In a joyous twist of events, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has awarded contracts for the construction of the Mbiaso Bridge linking Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara, as well as the transformation of St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Nto Ide, into a model school.
Governor Eno made the pronouncement at the commissioning of the 60-metre-span Nto Ide-Ikot Amba bridge with an 800-metre approach road in Obot Akara LGA.
The Governor, who was in Obot Akara to flag off the construction of 11.71 km of Abiakpo Ikot Otu-Atan Ibong-Usaka Annang Road and Nto Ndang-Nto Ekpu Road with two bridges, each spanning 15 metres, expressed delight over the overwhelming jubilant crowd that always greets his visit to the area and assured that more projects will be flagged off and commissioned in the area.
The compassionate Governor, who appreciated the Head and other teachers of St. Patrick’s Catholic School for their commitment to duties, especially for the brilliant and radiant-looking pupils who came out to do a welcome song, directed his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Barr. Morgan Ekanem, to ensure the total demolition of all structures in the school in two weeks and rebuild with full furnishing, including perimeter fences, solar power, security gates, classrooms, computer science laboratories, staff quarters, school bus and more, following the ARISE School Model.
He noted that the government under his leadership is committed to improving the living conditions of its citizens in line with the ARISE Agenda.
Related: Gov Eno Flags Off Roads Construction In Obot Akara, Essien Udim And Etim Ekpo LGAs
Governor Eno, who is a seasoned entrepreneur, also directed the SSA on Entrepreneurial Development, Mr. Ime Uwah, and the leadership of the Ibom-LED to train 400 female youths from the different female youth organisations and to empower them with N750,000 each as start-up grants.
He said he was touched by the commitment of the female youths, who have been supportive since the campaigns and since the inception of his administration, stressing that he will commit to the improvement of their fortunes.
According to him, “Female youths hear me. I hate to finish, and they do not have anything to do. We are going to train the next 400 of them. Everywhere we’ve been, they’ve been with us, and they deserve to be given a source of livelihood, so we will train and empower them.
“Because they are young girls, they might not have shops. So apart from the N500,000 empowerment for each of them, you’ll add N250,000 so that they can rent shops,” Governor Eno said.
He said the Not Ide-Ikot Amba bridge was started by his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, adding that he was committed to completing the projects of his predecessors for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.
He noted that rural development is central to the ARISE Agenda, and his administration will continue to initiate policies and programmes that will impact rural dwellers.
Read Also: Governor Eno Reiterates Commitment To Gender Inclusive Government
The Governor maintained that transition committee chairmen should further the ARISE agenda in their various areas, adding that the call for these chairmen to submit reports is to know what they have done within six months of their appointment to ensure complementary operation and not project duplication.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, said that the carnival-like event was not enough to appreciate the governor for linking them with neighbouring local governments, stressing that they will appreciate him better in 2027 with their votes.
Also speaking, the Transition Committee Chairman of Obot Akara LGA, Mr. Anietie Ebritam, said the commissioned project is a fulfilment of a promise made to Obot Akara, adding, “Obot Akara is proud of you because of your life-touching programmes in the state. You have opened up rural communities for socio-economic development.”
Giving an insight on the project, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the project progressed from the 60 per cent met by the current administration to 100 per cent implementation in less than one year of the Pastor Umo Eno government, indicating that the governor, who believes in continuity in governance, cares more about projects that impact the people than making a name for himself.
He said the project has a 60-metre-span reinforced concrete bridge piled to a depth of 23 metres and can carry a 450-tonne capacity, as well as an 800-metre approach with drains, and assured that it will serve the state for a very long time.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, described the governor as a worthy ambassador of the party, especially for keeping to his campaign promises.
He appreciated the people of Obot Akara for their support and votes in the last election, adding that the large turnout is an indication that 2027 will be a workover for Pastor Umo Eno.
