•Governor Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the 6.475-kilometre Amanyam–Mbiaso road in Ikot Ekpene as part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary.
The project commissioning, held yesterday, Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Amanyam, Ikot Ekpene, was the third of 39 projects lined up for commissioning across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Eno said his administration’s priority was to improve the quality of life of the people rather than engage in unnecessary politicking at the expense of development.
“Whatever developmental efforts that we are putting in place are tailored towards the overall benefit and improved living conditions of our people. We don’t play politics with the welfare of our citizenry,” he said.
The governor commended the people of Ikot Ekpene for their unwavering support for his administration, assuring them that unfinished projects inherited from previous administrations would be reviewed and completed for the benefit of the people.
Governor Eno also assured the people of Ikot Ekpene of more developmental projects, including the Ikot Ekpene International Market, Compassionate Homes, Primary Health Centres and additional road projects.
He commended the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area for his strides in executing people-oriented projects, noting that similar developmental efforts by local government chairmen across the state were encouraging and a credit to local government autonomy.
Presenting an overview of the road project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the 6.475-kilometre single-carriageway road, with an eight-metre width, was constructed with 12.95 kilometres of side drains.
According to him, the road traverses Ifuho, Ibong, Ikot Udoe and Mbiaso communities.
Prof. Ibanga described the project as a complete developmental ecosystem that had opened up Amanyam and adjoining communities, adding that the road was diligently supervised to ensure standard, quality and durability.
He thanked the governor for approving the variation in the project cost, which he said facilitated its timely completion.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, commended Governor Eno for his developmental strides in the area, particularly the ongoing International Market, hospital project and access roads, including the Amanyam–Mbiaso road.
“You have done so much in, and for, Ikot Ekpene. Currently, you have four projects to commission in Ikot Ekpene. I want to tell you that we are very happy with you,” Nkom said.
He added: “Today, Amanyam and the entire Ikot Ekpene people have declared total support for you. You promised and you have delivered. We assure you of our full support now and in the 2027 general elections.”
In separate goodwill messages, the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler of the area, HRM Okon Udo Ukut, commended Governor Eno for what they described as his commitment to the development of the people.
They noted that the poor condition of the road had left residents facing hardship for decades, with economic activities in the area severely affected.
They applauded the governor for completing the road and other economically viable projects, saying the developments have restored hope to the people of Ikot Ekpene.
The community leaders also expressed their support for the governor’s administration and his bid for a second term.
At the event were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson and other government officials.
