Commissions 2.1km Internal Roads at Obong University, Etim Ekpo
By Ndifreke Bassey
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has further demonstrated his commitment to inclusive governance with the commissioning of 2.1 kilometres of internal roads at Obong University, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
The road project, commissioned on Thursday as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, is expected to ease movement within the university environment and improve access for students, staff, visitors and members of the host community.
Representing the Governor at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the intervention reflected the administration’s determination to provide basic amenities for all Akwa Ibom people without discrimination.
Ekpo said Governor Eno had demonstrated that he was the Governor of every Akwa Ibom citizen, stressing that the welfare of the people remained central to his administration irrespective of whether they attended or worked in public or private institutions.
He particularly highlighted the Governor’s interest in education and students’ welfare, noting that the intervention at Obong University demonstrated that students in private institutions were equally part of the state’s development agenda.
According to him, the administration’s approach recognises government’s responsibility to provide infrastructure that improves the lives of citizens while supporting institutions that contribute to the state’s development.
The Minister also disclosed that an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre would be provided to Obong University through his office to strengthen digital learning and expand students’ access to technology.
He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to sustain the peace prevailing in the state, saying Governor Eno had consistently promoted the ideal of a united Akwa Ibom.
Ekpo called on citizens to reject attempts to create ethnic divisions and biases, stressing that unity and cooperation among leaders at the federal and state levels were essential for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described herself as a friend, mother and sister to the people of Etim Ekpo and commended the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Eyakenyi said Governor Eno had once again demonstrated that his administration was focused on serving the entire state rather than any particular section.
She described the road project as evidence of the Governor’s concern for students across Akwa Ibom, irrespective of whether they attended federal, state or private institutions.
The Deputy Governor noted that improved infrastructure around educational institutions would create a better environment for teaching and learning while also providing wider economic benefits to host communities.
Earlier, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Hon. Gideon Uwa, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the project.
Uwa recalled the various people-oriented projects executed by the administration in the area, saying the people of Etim Ekpo were happy and proud of the Governor’s interventions. He pledged their continued support for the administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Giving an overview of the project, the Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Works, Mr. Ignatius Ekwere, said the intervention covered approximately 2.1 kilometres of internal roads within the Obong University environment.
He explained that the project included the necessary road and drainage infrastructure and was supervised by the Ministry of Works to ensure compliance with required engineering standards.
Ekwere described the project as another testimony to Governor Eno’s commitment to infrastructure development and his determination to address challenges confronting communities and institutions across the state.
The Vice Chancellor of Obong University, Professor Emmanuel Umanah, thanked Governor Eno on behalf of the management, staff and students of the institution.
Umanah said the intervention was particularly significant because the university is located in Ward 7 of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, adding that its impact would extend beyond the institution.
He noted that the area was an important oil palm-producing region and expressed confidence that improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, stimulate commercial activities and contribute to the local economy.
The Vice Chancellor added that the new infrastructure would provide a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and other academic activities.
The Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Prof. Amanam Udo, also expressed appreciation to the Governor for the intervention.
Udo, who disclosed that he was the second Vice Chancellor of Obong University, recalled his involvement in the development of the institution, including the period when it obtained accreditation and graduated its pioneer students.
He described the road project as a major relief for the university, noting that establishing and sustaining a private university was capital-intensive and required adequate infrastructure for growth.
The traditional ruler said the intervention would benefit both the university and the host community.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives, particularly the intervention at the university.
Ntukekpo said the people of Akwa Ibom were proud of the Governor’s achievements and the impact of projects being executed across the state.
In his goodwill message, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, emphasised the importance of unity and collective commitment in sustaining the development of Akwa Ibom State.
The commissioning of the internal roads is expected to deliver benefits beyond improved access within the university.
Apart from enhancing the physical environment of the institution, the project is expected to strengthen connectivity in an area known for oil palm production, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and encourage commercial activities.
The intervention also reinforces the administration’s emphasis on education and human capital development by extending infrastructure support to students and institutions irrespective of ownership.
The project formed part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary, with development initiatives across the state highlighting the administration’s focus on infrastructure, education, peace and inclusive governance.
