Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rural development and infrastructure expansion with the commissioning of the 11km Owot Uta-Nung Oku- Edeobom road project.

The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the project was part of the administration’s determination to open up rural communities, stimulate economic growth and improve the movement of agricultural produce across the state.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Eyakenyi said the road constructed in partnership with the World Bank under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), was among the first projects flagged off by the administration shortly after the Governor’s inauguration and had remained significant to the government’s ARISE Agenda.

She noted that the administration had continued to prioritise education, agriculture, healthcare and road infrastructure across the 31 local government areas of the state.

“Today, we have constructed over 1,300 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the three senatorial districts.

Eyakenyi commended the World Bank and the French Development Agency for partnering with the state government on the project, stressing that similar road projects were ongoing in other local government areas.

“There is no local government area without an ongoing project in healthcare, agriculture, education, roads and other sectors.”

The deputy governor disclosed that the Governor recently approved the release of N5.9bn to the State Universal Basic Education Board for the 2025/2026 intervention projects, adding that he had also approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional primary school teachers.

According to her, the state government would continue to invest heavily in education through bursary payments and other interventions aimed at equipping young people for a technology-driven world.

She added that the peaceful atmosphere in the state had continued to attract investors and development partners to Akwa Ibom.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Evans. Edidiong Inyang, in his welcome remarks described the Governor as “a man who turns the impossible into possible,” while thanking the people of Ibesikpo for supporting the administration.

He said the road linking Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom would boost economic activities and political inclusion in the area, assuring the governor of the people’s support ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We will reciprocate this gesture in 2027 by returning Governor Umo Eno to the Hilltop Mansion.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mrs Otobong Aaron commended the governor for fulfilling his promises to the people, pledging continued support for the administration.

The State Project Coordinator, Pastor Gideon Akpan, thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment for collaboration with the World Bank and other development agencies.

He said the state had become a model in infrastructure development, noting that under the International Labour Organisation framework, indigenes of the state had been engaged in road maintenance across projects in communities.

Akpan explained that the payment of counterpart funding by the state government had ensured the successful delivery of the project and other rural access roads.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, described the road project as a major step towards the realisation of the governor’s agricultural revolution agenda.

She said the road would reduce transportation costs, improve food distribution and increase efficiency in the movement of farm produce from rural communities to urban centres.

Also, the representative of the World Bank Country Director, Mrs Anna Bjerde, said the project would facilitate access to education, agriculture and employment opportunities for residents.

She commended the state government for its commitment to infrastructure development and assured that the World Bank would continue to support Akwa Ibom in critical sectors.

Similarly, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, the National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) said Akwa Ibom distinguished itself among participating states and emerged among the first batch to qualify for the project due to its readiness and commitment.

The Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom, represented by Ette Idong Udeme Nna, appreciated the governor for fostering peace and development in the area.

Also, Edidem Clement Francis, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises, assuring him of the continued support of the traditional institution and people of the area.

“The people of Ibesikpo Asutan will stand by you because when you give, you also receive.”

Residents of the benefiting communities have commended the administration of Governor Eno for linking Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas through the newly commissioned 11km road project, describing it as a fulfilment of the Governor’s campaign promises and a major boost to economic and social activities.