Unyenge movement pushes for new LGA in proposed Obolo State
The Unyenge Proposed Local Government Movement (UPLGM) has renewed its call for the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area from the present Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as part of the proposed Obolo State, citing the community’s strategic coastal location, economic potential and growing development needs.
The movement, led by its convener, Cmrd (Amb.) Harry Asuquo Johnson, said the proposed local government would bring governance closer to residents and provide a stronger administrative framework for harnessing the area’s natural and economic resources within the proposed Obolo State.
Etim Ekpimah
The Unyenge Proposed Local Government Movement (UPLGM) has renewed its call for the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area from the present Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as part of the proposed Obolo State, citing the community’s strategic coastal location, economic potential and growing development needs.
The movement, led by its convener, Cmrd (Amb.) Harry Asuquo Johnson, said the proposed local government would bring governance closer to residents and provide a stronger administrative framework for harnessing the area’s natural and economic resources within the proposed Obolo State.
In a statement, the group said its demand was based on Unyenge’s geographical size, population, strategic location and economic activities, particularly its access to the Atlantic coastline.
According to the movement, Unyenge’s coastal location gives it significant potential for fishing, maritime commerce, trade and other activities capable of supporting a viable local economy.
It also identified the Stubbs Creek area as an important ecological and economic asset that could contribute significantly to the development of the proposed local government if properly managed.
Oil, mining, fishing potential
The movement said Unyenge’s economic importance was further demonstrated by the presence of oil and gas activities in the area.
It identified Savannah Energy Resources Limited, Universal Energy Resources Limited—whose operations include activities associated with OML 14 and Stubbs Creek—and Tulcan Oil & Gas Exploration/Production as companies with operations or interests in the area.
The group also cited the activities of Shimoa Mining Investment Limited, a Chinese company that, according to the movement, extracts substantial quantities of black sand in Unyenge.
Beyond oil and mining, the movement said the area has active fishing, farming, timber and trading activities that provide livelihoods for residents and contribute to the local economy.
It argued that the combination of natural resources, commercial activities and Unyenge’s strategic coastal location provides a strong basis for establishing a separate local government within the proposed Obolo State.
“Unyenge’s economic activities and natural resources require a governance structure capable of responding directly to the needs of the people and managing the opportunities available to the area,” the movement said.
Maritime opportunities
The group also pointed to the proposed Ibaka Deep Seaport as a potential catalyst for economic activity along the wider coastal corridor.
It argued that Unyenge’s location could position the proposed local government to benefit from increased maritime activity, investment, trade and employment opportunities as infrastructure development progresses.
The movement said such opportunities would require effective planning, infrastructure and appropriate government institutions to translate the area’s economic potential into tangible benefits for residents.
It maintained that the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area within the proposed Obolo State would provide an administrative platform for attracting investment, improving infrastructure and coordinating development across its communities.
Bringing government closer
The UPLGM said the proposed Unyenge Local Government Area comprises numerous villages and settlements whose residents depend largely on fishing, farming, trading and other rural economic activities.
It maintained that a separate administrative structure would make it easier for government services, infrastructure and development programmes to reach communities it described as underserved.
The movement also linked the proposed local government to improved security, arguing that a more accessible administrative structure could strengthen coordination between communities and security agencies.
Johnson urged the National Assembly and other relevant authorities to give the proposal serious consideration as discussions on the creation of new local government areas and the proposed Obolo State continue.
He said the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area as part of the proposed Obolo State would not only bring governance closer to the people but also provide an opportunity to unlock the economic potential of its coastal communities.
The movement said it would continue to pursue the proposal through lawful and constitutional channels while engaging relevant stakeholders on the creation of Unyenge Local Government Area within the proposed Obolo State.
Communities in proposed LGA
The movement listed the following villages and settlements as communities within the proposed Unyenge Local Government Area: Uttit Antai; Udung Eyo; Udung Eyo Unyenge; Njakat Unyenge; Udung Ise; Udung Akanim; Udung Nkwobia; Udung Abasi Eyo; Mbughu Unyenge; Esuk Unyenge; Udung Ekpima; Udung Ikpi Ikara; Udung Esu Antai; Atai;
Udung Atahkan; Okposo 1; Itak Efa; Udung Abikang; Udung Udo; Udung Otoyo Otoyo; Udung Nsong Eyo; Udung Atte Efa; Udung Ude Esu; Udung Iyo Ukwo; Ine Obudim; Itak Udim Ukpa; Udung Efa; New Barrack; Ine Afia Ndite; Atia 2; Atak Mmasang; Ine Solomon;
Ine Otudong; Udung Obiokpong; Udung Esu Ukwo; Udung Abasi Ukwo; Udung Nkan; Udung Ntekim; Okposo 2; Ine Matota; Uko Ede Akpa; Ine Ise; Ine Akpautong; Ine Who Knows; Ine John; One Man Country; Udung Edemekong; Udung Effiakmkpong; Udung Udo Ayeni; Udung Annoa; and Udung Osin Otoyo.
