By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the 6.475-kilometre Amanyam–Mbiaso Road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that directly improve the lives and livelihoods of the people.
The road was commissioned on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Amanyam, as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary. It was the third of 39 projects scheduled for commissioning across the State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said his administration would continue to place the welfare and development of the people above partisan politics, stressing that government projects were designed to improve living conditions and stimulate economic activities.
“Whatever developmental efforts that we are putting in place are tailored towards the overall benefit and improved living conditions of our people. We don’t play politics with the welfare of our citizenry,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno commended the people of Ikot Ekpene for their support for his administration and assured them that inherited projects would be reviewed, prioritised and completed where necessary to ensure that government investments serve their intended purpose.
He promised additional development interventions in Ikot Ekpene, including the ongoing Ikot Ekpene International Market, Compassionate Homes, Primary Health Centres and more road projects.
The Governor also commended the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, for implementing projects targeted at improving the welfare of residents.
He said similar initiatives by local government chairmen across the State demonstrated the positive impact of local government autonomy and encouraged the councils to continue undertaking projects that respond to the needs of their people.
Road Opens Up Communities
Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, disclosed that the Amanyam–Mbiaso road is a 6.475-kilometre single-carriageway with an eight-metre width and 12.95 kilometres of side drains.
According to him, the road connects and traverses Ifuho, Ibong, Ikot Udoe and Mbiaso communities, providing a critical transportation link for residents and businesses in the area.
Prof. Ibanga described the project as a “complete developmental ecosystem,” noting that the improved road infrastructure had opened up Amanyam and adjoining communities to greater economic opportunities.
He said the project was diligently supervised to ensure compliance with required standards and guarantee quality and durability.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for approving the variation in the project cost, which, he said, enabled the contractor to complete the project within the required timeframe.
Ikot Ekpene LGA Chairman Commends Eno.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, commended Governor Eno for the development projects executed and ongoing in the area.
Nkom specifically mentioned the International Market, hospital project and access roads, including the newly commissioned Amanyam–Mbiaso Road.
“You have done so much in, and for Ikot Ekpene. Currently, you have four projects to commission in Ikot Ekpene. I want to tell you that we are very happy with you,” he said.
The council chairman said the commissioning had reinforced the people’s confidence in the Governor, adding that residents of Amanyam and the wider Ikot Ekpene community had declared their support for his administration.
He also pledged their support for Governor Eno ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Community Leaders Applaud Project
In separate goodwill messages, the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler of the area, HRM Okon Udo Ukut, praised Governor Eno for his commitment to infrastructure development and the economic advancement of the people.
They recalled that the poor condition of the road had subjected residents to hardship for decades and negatively affected commercial activities across the communities.
The leaders said the completion of the road had restored hope to residents while creating improved access for the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods.
They commended the Governor for completing the project and other economically significant projects in the area, while expressing support for his administration and second-term ambition.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and residents of the benefiting communities.
