By Solomon OKPO | July 19, 2025.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the commencement of the long-anticipated 13.5-kilometre Ibekwe–Akpanya–Ikot Unya–Iffe Town–Ekpuk Road in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, with the assurance that construction work will commence as soon as weather conditions permit.
The reassurance was conveyed by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Dr. Ekong Sampson, during an inspection tour of ongoing development projects facilitated to his native Ikot Unya community and surrounding areas.
The road project, which cuts through the heartland of Ikpa Ikono and parts of Ibiaku clans, is a major infrastructural link in Mkpat Enin. Senator Sampson disclosed that Governor Eno had personally asked him to assure the people that the project remains a priority and will be flagged off once the rains subside.
In addition to this, Senator Sampson revealed that contracts have also been awarded for the construction of the Nung Ukim III–Ikot Ekpe–Ikot Unya road and the Ikot Umiang Junction–Ikot Unya road. These roads will serve as vital interlinks to the major Ibekwe–Ikot Unya–Ekpuk stretch, designed to open up the local economy and improve access across the senatorial district.
Senator Sampson, who is also the Onomkpoinam of Mkpat Enin, used the inspection visit to assess progress at several projects including a hostel facility under construction at Excellence College, a private educational institution he founded in 2014, as well as multiple water and power projects.
He expressed disappointment over the vandalism of previously installed electricity and water infrastructure across Mkpat Enin, calling on residents to take ownership of public facilities and protect them from saboteurs.
“The community must rise in unity to protect government assets. Infrastructure is not just about structures but the soul of a people’s development,” he stated.
The Senator also highlighted recent successes in rural electrification, with the activation of power in Ikot Unya and the extension to Ikot Umiang, as well as the restoration of electricity to Ikot Akpandem in Okon Eket. Similar efforts are underway in Eyubiasang, Urue Offong Oruko, and other parts of the district.
In terms of broader constituency impact, Senator Sampson listed upcoming projects including the construction and upgrade of medical facilities at the General Hospitals in Iquita, Ikot Abasi, and Immanuel Hospital in Eket. He also hinted at a major empowerment programme planned for later in the year.
Other water projects already facilitated by Senator Sampson span across Ekpuk, Mkpat Enin Village, Ikot Ekpe, Ukam, Ikot Akpaden, Ikot Essen, and other communities.
With these interventions, Senator Sampson reiterated his resolve to work in tandem with the state government to bridge infrastructural gaps and accelerate development across Akwa Ibom South.
