By: Eugene Upah
Reside
nts of Atan Onoyom community in Odukpani Local Government Area erupted in celebration on Saturday, June 12, 2026, as the Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Asuquo Ekpenyong, flagged-off the construction of a 17.5-kilometer road.
The project aims to link the historically underserved Odukpani LGA in Cross River State with Arochukwu in Abia State, creating an important urban access and stimulating economic ties between the two states.
The project, facilitated by Senator Ekpenyong through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), addresses a critical infrastructure deficit that dates back centuries. According to the lawmaker, the intervention is a direct response to a plea made by the community during his 2023 election campaign.
“I made a promise to the people of Atan Onoyom during the campaigns in 2023 that I was going to undertake this road,” Senator Ekpenyong stated during the flag-off ceremony. “I said I wouldn’t set foot on this place again until the construction of that road had begun and I am happy this is being done.”
Highlighting the historical context, Ekpenyong noted that the road corridor has existed since the 1800 century, with previous maintenance relying solely on community self-help efforts.
He commended the state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu for pledging support and praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for backing the project through the NDDC.
He commended the leadership of the NDDC through the Chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for deploying top-tier contractors to the site. He also extended appreciation to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for providing the necessary legislative backing to secure funding for the project under the Presidency.
Once completed, the 17.5km stretch is expected to seamlessly integrate with the federal government’s landmark Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This will provide a smoother transit network for commuters traveling between Arochukwu and Cross River State via the Okurikang, Ito, Idere and Ukwa routes.
Speaking on behalf of the construction firm, Godlove Kiri Sunday of Stanchions Nigeria Ltd assured residents of the team’s commitment to quality delivery, estimating a completion timeline of two and a half years.
The flag-off ceremony attracted a massive turnout of political and traditional attendees such as the Deputy National Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Francis Ekpenyong, Member representing Odukpani in the Cross River State House of Assembly, the Odukpani LGA Council Chairman, members of the traditional institution, community leaders and other stakeholders.
