MKPAT ENIN-Community stakeholders in Ikpa Ikono Clan, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have expressed excitement and appreciation to Governor Umo Eno over the ongoing construction of Ibekwe Akpanya–Iffe Town–Ekpuk Road project.
The stakeholders in a chat recently described Governor Umo Eno’ as a “promise keeper”, recalling his assurance to community leaders that the strategic road, which traverses several communities, in the area would be constructed.
The project, according to them, represents a major intervention in an area that had experienced neglect predating colonial times, limited government presence and infrastructure development over the years.
They said the project would significantly impact the lives and economic activities of residents across communities on the road, describing it as one of the most significant road projects to reach the area.
One of the stakeholders, who is also a Personal Assistant to Governor, Hon. Etido Udowo commended the state government not only for awarding the contract but also for mobilising the contractor to site.
He, particularly, praised the Chinese construction firm handling the project, describing it as a reputable company with a track record of delivering quality projects within stipulated timeframes.
“We thank the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for not just awarding the contract but, also mobilising the company to site.
“Although the rainy season does not really permit full-scale road construction, the company is doing a lot to prepare for the dry season,” he said.
He further grateful to Governor Eno for remembering the area in his infrastructure development programme, noting that the project would open up the communities and bring government presence closer to the people.
Also speaking, Hon. Nkereuwem James, who hails from Ikot Eda, where the just concluded EMOIMEE Community Development Trust free medical outreach was taking place, attributed the development to God and the efforts of political and community stakeholders, particularly Senator Ekong Sampson.
James said the area had been deprived of meaningful government presence for a long time, stressing that the ongoing road project had rekindled hope among residents.
“We most sincerely thank the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for this project that is ongoing. One can see that the company handling it is doing a great job already, and it is believed that after the rains, work will commence in full force,” he said.
He also called for continued peace and unity among the people, expressing support for the APC and acknowledging the roles of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senator Ekong Sampson in fostering development in the area.
In his remarks, a former Secretary of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, Hon. Friday Affia, said the road project was consistent with Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its emphasis on rural development.
Affia commended the governor for extending his administration’s development initiatives to Mkpat Enin, especially Ikpa Ikono Clan, describing the project as a welcome intervention that would improve connectivity and stimulate socio-economic activities in the benefiting communities.
The stakeholders, therefore, appealed to the state government and the contractor to sustain the momentum and ensure the timely completion of the road project, expressing optimism that its completion would mark a new chapter in the development of the communities.
They also made case for the linkage of Ikot Ekpaw – Minya Ntak – Ikot Ntuen road with Ibekwe Akpanya – Iffe Town – Ekpuk road to provide complete access to people traversing the communities to Oruk Anam and Ibagwa in Abak Local Government Areas.