By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
Residents of Udo Inwang and adjoining communities in Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State, have expressed excitement and appreciation to Governor Umo Eno following the completion and commissioning of a 5.5-kilometre road and comprehensive erosion control and land reclamation project in the area.
The project, commissioned on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, forms part of the ongoing commissioning of development projects across the state to commemorate Akwa Ibom State at 39.
The intervention has transformed an area previously threatened by severe gully erosion, restoring road access, reclaiming eroded portions of land and providing relief to residents and property owners who had lived for years under the threat of environmental degradation.
Governor Eno, who braved the heavy rainfall to inaugurate the project, said the intervention reflected his administration’s determination to confront critical environmental and infrastructural challenges while improving the quality of life of the people.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor described the road as strategically important to the development of Uyo, noting that it would also provide a vital link to the ARISE Palm Resort.
He said the completion of the project demonstrated the administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that responds directly to the needs of communities.
The Deputy Governor urged residents to protect the facilities by taking ownership of the road, drainage channels and erosion control structures.
She specifically warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains, stressing that blocked drainage channels could impede the free flow of water and recreate the conditions responsible for flooding and erosion.
Senator Eyakenyi commended the Ministry of Works and Fire Service as well as Bulletin Construction Company for delivering what she described as a significant infrastructure project.
Earlier, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, thanked Governor Eno for responding to the longstanding environmental challenge in the Udo Inwang axis.
Dr. Udo noted that the area had suffered serious erosion problems before the intervention, adding that the project had not only addressed the menace but had also transformed the environment and restored confidence among residents.
Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the intervention was necessitated by the severity of the erosion that had threatened lives and property in the area.
According to him, the erosion had become so devastating that it consumed the residence of a Village Head and posed an imminent threat to other buildings and properties.
Prof. Ibanga said Governor Eno subsequently directed the ministry to develop a permanent solution to the problem, leading to the integrated project involving erosion control, land reclamation and road construction.
He explained that the 5.5-kilometre road was constructed to standard and specification and covered Udo Inwang, Urua Udofia, Udo Ikpe, Afang Ekpe, Akpa Edoh, Etim Umanah, Anderson Close, Etim Okon Usanga and Udo Idongka, as well as Asuquo Akpan, with a spur to Urua Udofia.
The Commissioner said the erosion control and land reclamation works had stabilised the previously vulnerable area, while the new road had significantly improved accessibility and connectivity for residents and motorists.
The Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, commended Governor Eno for responding to the plight of residents of Udo Inwang and neighbouring communities.
He described the project as another demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to transforming the state capital and improving the living conditions of its residents.
Also speaking on behalf of Uyo elders, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Obong Aniedi Ndem, described the intervention as a landmark project.
Obong Ndem thanked the Governor for tackling the erosion menace and converting the ravine into a rehabilitated and attractive environment with potential for tourism and other economic activities.
The member representing Uyo State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, also commended Governor Eno, assuring him of the continued support and appreciation of the people for his development initiatives across the area.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the State Government and Political Leader of Uyo, Prince Enobong Uwah; member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Patrick Umoh; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers; community elders; women and youths; government officials and other stakeholders.
