… Reaffirms Commitment to Infrastructure Development

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the 11-kilometre Owouta–Nung Oku–Ekere–Afaha–Udo Eyop–Edeobom–Utuat Market Junction demonstration road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development across the State.

The commissioning ceremony took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Edeobom 1 in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi said every Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom has benefited from impactful projects, including roads, schools, hospitals, and other people-oriented infrastructure aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens.

Governor Eno also highlighted recent strides in the agricultural sector, recalling the commissioning of Ibom Agricultural Equipment Leasing Limited a few days earlier, while announcing plans to launch an oil palm revolution initiative targeted at boosting food production and ensuring food sufficiency in the State.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, commended the Governor for promptly paying the counterpart funding required for the project.

Offor noted that improved rural infrastructure would significantly reduce rural-urban migration by opening up economic opportunities in local communities.

She further disclosed that RAAMP has successfully delivered over 202 kilometres of rural roads across 18 Local Government Areas, while establishing 19 Road Maintenance Groups comprising 65 members across 14 LGAs to ensure sustainability and proper maintenance of rural roads.

She appreciated the State government, World Bank and French Development Agency for their support to the project, not forgetting the International Labour Organization.

The National Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Engr. Aminu Mohammed, described Akwa Ibom as one of the standout States among the 19 participating States, noting that its performance has earned it qualification for the second phase of the project, a clear indication of consistency and effective implementation.

Also speaking, the representative of the World Bank Country Director and Practice Manager, Mrs. Hannah, explained that the project integrates road construction, agro-logistics centres, and rural markets to stimulate agricultural productivity, increase income generation, and create more economic opportunities for rural dwellers.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Pastor Gideon Akpan, applauded Governor Eno for providing the enabling environment that allowed the project to be executed successfully in line with World Bank procedures and standards.

The Chairmen of Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas, Hon. Edidiong Inyang and Rt. Hon. Otobong Aaron, respectively, noted that the road project connects communities from Owot Uta to Edeobom 1, thereby strengthening economic and social ties between both LGAs.

They expressed appreciation to the Governor and pledged continued support for his administration.

The Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, Edidem Francis Ekpenyong III, and the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom LGA, Edidem Manasseh Akpan, represented by Eteidung Udeme Nnah, lauded Governor Umo Eno and the project’s development partners for bringing the initiative to the area and assured the government of their unwavering support.