…receives accolades for restoring live on Spring Road
A total of eight road projects, 62 compassionate homes, a model primary health center and a water reticulation project are to be commissioned by the Akwa Ibom State Government in the next one month.
The projects will include at least two roads in each of the senatorial districts and two compassionate homes in each of the local government areas of the State.
Governor Umo Eno announced this at Ikot Ekpene on Friday while inaugurating the 1.1km Spring road and drainage project which links the only public female school in the area, Gorretti Girls Secondary School.
He commended the MD/CEO of U&K, Ukeme Peter Eyoh, for delivering on the job.
He reminded the people of his charge that his government was ready to engage youths in the art of governance.
“This is what can truly be defined as raising boys to men. Not by throwing money on the streets for young people to fight and injure themselves.
“For performing so well on this difficult task, we are awarding you Phase 2 of this project and when you finish, we will give you another project”, the visibly impressed Governor told the young entrepreneur.
It was encomiums and celebrations
as Governor Umo Eno inaugurated the 1.1km Spring Road and gully erosion project.
Political leader of the area, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien said the road has cemented Ikot Ekpene as a support base for the Governor.
He narrated how difficult it was for his people both in their farms and in the school, and also thanked the Governor for commencing the process for an international market in the area.
“Spring Road cost us many votes in the last General Elections, because the opposition came here and took photographs of school children falling inside the gully.”
“We are sure that you will even do more for us and we will support you till 2031”.
Also speaking a woman leader in the area, Regina Udoma said the women used to be in panic anytime there was a downpour, as they would rush to the road to rescue their children returning from school.
She said their farms were adversely affected by the poor condition of the road, as cultivating vegetables and other farm produces suffered a setback due to lack of access road.
For Barr Albert Umo who spoke for the youths, Governor Eno has responded to their yearnings and was deserving of plaudits.
“Your Excellency, once someone appreciates a good deed, more good deeds follow. We are sure more goodies will come our way in Ikot Ekpene, under your sterling leadership”, Barr Umo said.
Also speaking, another leader from the area, Engr. Etido Inyang, said beyond appreciation for the new road, his people are happy that the Governor has moved to establish an international market in the area.
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga said the road was one of the first set of roads the Governor offered to construct on assumption of office.
He said the next rainy season, there will be no flood in the community and thanked the Governor for approving the second phase of the project, which is the extension of the drainage facility.
The chairman of the area, Mr Aniefiok Nkom, who welcomed the Governor and his entourage, promised to replicate the ARISE vision in the area.
Highpoint of the occasion was cultural performances heralding the commissioning of a compassionate home in Atan village for a widow, Madam Christiana Tom.
Also see the before and after construction of the road.