, true leadership begins with listening. As Engr. Ubong Akpan continues his ongoing ward tour across the constituency, one message remains clear: his desire to serve is driven by a genuine commitment to understanding the needs, aspirations, and challenges of the people. Rather than making assumptions from a distance, he has chosen the path of direct engagement, meeting residents where they live, work, and build their futures.
Concerns have been raised in some quarters regarding the just concluded empowerment programme he undertook at the Taabas Square, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo questioning why only a few number of beneficiaries were reached out to while trying to fault his selection process. It is important to note that the programme was a strategic pilot interventions where those who were with him from ideation where empowered especially having noticed how tough it was for them to move around during consultations.
While not everyone could benefit at the initial stage, the programme was designed as a foundation upon which broader opportunities would be built. The experience gained has provided valuable insights into how future empowerment programmes would be expanded to reach a greater number of constituents in a more sustainable and impactful manner, hence, the Ward tour.
It might interest you to know that the ongoing tour has further reinforced Engr. Ubong's conviction that leadership must be people-centred. Through interactions with youths, women, community leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, and other stakeholders, he is gathering firsthand information about the pressing issues affecting different communities and Wards. These engagements are helping to shape a clearer understanding of the developmental priorities of the Constituency and the practical solutions required to address them.
What distinguishes Ubong's aspiration is his focus on consultations rather than mere campaigning. His ward tour is serving as a platform for open dialogue, allowing constituents to freely express their concerns and expectations. From employment opportunities and youth development to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the feedback being received is providing a roadmap for responsive and inclusive leadership when sworn in.
Engr. Ubong Akpan believes that effective representation is not about occupying a position; it is about creating opportunities for people to thrive. The insights gathered during this tour will play a critical role in shaping programmes and policies that reflect the realities of the LGA he seeks to serve. His vision is one where empowerment is not limited to a select few but becomes a catalyst for widespread growth and development across the constituency.
As the ward tour progresses, one thing is becoming increasingly evident: Engr. Ubong is not only seeking support; he is also investing time and effort in understanding the people he hopes to represent. By listening today, he is preparing to lead tomorrow. His commitment to engagement, empowerment, and inclusive development reflects a readiness to serve with purpose, responsibility, and a clear understanding of the needs of the constituents.
It is no longer news that before the public declaration of Engr. Ubong Akpan's interest to serve the people of Ikono LGA as a member in the State House of Assembly, he had consulted widely with his brothers and friends from Ediene Itak bloc suggesting that they should join him in ADC to present a formidable candidate where he will also lend his support base to actualize the Ediene Itak Mandate, however, they all turned him down. This informs his decision to present himself for service in other to salvage and redeem the already lost years of misrepresentation. To the people of Ediene Itak whose turn it would have been from 2027, Engr. Ubong, according to him will only serve a 4-years term and hands over to the political bloc in 2031.
If there is anything to know about Engr. Ubong Akpan, it is his unwavering integrity. He only say what he means and mean what he says.
