The lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Ekong Sampson, has outlined a series of development projects and legislative interventions aimed at improving healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities across the district.
At the centre of his legislative achievements is the sponsorship of a bill establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Akwa Ibom South, which has now been passed into law. The project is expected to enhance access to quality healthcare services, reduce pressure on existing facilities, and create employment opportunities within the state.
In the education sector, Senator Sampson is undertaking the upgrade of Excellence College, Ikot Unya in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area into a model institution. The project includes the addition of a police post and ICT/Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, aimed at providing a secure and technology-driven learning environment.
Further investments in education include the disbursement of N100 million to over 500 students and some teachers across the senatorial district. The lawmaker also provided N500,000 to support a first-class law graduate of the University of Uyo for Law School fees, alongside a N10 million scholarship scheme for Law School students from the district.
To expand digital access, additional ICT/CBT centres have been established at St. Francis Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, Eket, and St. Vincent Secondary School, Oti-Oro, Okobo, bringing the total number of such centres to three across the district’s federal constituencies.
Beyond education, the senator has implemented empowerment programmes, including the distribution of vehicles, business grants, engine boats, tricycles, motorcycles, and farming tools to constituents. He is also credited with facilitating the employment of over 50 individuals into federal ministries, departments, and agencies.
Infrastructure development remains a key focus, with several road projects ongoing across the district. These include the 3.3-kilometre Ikot Unya–Nung Ukim–Ikot Ekpe Road, the 13.8-kilometre Ibekwe Akpanya–Ikot Unya–Ikot Eda–Iffe Town–Ikot Abasi Akpan-Ekpuk Road, and the 3-kilometre Ikot Unya–Ikot Umiang Junction Road. The projects are being executed by agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Akwa Ibom State Government, and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
In addition, several farm roads have been opened and graded to support agricultural activities and improve market access for rural farmers.
Healthcare interventions by the senator include the construction of doctors’ call rooms at General Hospital, Ikot Abasi, and Immanuel Hospital, Eket, with similar work ongoing at General Hospital, Iquita in Oron. He has also facilitated an erosion control project in Ekeya, Okobo, to address environmental challenges in the area.
Efforts to improve power supply and telecommunications have also been highlighted, with the provision of transformers and the reactivation of electricity infrastructure in some communities, alongside improved telecom services.
The senator has further advocated for the operationalisation of key economic institutions, including the University of Maritime Studies, Oron, and the revitalisation of the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi, both seen as critical to driving industrial growth and employment.
Observers say the projects reflect a focus on practical development outcomes across sectors, as calls for continuity in representation continue to emerge within the senatorial district.
