Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the 11-kilometre Owot Uta-Nung Oku-Edeobom Road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to rural development, agricultural expansion and improved access across communities in the state.
The road, which links Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas, was delivered under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, in partnership with the World Bank and the French Development Agency.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the project was one of the early infrastructure interventions flagged off by his administration shortly after assumption of office.
He said the road forms part of the broader ARISE Agenda, which places strong emphasis on rural access, agriculture, education, healthcare and community development.
According to him, the project will open up rural communities, improve the movement of farm produce, reduce transportation costs and support local economic activities.
The governor said his administration had so far constructed more than 1,300 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He added that every local government area in Akwa Ibom has ongoing projects in critical sectors, including roads, healthcare, agriculture and education.
Governor Eno commended the World Bank and the French Development Agency for supporting the state’s rural access programme, noting that similar projects were being implemented in other parts of the state.
He said the state government would continue to meet its counterpart funding obligations to attract more development support and deliver strategic infrastructure to the people.
The governor also disclosed that he had recently approved the release of N5.9 billion to the State Universal Basic Education Board for 2025 and 2026 intervention projects.
He said the approval was part of ongoing reforms in the basic education sector, which also include the recruitment of 1,000 additional primary school teachers.
Governor Eno said his administration would continue to invest in education, bursary payments and other youth-focused interventions designed to prepare young people for a technology-driven economy.
He also said the peaceful atmosphere in Akwa Ibom had continued to attract investors and development partners to the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Evans Edidiong Inyang, described Governor Eno as a leader who turns difficult promises into visible results.
He said the new road would strengthen economic activities, improve access between Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom, and deepen political inclusion in the area.
Inyang thanked the people of Ibesikpo Asutan for their continued support for the administration and assured the governor of sustained political backing ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mrs Otobong Aaron, also commended the governor for keeping his promises to the people and pledged continued support for his administration.
The State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Pastor Gideon Akpan, praised the governor for creating an enabling environment for partnership with the World Bank and other development agencies.
Akpan said Akwa Ibom had become a model in infrastructure delivery, adding that the project had also created opportunities for local participation in road maintenance under the International Labour Organisation framework.
He said the prompt payment of counterpart funds by the state government helped to ensure the successful delivery of the road and other rural access projects.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, described the road as a major support for the governor’s agricultural revolution agenda.
She said the project would reduce the cost of transporting farm produce, improve food distribution and make it easier for rural farmers to access urban markets.
The representative of the World Bank Country Director, Mrs Anna Bjerde, said the road would improve access to education, agriculture and employment opportunities for residents of the benefiting communities.
She commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its commitment to infrastructure development and assured that the World Bank would continue to support the state in critical sectors.
The National Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, said Akwa Ibom had distinguished itself among participating states through its readiness, commitment and effective project implementation.
He said the state was among the first batch of states to qualify for the project because of its preparedness and strong institutional support.
The Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom, represented by Ette Idong Udeme Nna, thanked the governor for promoting peace and development in the area.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, Edidem Clement Francis, expressed appreciation to the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises and assured him of the continued support of the traditional institution and people of the area.
Residents of the benefiting communities also commended Governor Eno for linking Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom through the newly completed road.
They described the project as a major boost to economic and social activities and a clear fulfilment of the governor’s promise to take development to rural communities.
