GOV ENO COMMISSIONS 10.83KM MKPAT ENIN–ETINAN ROAD, BRIDGE

GOV ENO COMMISSIONS 10.83KM MKPAT ENIN–ETINAN ROAD, BRIDGE

…earns plaudits from Senator Sampson, Others

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has commissioned the 10.83-kilometre Mkpat Enin–Ikot Ekpe–Ikot Afang–Ikot Umiang–Mbioto–Efa Road, with a spur to Ikot Enyienge and a 30-metre bridge, linking communities in Mkpat Enin and Etinan Local Government Areas.

The project commissioned on Tuesday, September 29, was part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary and is the 29th project commissioned in the series of anniversary projects across the state.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described the project as the fulfilment of a campaign promise to the people of the area.

He appreciated the people of Mkpat Enin for their support, assuring them that their request for the rehabilitation of the abandoned police station would be considered. However, the chairman of Mkpat Enin should work with the state commissioner of police to see to its fruition.

Governor Eno further explained that the economic impact of the road would be significant, particularly in facilitating the movement of people, goods and services across the communities.

According to him, the project reflects his deliberate effort to connect rural communities with urban centres and create an environment for increased economic activity and development.

“We are gathered here to fulfil one of our campaign promises here in the LGAs. With this commissioning today, that promise is fulfilled.

“The economic impact of this road is enormous. It will enhance the movement of goods and services easily across the parts of the state.

“The Governor is intentional about interlinking rural communities to urban centres, and this road will bring more development to the communities involved.”

Also, speaking, Senator Ekong Sampson, who represents the district in the Senate, also commended the Governor for the road project and other development initiatives in the area, expressing appreciation for the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and the wellbeing of residents.

Senator Sampson whose message was conveyed by former CMD of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Etete Peters, assured the Governor that Mkpat Enin people will respond to his kind gestures by voting massively for the APC in the next general elections.

In their separate remarks, the Chairmen of Mkpat Enin and Etinan Local Government Areas expressed appreciation to the Governor for the road project and other interventions executed in their respective areas.

The Mkpat Enin Council Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Inyang, commended Governor Eno for providing infrastructure that has touched communities across the local government, describing him as a leader and mentor to other council chairmen in the state.

He specifically appreciated the Governor for the road project, as well as the Model Primary School, health centres and Compassionate Homes provided in the area.

“Today I stand to thank you for what you have done, especially for this project that has touched both Mkpat Enin and Etinan. Thank you for the Model Primary School and health centres, including Compassionate Homes.”

The Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area Mr. Uko Umo, on his part, thanked the Governor for what he described as a significant relief to the people, particularly market women who depend on accessible roads for their economic activities.

He said the improved road infrastructure would make movement easier and contribute to the economic wellbeing of residents.

While giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the road was one of the first projects awarded by the present administration.

Prof. Ibanga recalled the difficulty of accessing the area before the road was constructed, saying that during the campaign period, it took about two hours to travel to the residence of the Paramount Ruler.

The Commissioner said Governor Eno had promised the people that he would construct the road and had now fulfilled that promise.

“When we were going for campaigns, it took us two hours to reach the Paramount Ruler’s house, but today it is ten minutes.

“The Governor promised that he would do this road and today, he has done it.”

Professor Ibanga explained that approximately 7.63 kilometres of the road falls within Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, while the remaining section is located in Etinan.

He added that the road included a spur leading towards the Paramount Ruler’s residence, describing the improved access as a major intervention for the communities.

According to him, the area was previously an eyesore, but the completion of the road had significantly improved accessibility and security. He also explained that the roundabout incorporated into the project was provided as a safety measure for motorists and other road users.

“We added the roundabout as a safety measure to people plying the road. This road is one show of quality projects done by His Excellency the Governor.”

In separate goodwill messages, stakeholders from the two local government areas, including Lady Ekaette Usip, who spoke on behalf of the women, former Mkpat Enin Local Government Chairman, Hon. Elder Udo Sam Umoatan, and members representing Mkpat Enin and Etinan State Constituencies, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot and Hon. Uwem Ita, respectively, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the road project and other development interventions across the state.

They commended the administration for its infrastructure projects and their impact on the people, noting that the improved road network would enhance movement and economic activities in the benefiting communities.

The Paramount Rulers of Etinan and Mkpat Enin thanked Governor Eno for what they described as a timely intervention, while appealing for additional road projects and improved electricity supply in their communities.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, commended the administration for its infrastructure interventions across the state.

The stakeholders expressed gratitude to the Governor for delivering quality projects and pledged their support for the administration’s continued development efforts in Akwa Ibom State.