By Emma Akpabio
In a climate were many governments chase applause through highly visible projects, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has chosen a quieter but far more consequential path; sinking billions of naira beneath the ground to safeguard the state’s image, its critical assets and its seat of power from imminent collapse.
For decades, severe gully erosion crept dangerously close to the Akwa Ibom State Government House, threatening the Governor’s Lodge, Deputy Governor’s Lodge and nearby strategic institutions, including the Uyo Correctional Centre and the Uyo Area Command of the Nigeria Police. Access routes were cut off, placing the entire complex on the brink of disaster.
Today, that threat is being rolled back through a bold erosion control and reclamation project initiated by Governor Eno, an intervention largely unseen by the public but vital to the survival of the state’s most important institutions.
According to Chief Faysal Harb, Managing Director of Bulletin Construction, the Government House was almost lost before the intervention.
“The Government House was virtually affected by a serious erosion menace. If not for His Excellency’s timely decision, the situation could have become irredeemable,” he said.
Harb explained that the project includes over two kilometres of security perimeter roads and extensive retaining walls designed to arrest erosion, stabilise the terrain and enhance security access around the seat of power.
“This is a security road. Some of these areas were completely inaccessible before we reclaimed them and made them motorable,” he noted.
He added that the project is nearing completion, with stone base works largely concluded and asphalting expected within four to eight weeks, after which the facility will be handed over to the state government.
Enhanced security measures, including wire-mesh fencing atop the retaining walls and controlled access routes, are also being installed to fully secure the Government House and adjoining facilities such as the ARISE Palm Resort.
The Bulletin Construction boss praised Governor Eno’s foresight, describing the project as both timely and strategic amid growing security concerns nationwide.
Speaking at the Uyo Village Road project site, Chief Aiman Saimua, Chairman of Amitec Construction – the firm handling the project, commended Governor Eno for his vision in transforming abandoned dumpsites into hubs of opportunity and economic activity.
“The entire expanse of land you see here was previously a massive dumpsite that rendered the Uyo Village Road virtually impassable. After clearing the refuse, we immediately embarked on an extensive land reclamation exercise, which has so far uncovered over 140 hectares of prime land in this area,” he said.
“Additionally, behind the Judiciary Complex and the Uyo Local Government Council, more than 50 hectares of land have also been successfully reclaimed.
“When this ongoing reclamation is combined with the work already executed by our sister company, Bulletin Construction, there will be sufficient land to accommodate the proposed Government Residential Area (GRA), an Entertainment Village and several other critical infrastructure projects.
“This level of transformation is only possible under visionary leadership, and we sincerely commend Governor Umo Eno for his foresight and commitment to the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom State,” Saimua added.
Meanwhile, plans are underway to link the soon-to-be-opened Government Residential Area to the ARISE Palm Resort, a move expected to significantly enhance the aesthetics of the Government House environs while further positioning Akwa Ibom as a destination of choice.
