By Solomon Okpo
In a move to galvanize community support ahead of the June 18, 2025 flag-off of the Ibekwe Akpanya–Ikot Unya–Ekpuk Road project, Senator Ekong Sampson has called on the people of Ikpa Ikono and the broader Mkpat Enin Local Government Area to reaffirm their backing of Governor Umo Eno and his ARISE Agenda.
The Senator, who represents Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, hosted a strategic stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend with indigenes from communities set to benefit directly from the road project. He emphasized that the road, which cuts through Ikpa Ikono and parts of Ibiaku in Ibekwe, marks a pivotal step in unlocking the region’s development potential.
Senator Sampson, fondly called Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin, declared his personal commitment to the project’s success, noting that the flag-off is the product of persistent advocacy dating back to his tenure as Head of Council in Mkpat Enin. He revealed that despite previous setbacks caused by economic constraints and the geographical complexity of the area, he remained resolute in demanding a road that serves the broader community—not just his village.
“I rejected proposals to limit the road to my hometown and insisted on a wider coverage. Today, we are here because persistence paid off,” he said, citing the popular adage that “the patient dog eats the fattest bone.”
He also disclosed that contractors are already mobilizing to commence the rehabilitation of electricity facilities and other infrastructure projects in the area. According to him, streetlights will be installed along the Ibekwe Akpanya corridor this week, while new water and school projects are also in the pipeline for several communities.
Senator Sampson commended Governor Umo Eno for approving the road project, describing it as a “transformational infrastructure” initiative that will boost socio-economic activities across Mkpat Enin. He assured the governor of continued grassroots support from Ikpa Ikono and Mkpat Enin as a whole.
The meeting also inaugurated a local planning committee to coordinate the upcoming flag-off and support the project’s execution. The committee is chaired by Hon. Nkereuwem James, with Hon. Amos Afia serving as Secretary. A separate Road Project Technical Committee, headed by Civil Engineer Udeme Asuquo, will provide technical oversight.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting communities, Abom Etido Udowo, Personal Assistant to the Governor and Dean of the College of Personal Aides from Mkpat Enin, thanked Governor Eno for prioritizing the project and acknowledged Senator Sampson’s unrelenting efforts over the years.
He reaffirmed the unwavering support of the youths and stakeholders in Ikpa Ikono and Mkpat Enin for the governor’s developmental vision.
As the countdown to the flag-off begins, the people of Mkpat Enin stand at the cusp of a new chapter in infrastructural advancement—one born of tenacity, vision, and collaborative leadership.
