By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno on Tuesday commissioned the 9.76km Ikot Eyo-Edem Idim Okpot-Mbiekene-Nung Obong-Ikot Ntung-East West Road, which connects three neighboring local government areas—Eket, Esit Eket, and Ibesikpo-Asutan.
During the inauguration in Nsit Ubium, the governor assured Akwa Ibom residents of equitable distribution of projects across the state.
Eno commended the patience and understanding of the Nsit Ubium people regarding the administration’s spread of development projects across the state, assuring them that their support would be worthwhile, as their interests would receive due attention.
The governor praised the project contractor, Bulletine Construction Company Nigeria Ltd, for its diligence, adherence to timelines, and extra efforts, including the renovation of the Ikot Eyo Community School and the construction of a three-bedroom bungalow for the principal as part of its corporate social responsibility.
He also requested appropriate reclamation of a potential gully erosion site that may threaten the durability of the new road.
The governor assured the community that roads traversing the local government area are included in the 2025 budget for construction.
Eno described his emergence as governor as the best project for Akwa Ibom and Nsit Ubium.
“In next year’s budget, we have made provision for the dualisation of the Nung-Udoe, Afaha Nsit road, and outfalls in Ibesikpo and Nsit Ubium. That road will have a dual carriageway.
“We have also intentionally included provisions for the development of Afaha Offiong, Itreto in Nsit Ubium, up to Nsit Ibom. We need to open up that axis to improve commerce and traffic flow. We will continue to make every effort to uplift our grassroots communities as we develop our State,” the governor stated.
Providing an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, described the governor’s intervention on the road as a lifeline for several Nsit Ubium communities.
He assured the public that the 9.76km road, completed with a 60m-span bridge and spurs at Luke Avenue, Ikot Mbat, and Ndon Adiana, was built to specification.
Several Nsit Ubium stakeholders, including the Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob; former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke; Woman Leader, Dr. (Mrs.) Dora Bassey; Paramount Ruler, Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk; and the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Alfred Charles, all affirmed that the road, before the intervention, was a dangerous passage for children during the rainy season.
They noted that the previous poor condition of the road hindered farming and trade and thanked the Governor for ensuring the project’s completion.
The Managing Director of Bulletine Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, expressed gratitude to the state government for its confidence in his company and to the community for its cooperation.
He assured that his company would continue to meet expectations on any project assigned.