By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
Residents of the Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, would continue to witness the transformation of the estate as the Akwa Ibom State Government is constructing more internal roads in the area.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who announced this Monday while inaugurating the 1.8km Paul Ekpo Crescent, 1.0km Emmanuel Ekon Avenue and the 0.8km Obot Emem Street, all in Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, approved the construction of nine kilometres more internal roads in the estate, alongside the installation of street lights on the inaugurated Paul Ekpo Crescent, Emmanuel Ekon Avenue and Obot Emem Street.
Eno directed the commissioner for works and fire service, Professor Eno Ibanga, to activate all modalities in line with due process to ensure a three-kilometre extension on each of the completed and commissioned projects to allow more residents of the area enjoy government’s infrastructural upgrade.
The governor reassured Akwa Ibom people of his resolve to complete all projects initiated by his predecessor to deliver the intended benefit and satisfaction to Akwa Ibom people.
He stated government’s sponsorship of five trainees from each of the 31 local Government Areas in the state at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) at Ikot Adaidem, in Ibiono Ibom, alongside an additional 40 slots for four groups of female cheerleaders.
He said the gesture was a better empowerment for youths than regular handouts and a better way to reward their consistent support, urging the leadership of the groups to immediately converge and work directly under the Office of the Deputy Governor, whom he described as a mother that would be able to bring all of them together.
Eno assured the groups that “as things are happening, we’ll send some slots to you and it will be shared across board”.
Giving a brief of the roads in the estate, the commissioner for works and fire service, Ibanga, said the three roads were direct labour projects inherited from the previous administration at initial stages and have been completed to a specification of 8.5m drain to drain width, 150mm laterite sub-base, 150mm crushed stone base and 50mm wearing course.
Residents of the estate, including the former Nigerian ambassador to Russia and Belarus, Chief Assam Assam SAN, member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, Obong Paul Ekpo and former representative of Abak Federal Constituency, Mr Emmanuel Ekon; said Eno has made Akwa Ibom people the world over, proud with his exceptional bi-partisan leadership style.
The transition committee chairman for Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, lauded the spread of projects in the estate, noting that Eno was deliberate about ensuring all classes of citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy.
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