Gov. Umo Eno commissioning the 23.25km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ikot Ibritam road.
By Anietie Akpan
The 23.25km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ikot Ibritam road has been officially commissioned, marking a major economic breakthrough for the people of Oruk Anam Local Government Area (LGA) and other parts of the State.
Inaugurating the road infrastructure at weekend, Governor Umo Eno emphasized the economic viability of the road, stating that he was moved to complete the project which he took over from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, at 50% completion.
Lauding the immediate past Governor for starting the project during his tenure, Pastor Eno has also assured that more inherited projects will be completed by his administration.
The road which comes with two bridges, is expected to boost trade and economic activities, and open up the largely agrarian communities in Oruk Anam.
He acknowledged the significance of Oruk Anam, and highlighted the locality’s importance, being the hometown of his Chief Campaigner and the wife of the immediate past Governor, Deaconess Martha Udom Emmanuel.
The Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro-Ikot Ibritam road.
Recalling previous efforts, he mentioned the completion of the Use Ikot Amama road in Ibiono, initiated by the Senate President when he was governor, emphasizing that projects like these demonstrate the tangible benefits of governance and the impact of public service.
Speaking further, the Governor announced upcoming projects, including the groundbreaking of the Tropicana International Conference Centre and reiterated the administration’s commitment to reviving stalled projects to create job oppourtunities for the youth.
He reassured the public that despite the extensive infrastructure projects being executed, his administration has not borrowed from any financial institution and applauded the Federal Government for making funds available and highlighted his government’s prudent financial management as a key factor in sustaining developmental projects.
Eno expressed his administration’s commitment to private sector-minded governance, urging young people to take advantage of the opportunities available.
He also assured that his government is youth-friendly and willing to support those who are ready to contribute to the state’s development.
The bridge.
Earlier, the Chairman of Oruk-Anam LGA, Mr. Sunday Festus Akpan, commended the Governor for the project and other ongoing infrastructure developments in the area.
Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, provided an overview of the project, highlighting its technical details and the challenges faced during its construction, and how the project had to be segmented and reawarded to two different contractors.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders in the area including the House of Representatives Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk-Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Etim, Paramount Ruler of Oruk-Anam, Akuku Engr. J. J. Abosi, Political Leader of Oruk-Anam, Sir. Udo Kieran, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and the House of Assembly Member for Oruk-Anam State Constituency, Hon. Sampson Idiong, hailed the road project as a game-changer for the local government and neighboring areas, providing access to Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia and other States in the Niger-Delta region .
They asserted that the infrastructure is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the people of the area, and pledged their total to the government of Pastor Umo Eno.
In furtherance of their corporate social responsibility, one of the construction firms handling the project, Amitec Construction Company, said it is committed to constructing water projects in each of the villages traversed by the road and also announced the sponsorship of Akwa Ibom youths in the Dakadda Skills Acquisition Centre in addition to the donation of 50,000 copies of exercise books to schools in the State.
