Governor Umo Eno has reiterated his administration’s commitment to opening up rural communities through road infrastructure as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
The governor made the statement on Friday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in Nsit Ubium and Eket local government areas.
According to Eno, rural roads play a critical role in facilitating the movement of goods and services, improving access to markets, schools, and farms, while also enhancing the living conditions of residents.
He explained that the projects align with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on people-oriented development aimed at boosting rural connectivity and economic expansion across the state.
“I’m very interested in opening up rural communities because accessibility to markets, schools, and farms is very necessary for rapid economic growth of our people and our state,” the governor said.
“As we open up these communities, we are helping the movement of goods to urban areas and contributing to lowering the prices of products,” he added.
Governor Eno also thanked residents of the state for nominating him as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, while reaffirming his commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people.
During the inspection, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work at the various project sites and urged contractors to ensure timely delivery in line with agreed specifications.
Providing details on the Nsit Ubium–Eket road project, Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, disclosed that the project consists of a 2.4-kilometre dual carriageway with a 120-metre bridge designed to improve economic activities in communities along the corridor.
Projects inspected by the governor included the ongoing 2.4km Ofriyo Road and bridge linking Nsit Ubium and Eket, the General Hospital and Model Primary School in Nsit Ubium, as well as the dualisation of the 11.6km Ikot Imoh–Strabag Junction–Eket Road.
The inspection tour was attended by top government officials, contractors, and community leaders, including Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah and several stakeholders in the construction sector.
