By Bassey Nkponam
NSIT ATAI
The Akwa Ibom governor has applauded the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the 750km Lagos – Calabar coastal highway project, spanning through eight States in the country, describing it as a catalyst for economic boom.
Pastor Umo Eno who bared his mind, Tuesday, when he, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, flagged off the construction of the 65km:3-Lane dual carriageway, a component of the 750km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, which passes through Akwa Ibom State, at Ikot Asua village, in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, said Akwa Ibom people who are beneficiaries of the road construction do not take the gesture for granted, as the road could have passed through any other State within the coastal region.
Eno thanked President Tinubu for embarking on the bold and audacious project that is bound to unleash and expand the economic horizon and open up hitherto unreachable parts of the nation for easy movement of goods and services to urban centres.
He noted that the mission of President Tinubu on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is tied to the importance of road infrastructure which he enumerated to include its serving as a key catalyst for growth and prosperity of the nation, as it creates the ease of movement of goods and services.
Eno said the road when completed would also encourage small and medium scale enterprises, provide employment opportunities, stimulate interstate commerce and create bond among the people as boundaries are easily wiped off when roads passes through communities.
He made known that sections 3A and 3B of the project which cut across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, provide enormous benefits for the two states, and thanked the President for his inclusive leadership and prioritization of equal development across the nation without resorting to political considerations.
The governor called on the youths to cooperate with the contractors handling the project, and to sustain the peace the State is known for, as the State promises to work with the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to ensure that compensations are paid to the beneficiaries as soon as the Federal government releases the funds.
He appreciated the Minister for his intervention in the deplorable Calabar -Itu highway and pledged to work with the contracting firm, Hitech to ensure the execution of the road project.
Eno pledged the support of the State for President Tinubu to enable him complete the projects he has initiated across the country.
“Let me end by assuring our President, our people loving president, who will complete eight years, because we are going to stand by him, and this is the truth. He cannot start this work and abandon it, somebody else might not finish it. The hand that has started this work shall complete it. Our prayer is good health for Mr President to finish the work that he has started and commission it”..
The Minister of Works, Umahi, scored Eno high on the development of infrastructure across the State, describing him as a true leader who is passionate about quality and people-oriented projects.
He said the flag-off of the Lagos – Calabar coastal highway project will enhance the economy and accessibility of Akwa Ibom, which ambience he praised.
The member representing the Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Elder Mark Esset, expressed the gratitude of the people to President Tinubu for the coastal road project traversing the State and assured the Minister of Works of the support and cooperation of the House of Representatives to see to a seamless construction and timely completion of the road project for the good of the people.
In their separate remarks at the event, the chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government council, Mr Anthony Nyong, deputy political leader, Mr Lawrence Udosen, as well as the Paramount Ruler of Okobo, HRM Okokon Ita, appreciated President Tinubu for his magnanimity, saying that the road will usher in the ne
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