AKSG Reiterates Commitment To Peoples’ Welfare

…. Commissions 4.95km Ekparakwa- Itak Ibesit Road
By Timothy Ekpo
ORUK ANAM
The Akwa Ibom government has said that it takes responsibility in ensuring that the welfare of the people arevigorously pursued as the 4.95 km Ekparakwa/ItakIbesit Road is commissioned for use.
Governor Umo Eno stated this at the commissioning of the project, where he stated that the inauguration of the project “was an exciting moment as it comes with joy and a feeling of fulfillment towards addressing the socio-economic challenges of Oruk Anam people” and beyond.
Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor told the gathering that it was the duty of government under his administration to put in place live-touching infrastructure and amenities that would transform rural communities into locations where people could conveniently occupy and earn a living. 
  “For me, government has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of the people. I feel happy each time I undertake the commissioning of a project because I know the connection between that project and the welfare of the people. So, on a day like this, there’s mutual joy between the government and the benefitting communities”, he said.
He explained that with the commissioning of the road, government was adding substantial value to Oruk Anam Local Government Area through the completion and commissioning of the 4.95kmEkparakwa – NtakIbesit Road.
Eno noted that the road linked Ekparakwa with ItakIbesit Clan, opening up access to health and educational facilities at Ikot Okoro, farmlands, markets in the area.
  “As we can see, this road connects Ekparakwa with Ibesit Clan, thus enhancing access to the General Hospital, Ikot Okoro as well as schools, farmlands and markets located in this route. At times, people underestimate the multiplier effects of good roads. Roads are keys which unlock socio-economic development. They give meaning to, and facilitate the viability of other infrastructural projects”, Eno told the people.
The state chief executive pointed out that his administration was redefining the concept of continuity, showcasing its power and unleashing its benefits for the people, stressing that it was in fulfilment of the promises he made on assumption of office in 2023, that he would complete all inherited projects to ensure the money already spent was not wasted, but that the people enjoyed the intended benefits as promised by government.
The governor emphasised the importance of Ekparakwa – NtakIbesit Road, adding that with the soon completion and commissioning of the 22.75km Ikot Ekaide – Ikot Okoro – Ibiritam Road with two bridges, it would significantly reduce the duration of travel between Akwa Ibom and Rivers State and viable alternative to the East West Road.
Eno solicited the continued support of Oruk Anam people to enable his administration do more for the area in addition to a good number of Oruk Anam people serving in his government as well as commended the leaders and people of the area for being patient for decades for the road to be constructed and thanked them for cooperating with the contractor that handled the job.
  “The story of this road, vis a vis Oruk Anam people is that of faith and perseverance. Although it was long in coming, you waited patiently until its actualisation. This is why I am as excited as you are”, the governor said and told them that Oruk Anam was a beneficiary of the one project per local government and ARISE Compassionate Homes Initiatives of his government, while the Model Primary School at Ikot Ibritam was almost ready for commissioning.
The chairman of the local government, Mr. Sunday Akpan, thanked God the turning point in the history of Oruk Anam which the Ekparakwa/ItakIbesit Road had to wear a new look thus enhancing the socio-economic development of the area.
He applauded Governor Eno on what he described as the unprecedented style of conducting the 2023 PDP Ward local government primaries and election which he emerged as the chairman of the local government.
Akpan commended the immediate past State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for choosing Eno as his successor among those that wanted the governorship position, a development he noted had ensured the completion and commissioning of the road.
He expressed the satisfaction of the people of the area on the various projects billed for commissioning in Oruk Anam, especially the approval for the construction of Ikot Ibritam/Don Etiebet/Ukanafun Road, which various administrations had overlooked for ages.
  Akpan reiterated the commitment of the area to support the administration of Governor Eno beyond 2027, in compensation for the lofty projects provided for Oruk Anam.
Good will messages came from the paramount ruler, HRM Johnny Obosi, who requested that the road be named after the former paramount ruler of the area, late Professor Brown Owo, former deputy speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udo Kerien Akpan, Justice Godwin Abraham, rtd, the commissioner for education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, wife of the member, Oruk Anam State Constituency, Mrs. Sampson Idiong and the youth leader, Mr Aniebet Nwen.