By Solomon OKPO
In a strategic move to deepen infrastructural development and bridge the urban-rural divide in Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has commissioned the long-awaited 10.412-kilometre Uyo-Ukpom Abak Road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects and expanding rural access.
Commissioning the road project on Wednesday, Governor Eno stated that the initiative was part of his pledge to deliver continuity in governance and honour the legacy of his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who originally initiated the road.
“This project was initiated by the administration of my political father, Governor Udom Emmanuel, and we had promised to complete it. Today, we are here in fulfillment of that promise because governance is a continuum,” the Governor stated.
He commended the efforts of Amitec Construction Company and the State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, for restoring the road to standard, while also acknowledging the critical role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in facilitating funds for the project’s completion.
“This road project would not have been possible without the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who made sure that funds were released to our State,” the Governor declared, while pledging that Akwa Ibom will return President Tinubu to office in 2027 alongside Senator Godswill Akpabio and himself for a second term.
In a progressive social development stride, Governor Eno directed the immediate employment of a visually impaired law graduate, Barr. Udeme Emmanuel Ekanem, into the State Civil Service. Ekanem, who recently graduated from the Nigeria Law School with sponsorship from the Governor, was praised for his resilience and academic achievement.
The Governor charged the State Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, and the Attorney-General, Barr. Uko Essien Udom, SAN, to effect Ekanem’s posting and mobilization without delay.
Beyond road infrastructure, Governor Eno announced plans to establish Youth-Friendly Centres in all 31 local government areas to provide platforms for skill development, innovation, and productivity among rural youths.
“We are building spaces for young people to upgrade and promote their creative skills,” he said, urging local government chairmen to allocate land for the centres and calling on the youth to prepare for active participation in the initiative.
In a gesture of corporate responsibility, Amitec Construction Company donated six water boreholes to communities along the Uyo-Abak corridor to enhance access to potable water.
In his remarks, Uyo Local Government Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, accompanied by his Abak counterpart, Pastor (Mrs.) Ime Effiong Charles, praised the Governor for redeeming the trust of the people and fulfilling a critical campaign promise.
The State Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, noted that 4.4km of the 10.4km stretch was fully reconstructed while the remaining portion was overlaid, all achieved through over 80% direct funding from the current administration.
Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, representing Abak, and Hon. Clement Jimbo, representing Abak Federal Constituency, both hailed the Governor for his visionary leadership, assuring him of the people’s unflinching support beyond 2027.
The event attracted dignitaries including members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, captains of industry, and members of the public.
