IKOT EKPENE INT’L MARKET: FROM ASHES OF NEGLECT, A VIBRANT COMMERCIAL GATEWAY

IKOT EKPENE INT’L MARKET: FROM ASHES OF NEGLECT, A VIBRANT COMMERCIAL GATEWAY

– Samuel Ayara

The aphorism that “the universe is full of dreams consumed in the belly of time” is a timeless classic that highlights the danger of procrastination. Across spheres of human endeavour lie relics of long-forgotten lofty ideas and innovations that never saw the light of day. Like wounds, they have healed with time.

But in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, a Midas touch is defying time to revive and rekindle long-forgotten dreams. Since 2023, this has continued to find expression in Governor Umo Eno’s transformational leadership, which is changing things for underserved communities and demographics.

With dust from an exhilarating 30-day sojourn where life-touching projects were inaugurated to commemorate the state’s 39th anniversary of creation, yet unsettled, Governor Eno, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, proved himself a veteran in dispensing suspense when he arrived Ikot Ekpene to unveil and turn the SOD for the Construction of an International Market.

For its history, proximity and strategic location, Ikot Ekpene has been a major trade route that opens the Gulf of Guinea to Eastern Nigeria’s burgeoning commercial offerings. Markets within its catchment, like Urua Mbakara and Obo Annang, have attracted impressive patronage and growth, justifying the siting of an international market.

This new Gateway to Commerce and Economic Prosperity is part of Governor Umo Eno’s strategic drive to expand trade and commerce across the State. A campaign promise that was easy to doubt, for as long as it remained a recurring and seemingly unrealizable political medley.

Drawing from sentiments expressed by the people, what the government is delivering far outclasses what they ever desired.

Designed to deliver in its first phase, 30 modern standard blocks of 1,200 shops, warehouses, dedicated power, borehole water, modern abattoir, restaurants, Police Station, over 6km of asphalted and concrete internal road, as well as perimeter fencing; the market holds a promise of socioeconomic rebirth in the region.

Returning historical Ikot Ekpene to the commercial glory long lost to the fury of the Nigerian civil war must be an ambition only leaders in the mould of Governor Eno can dare. This explains the excitement that filled the air when he stepped forward for the symbolic ceremony for the project, conceived long before the advent of the Fourth Republic.

According to Governor Eno, the market is designed to do more than buying and selling; it is a commercial hub that would promote the exchange of ideas, stimulate economic growth, and create opportunities for traders and young people to explore the prosperity that has continued to find a home in the state.

An innovation that would strengthen Akwa Ibom’s destination advantage, Governor Eno is convinced the market would complement the administration’s strategic investments in healthcare, tourism, aviation and infrastructure to provide people with sustainable and bankable economic alternatives.

Witnessing the project leave paper to site must have greatly excited the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd), who commended the Governor’s deliberate commitment to making the state a multi-faceted hub, while restating readiness to deliver on schedule.

Reflecting on the tortuous journey to the symbolic unveiling, Captain Ekong, in his overview of the project, highlighted how Governor Eno is transforming the over 20-hectare hitherto encumbered land into an audacious and focal trade destination in the region, as well as the promise it holds for generations yet unborn.

Engaging more than one company on a project is not a regular practice. Still, for its pivotal nature, various components of this project are awarded to the trio of Tenth Investment Limited, Gracib Investment Limited, and Global Pilot Limited, who, through their Chief Executives, have assured of their commitment to delivering a market infrastructure that would stand the test of time, while having Governor Eno to thank for the confidence reposed in them.

The Ikot Ekpene International Market means different things to different people.

For the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, it is Governor Eno’s response to the demand of Stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, at last year’s Town Square meeting. Noting it would change the narratives of commerce for the state and an extensive part of the Gulf of Guinea.

Trapped in paucity of expressions to convey his gratitude, the Paramount Ruler of the area, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, prayed blessings on the Governor.

It was a good moment for the Director General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, to remind the people of the numerous promises Governor Eno has fulfilled since 2023, and to assure them that 2027 would deliver more dividends in ARISE 2.0.

A bold investment that will create a thriving ecosystem for commerce, generate jobs, and deliver economic prosperity for the people, the Ikot Ekpene International Market will strengthen agricultural and industrial value chains, attract investors, increase internally generated revenue, and position the state as a leading trade and commerce hub.

More than a historical milestone, this achievement ticks the right boxes in redefining eras. Governor Umo Eno, with the verve to deliver on this project, has shifted Akwa Ibom State from the convenience of excuses to the resilience of creating a vibrant commercial gateway from the ashes of neglect.

Samuel Ayara writes from Ibong Otoro in Abak LGA.