By Iniemem Inyang
As the clock ticks towards the third anniversary of Governor Umo Eno’s assumption of office, residents and indigenes in various rural communities of Akwa Ibom State have commended the sweeping road infrastructure drive in the state, saying it has injected economic activities in previously untouched communities.
Many of these communities are now witnessing visible developments, with several road projects at various levels of completion.
The commendations came during an inspection visit by some aides of the Governor led by the SSA to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, to Nsit Atai, Okobo, Oron and Eket local government areas.
The tour covered the 14.5km Nsit Atai-Okobo road, the 13.5km Okopedi-Uya Oron road with 60m bridge, 2.4km Ukpong and Effiong Essang streets, the 2.4km Ikot Akpa Ikpo – Urua Udoinyang road, Eket.
Expressing the joy of his people, Chief Afia Johnson Ubom Ekpenyong, representing the Village Head of Ikot Akpa Ikpo, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for remembering their community and bringing development to their doorstep.
He commended the Governor’s benevolence in returning attention to the project and bringing it to a logical conclusion, saying the project covers four villages in the Okon axis of Eket, and will now occasion ease of business, especially in the large Udo UdoInyang market.
He assured of the community’s backing to the Governor, especially on his second-term ambition, as a sign of appreciation for the positive impact of the road project and other projects in the community.
Also, Comrade Afia Jeremiah, a youth leader in Ikot Akpa Ikpo community, highlighted that the 2.4 km Akpa Ikpo road was a project that began under the former administration of Deacon Udom Emmanuel in 2021 ading that Governor Umo Eno through his compassionate disposition has brought the project to completion.
The youth leader commended the Governor for bringing light where there was darkness through his benevolence to the people of Ikot Akpa Ikpo, praising the tangible improvements the project has delivered.
“This was a risky area until the Governor provided light for us and it is safe even at midnight”, he said.
Comrade Jeremiah further noted that the road has opened up the area for more economic ventures after previously suffering limited economic activities.
“Before, bikes and vehicles could not navigate the route safely which limited trade and movement.
“Now, residents of neighbouring villages in Onna can come into Eket freely to buy and sell, as is seen today at Udo Inyang market.”
“The beach at Ikot Obio Ata is accessible to heavy machinery and now sand supply is at affordable prices”, he stated.
Comrade Jeremiah also expressed his support for Governor Eno’s second term bid, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to transforming rural communities across the state.
At Nsit Atai, a community leader in Ikot Asua, Chief Usen, was overwhelmed with joy as he thanked the Governor for expanding the Nsit Atai- Okopedi Road, expressing how inaccessible the road was before construction.
Usen said, “this road was so inaccessible that even bicycles could not ride on. The Governor graced us with this dual road and a big roundabout, now every community member is so proud of this administration.”
On his part, Mr. Richard Pascal, a resident of Ikot Asua said he is proud of mentioning his community name anywhere because of the many projects completed in the community under the administration of Governor Eno.
Dr. Essien Ndueso flanked by the Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Emma Akpabio and the Special Assistant on Entertainment, Mr. Moses Eskor, led the tour to the various sites.
They noted that following the last Delivery meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, in a press release had announced that over 10 road projects embarked by Governor Eno will be commissioned before May, 29, 2026.
Dr. Ndueso emphasized that the Governor has practiced inclusive infrastructure across the state.
He said, “the Governor has made significant efforts in improving inherited and new rural road infrastructure across the state.
“Rather than concentrating development and accolades within the capital metropolis, the Governor has deliberately prioritized rural development, channeling resources and infrastructure projects to underserved communities in a bid to ease daily living and create more inclusive growth across the state.
“Rural road development delivers strong economic benefits by opening up previously isolated communities to markets, therefore creating economic opportunities”.
He further added that the Governor has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the Ibom Deep Seaport becomes a reality, expressing confidence that the vision will soon come to fruition, even as the International Airport is set to be officially opened by next month, marking another major milestone in the state for economic growth and global connectivity.
Also, Akapbio stated that the governor has fulfilled his campaign promises ensuring the well being of the people, and delivering tangible improvements across the state.
