Governor Umo Eno has inaugurated the 10.4-kilometer Idoro (Uyo) – Ukpom (Abak) Road project, fulfilling a key campaign promise to complete inherited projects from the immediate past administration of Mr. Udom Emmanuel. The newly commissioned road is expected to significantly boost economic and agricultural activities by opening up rural communities in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, attended by jubilant indigenes and leaders from the benefiting Uyo and Abak local government areas, Governor Eno expressed his satisfaction with the project’s successful completion despite the initial challenges.
“I promised during our campaigns that we would do all we can to complete all ongoing projects by the last administration,” Governor Eno stated. “This project was initiated by the administration of my political father, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, and we had promised we would complete this project. Today, we are here in fulfillment of that promise.”
The Governor commended Amitec Construction for their work on the challenging project and lauded the Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, for his dedication. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to connecting rural communities to urban centers and ensuring Akwa Ibom continues to benefit from its political engagements.
Governor Eno also extended his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his economic reforms, acknowledging that the release of funds from the federal government played a crucial role in enabling the state to complete its projects. He urged Akwa Ibom people to support President Tinubu for a second term, emphasizing the importance of a unified voice from the state.
Looking ahead, Governor Eno announced plans to flag off youth-friendly centers in all local government areas in the coming weeks, in collaboration with the Minister for Youth Development. These centers aim to galvanize and support the state’s youth.
The Governor further assured contractors that his government would not default on payments, stressing that funding is set aside before contracts are awarded. He warned against “variation” requests, urging contractors to meticulously review their contracts before commencement.
“We have ended variation. When we give you a contract, make sure you look at your contract. You will not use style to take the job and come back to us for variation,” he firmly stated.
In a gesture of magnanimity, Governor Eno directed the Head of Service to immediately employ a physically challenged lawyer who was recently called to the Nigerian Bar.
Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, highlighted the road’s previous impassable condition, which cut off access to three major healthcare centers. “Today, Your Excellency, you have restored hope,” he remarked.
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Services, Professor Eno Ibanga, confirmed that the Governor inherited the project and paid 80 percent of the completion cost.
Stakeholders from Uyo and Abak local government areas expressed their appreciation to the Governor and pledged their support for his administration. Prince Clement Jimbo, the lawmaker representing Abak Federal Constituency, specifically thanked the Governor for uniting the state politically.
Engr. Aiman Saimua, Managing Director of Amitec, expressed his company’s honor and pledged to install six boreholes along the road – three in the Uyo constituency and three in the Abak axis – as directed by the Speaker and the Uyo lawmaker.
Earlier, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, alongside his Abak counterpart, recounted their previous efforts to calm communities affected by the road’s deplorable state, expressing gratitude for the Governor’s intervention.
