RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Forum of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Academics in Tertiary Institutions (FUOATI) has commended the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Unyime Idem, for commencing the second phase of an electricity rehabilitation project aimed at restoring power to communities that have reportedly experienced outages for more than 18 years.
The forum described the intervention as a significant step towards addressing longstanding infrastructure challenges affecting economic activities, education, healthcare delivery and living conditions across the two local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
In a press statement signed by its President, Dr Daniel Evans Eshett, FUOATI said access to reliable electricity remained essential to economic productivity, community development and improved living standards.
The organisation noted that prolonged electricity shortages had negatively affected businesses and essential services, particularly in rural communities where alternative sources of power were often expensive.
According to the forum, the first phase of the project, covering Ukanafun Ward 1 and Oruk Anam Ward 1, where the respective local government headquarters are located, has been completed and successfully tested.
It welcomed the commencement of the second phase, which is expected to extend electricity rehabilitation to 10 additional wards within two months.
The affected areas include Ukanafun Wards 3, 4, 6 and 8, alongside Oruk Anam Wards 4, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13.
FUOATI explained that successful completion of the second phase would bring the number of wards covered to 12 out of the constituency’s 24 wards, representing 50 per cent of the planned ward-level coverage.
The third phase is expected to cover the remaining 12 wards, while the fourth and final phase will focus on connecting all 250 villages in the federal constituency to the national electricity grid.
The academics praised the phased implementation strategy but emphasised that the project’s success should ultimately be measured by reliable electricity supply, infrastructure quality and long-term sustainability.
The forum urged Idem to maintain his commitment until all four phases were completed, while calling on contractors to uphold appropriate technical standards and meet agreed delivery timelines.
It also appealed to electricity authorities and other relevant stakeholders to provide the necessary operational and maintenance support to ensure that restored facilities remained functional.
FUOATI encouraged community leaders and residents to protect electricity installations against vandalism, theft and other activities capable of undermining the project’s sustainability.
The organisation maintained that dependable electricity could stimulate commercial activities, improve educational opportunities, support healthcare institutions and create better economic prospects for residents.
It further urged political officeholders across the country to prioritise infrastructure projects that address longstanding community needs and deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
