GOV ENO INAUGURATES UDO INWANG ROAD, EROSION CONTROL PROJECT

GOV ENO INAUGURATES UDO INWANG ROAD, EROSION CONTROL PROJECT

…receives 100 per cent assurances ahead of 2027

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has said each of the 31 Local Government Areas of the state can boast of at least one road project, underscoring the administration’s commitment to spreading infrastructure development across the state.

The Governor spoke through his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, during the commissioning of the 5.5-kilometre Udo Inwang internal roads and erosion control project in Uyo on Wednesday, as part of activities marking the 39th Anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi representing Governor Umo Eno at the event

The latest road intervention comprises 11 adjoining roads within the Udo Inwang axis and is designed to improve accessibility, address the area’s longstanding erosion challenge and strengthen connectivity to major parts of Uyo metropolis, including the nearby Arise Palm Resort.

Senator Eyakenyi described the project as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to implementing projects that directly impact the lives of the people.

She said the Udo Inwang project was the ninth project being commissioned as part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary, adding that the development reflected the administration’s sustained focus on infrastructure and human capital development.

The Deputy Governor said the administration’s interventions extended beyond physical infrastructure to programmes aimed at improving the livelihoods of different categories of residents across the state.

She listed empowerment initiatives for traders, farmers, women and youths among the programmes implemented by the government, noting that the interventions were designed to create opportunities and improve the economic well-being of the people.

“Other speakers have identified that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State came with a free mind to touch the people of the state.

“He has done empowerment of traders, empowerment of farmers and empowerment of female youths,” she said.

Senator Eyakenyi also highlighted the administration’s investment in youth development, noting that several young people had been trained and empowered through various government programmes.

She said the training and empowerment initiatives were aimed at equipping youths with relevant skills and creating opportunities for them to become economically productive.

According to her, the Udo Inwang project further demonstrated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and served as a reassurance to residents, particularly the youths, that their welfare remained a priority.

The Deputy Governor, however, called on residents and communities to protect government infrastructure and ensure that completed projects were not abused.

She specifically cautioned residents against dumping refuse in drainage channels, warning that such practices could undermine efforts to control flooding and erosion.

Senator Eyakenyi noted that the heavy rainfall experienced across the state had contributed to flooding in some areas and urged residents to make proper use of designated waste disposal points.

She warned that persons caught dumping refuse in drainage channels would be arrested and handed over to the relevant authorities.

The Deputy Governor urged communities across the state to take ownership of government projects, stressing that the protection and maintenance of public infrastructure was a collective responsibility.

Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, explained that the intervention was largely necessitated by the severe erosion menace that had threatened lives, homes and property along the axis.

Prof. Ibanga recalled that when Governor Eno assumed office, the erosion problem along Udo Inwang Road had become critical, with the ravine consuming several houses, including the residence of the Village Head of Ewet Offot.

He said the Governor subsequently directed the Ministry of Works to tackle the challenge decisively, noting that the intervention eventually gave birth to the development of Arise Palm Resort and the restoration of the surrounding road network.

“This is a very interesting project.

“When His Excellency assumed office as Governor, we were faced with a serious erosion problem along Udo Inwang Road, which had consumed several houses, including the residence of the Village Head of Ewet.

“His Excellency directed that the erosion problem be addressed decisively. The intervention to solve that challenge ultimately gave birth to the Arise Palm Resort.”

According to the Commissioner, restoring Udo Inwang Road also required the government to address other failed roads within the environment, resulting in the construction of the 11 roads that make up the 5.5-kilometre project.

“These 5.5 kilometres are made up of 11 roads constructed in the whole of this environment, so that when you enter anywhere now, you have free access into the main arteries of this city,” he said.

Prof. Ibanga stressed that the significance of the project went beyond providing access for motorists and residents, describing it as a strategic link to Arise Park and the nearby Arise Palm Resort.

He said the improved road network would facilitate access to the tourism destination and contribute to the economic development of the area.

The Commissioner commended Governor Eno for what he described as an intentional approach to infrastructure development, noting that attention had been given to the quality and durability of the roads.

He expressed confidence that the roads would remain functional for several decades before requiring major rehabilitation.

Prof. Ibanga said the transformation of the area from an erosion-prone environment into an accessible urban and tourism corridor demonstrated the wider impact of the administration’s infrastructure interventions.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, commended Governor Eno for what he described as his all-inclusive style of leadership.

He particularly appreciated the Governor for the numerous appointments and empowerment opportunities extended to indigenes of Uyo Local Government Area.

“Your Excellency, we are very happy with your all-inclusive style of leadership.

“I want to specially thank you for the numerous appointments and empowerment opportunities you have given to our sons and daughters from Uyo Local Government Area,” Udo said.

The Council Chairman recalled the difficulties previously experienced by residents of the Udo Inwang axis, noting that the deplorable condition of the road had affected movement, access to schools and other daily activities.

“For the residents of Udo Inwang Road, we know how difficult it used to be for residents to take their children to school and go about their daily business.

“People used to avoid this axis because of the challenges.”

He said the intervention had restored hope and comfort to residents by addressing both the road infrastructure and erosion challenge.

In separate goodwill messages, Obong Aniedi Ndem, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, who spoke on behalf of the elders of Uyo, described the commissioning as a landmark development for the capital city.

Obong Ndem commended Governor Eno for what he described as his intentional development of Uyo, particularly the transformation of the ravine into a tourist attraction.

He also highlighted the construction of health centres, model schools, compassionate homes and other projects across the capital city as evidence of the administration’s interventions in Uyo.

The Paramount Ruler of Uyo, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, also commended the Governor for the intervention, recalling the deplorable state of the road before its reconstruction.

He said the people of Uyo, including men, women and youths, were grateful to the Governor for alleviating their suffering through the project.

Also, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, who spoke alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, pledged the support of the people of Uyo for Governor Eno ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Asuquo declared that the people of Uyo would reciprocate the Governor’s interventions with “100 per cent votes” in the 2027 polls.

He cited the appointments and empowerment opportunities extended to the people of Uyo, including the appointment of an indigene as Secretary to the State Government, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, and a Commissioner from a minority clan.

The commissioning of the Udo Inwang Road project adds to the road infrastructure interventions being implemented across Akwa Ibom, with the State Government maintaining that each of the state’s 31 Local Government Areas has benefited from at least one road project under Governor Umo Eno.

The project also highlights the administration’s approach of combining road construction with erosion control and urban development, particularly in areas where infrastructure challenges have affected access, safety and economic activity.