•Governor Umo Eno
The reconstruction of the Oron Marine Jetty — an aquatic produce commercial hub, ferry terminal, and leisure resort—will be completed by September this year.
The project, aimed at reviving sea trade activities and enhancing marine transport services in the coastal area, was flagged off yesterday by Governor Umo Eno in Oron.
Performing the groundbreaking exercise, Governor Eno said the project currently provides daily jobs for over a thousand locals and appealed for support for the initiative.
“You can be rest assured that we will fulfill our part of the bargain with the contractor. We look forward to coming here between August and September because we want to wait for the ferry to arrive so we can commission everything on the same day. I’d like to take that ferry to Calabar and return on that day.
“We may not have the financial muscle to construct railways without the support of the federal government, but we will develop our waterways, deploy ferries, and make them our pride and joy.”
Governor Eno commended Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Port Harcourt, for his commitment to realising the first passenger cruise ferry for the jetty, adding that the contract for a second ferry would soon be awarded.
The governor further stated, “The Nigerian Navy will train about 15 engineers to manage the workshop and ensure proper maintenance.”
He described Rear Admiral Ebe’s leadership at the Nigerian Naval Shipyard as a divine arrangement, saying, “As a son of the soil, God has given you the opportunity to etch your name in gold as part of this historic project.”
Governor Eno highlighted the project as a turning point for the economic fortunes of Oron Federal Constituency, in line with his campaign promises.
He also listed other key projects in the federal constituency, including the ongoing 14.5-kilometer Nsit Atai-Okopedi dual carriageway handled by HENSEK, the 11-kilometer Oron-Uya Oro Road handled by Amitec, the Unyenge Road leading to the seaport, Effiong Esang and Ukpong Streets, and the 2.9-kilometer road in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area, which was commissioned last year.
“With your support, we will do more because we are committed to taking development to every nook and cranny of our state. We are determined to curb rural-urban migration.
“That is why we are developing these rural communities. So, I appeal to the youths to continue cooperating with the contractor so we can complete this project on time.”
He further stated, “We are confident that the federal government will continue to support us with railways, highways, and funding for the Ibom Deep Seaport, as well as resources for ecological projects.”
Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who lauded the governor for his commitment to her people, recalled that Oron was once an economic nerve center in the country.
Mrs. Eyakenyi maintained that the marine project would restore the area’s past glory.
The project contractor and Managing Director of JMK Construction Company Limited, Mr. Faysal Harb, thanked the governor for his confidence and promised to complete the project within six months.
The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, provided an overview of the project, which will feature steel shore protections, four jetties, a terminal, a cold room and warehouse, a 5,500-square-meter car park accommodating at least 200 cars, an internal road network, and a recreational center designed to attract tourists, with 100% security guaranteed.
Prof. Ibanga thanked the governor for initiating the project and assured that he was working closely with the Delivery Advisor, Mr. Orman Esin, to ensure timely completion.
Former Commissioner for Transport and Project Delivery Advisor, Orman Esin, alongside the Clan Head of Idua, Chief Asuquo, expressed appreciation to the governor. Rear Admiral Ebe, who praised Governor Eno for his commitment to statewide development, assured that the passenger ferry would be delivered as required.
The highlight of the event was a unanimous vote of confidence in the governor, following a motion moved by House of Representatives member for the federal constituency, Hon. Martin Esin, and seconded by Hon. Kenim Onofiok, the House of Assembly member representing the area.
