By Usiere Akpan
ONNA
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has endorsed Akwa Ibom government’s life touching projects in the last seven years.
Obasanjo, watched by the Akwa lbom governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, made the remarks in Onna and Etinan, Monday, during the inauguration of the 29 kilometers Etinan-Ndon Eyo Highway project initiated and completed by the Akwa lbom government.
He stated that the inauguration of various mega life touching projects by the Akwa lbom government testify to the passion and deep commitment to development, adding that Emmanuel has exhibited remarkable characters of rare public office holders in serving the public above self interests.
Obasanjo said that it was a delight to be regularly invited to celebrate the inauguration of one landmark project to another in Akwa Ibom, imploring other administrations to emulate the pace setting profile of development in Akwa Ibom.
He recalled that the Emmanuel administration had recently completed and inaugurated a flyover bridge and has again made history in the completion of 29km first class, dualised and well paved road with two cable bridges, stressing that Akwa Ibom is setting commendable pace worthy of emulation.
Obasanjo noted that in addition to the drive for development, Emmanuel has offered service with transparency in character and immeasurable attributes of good leaders, advising Emmanuel to continue in the direction of doing positively,while urging beneficiaries of the road projects to utilise it for social and economic benefits as well as taking ownership.
Gov Udom Emmanuel stated that the project was cost intensive due to economic down turn and the outbreak of the Corona virus pandemic, appreciating the divine direction for the completion of the project based on the needs of the communities and the projected influx of visitors and investors to the state.
He mentioned that the Etinan-Ndon Eyo road, with two cable bridges remain the longest single stretch project in the state,appreciating Obasanjo for encouragements to continue at the most challenging period in the state and country.
An indigene of one of the benefitting communities, Obong Paul Ekpo, recalled that the promise for the construction ofthe road was a major campaign agenda for the governor’s second term election in 2019, noting that it was a day of fulfillment for the people to witness the inauguration.
Ekpo appreciated Emmanuel for the honour done to the various communities and extolled the present condition of the road, adding that the socio-economic value it has for Akwa Ibom has eroded the memory of past travails in the state.
The commissioner for works and fire service, Professor Eno Ibanga, said the road was constructed to be a masterpiece and a gateway for investors.
The inauguration of the road and bridges was watched by the former governor of Gombe state, Ibrahim Dankwambo, the member representing Onna State Constituency, Mr. Nse Essien, the member representing Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Patrick Ifon, the paramount ruler of Onna Local Government Area, Edidem Raymond Inyang, as well members of the state executive council.
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