Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has approved immediate construction of new roads in rural communities to enable evacuation of produce from agricultural plantations.
Lack of access roads into these food producing communities in Yakurr LGA of the State, for instance, led to perishing of assorted crops, vegetables and fruits.
There has been alleged sidelining of the Agoi people despite their hues and cries over inaccessibility to evacuate their farm yields.
At a cabinet meeting, Wednesday, Otu announced that the executive has ratified and approved the constructions of new roads across the state, including the 5km Mkpani-Agoi road in Yakurr LGA.
He said the state also adopted a draft bill for enactment of Cross River Rural Access Roads Authority Law 2024.
The Agoi region is naturally endowed and heavily forested, bordered by Obubra, Etung, Baise, and Akamkpa Local Government Areas. It consists of three densely populated communities – Agoi Ekpo, Ekom Agoi, and Ago Ibami.
Reacting, a prominent traditional chief in Yakurr LGA and former presidential aide, Obol Okoi Obono-Obla hailed the decision to embark on construction of the road, saying infrastructural development in the Agoi region must be prioritized to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“Enhancing transportation connectivity in the region is crucial for the movement of goods, services, and people. This would help accelerate the region’s rise as a food production hub.
“Constructing the road from Ugep to Agoi Ibami could connect it with Idomi in Yakurr and Adim in Biase, facilitating the transportation of food items like plantains, yams, and garri.
“Currently, every market truck from Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, and even Benue State travels to Agoi Ibami for these food products.”
According to him,, Agoi communities are facing a serious security threat due to illegal miners infiltrating the area in search of gold mines from the Sahelian region of West Africa and Nigeria.
“This influx of illegal miners poses a significant risk to the sanctity of the region and could potentially destabilize the entire Cross River State if left unchecked.”
Obono-Obla called on the government to address the dire situation facing the Agoi communities because of its vulnerability, implement measures to alleviate their hardships and improve their living conditions.