Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated 14.8 kilometres of internal roads and 1.9 kilometres of discharge drains in Awa, the hometown of former governor Udom Emmanuel in Onna Local Government Area of the state.
The project, comprising 16 road sections, was initiated by Emmanuel and completed by Eno as part of the state government’s infrastructure development programme under the ARISE Agenda.
Eno commissioned the roads on Monday and described the occasion as significant because Awa is the community of his predecessor and political mentor.
The governor said the decision to personally commission the project was an expression of respect for Emmanuel and demonstrated that development should continue regardless of political differences.
“I have an affinity with Onna people, so we must continue to develop Onna. We are together, and we will continue to work together and bring development to our people,” Eno said.
The governor assured residents that additional development projects were expected in Onna, saying his administration would continue to complete and commission ongoing projects across the state.
He disclosed that 26 projects were currently ongoing in Onna Local Government Area.
Among them is a hospital project which, according to the governor, will include laboratory facilities intended to support the training of medical students when completed.
Eno also commended the Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Kufre Umoren, and residents for their support for his administration.
He said the government would continue to implement projects designed to improve infrastructure and living conditions across the state.
The governor also highlighted the participation of Onna indigenes in his administration, listing the Commissioner for Finance, Accountant-General, Chief Press Secretary and Chief Photographer among officials from the area.
According to him, their appointments reflect the cooperation between his administration and the people of Onna.
Earlier, Umoren described Awa and the wider Onna community as an example of what he called “Akwa Ibom United”, saying residents had maintained peaceful relations despite political differences.
The council chairman commended the state government for its interventions in road construction, healthcare, education and other areas of development.
He specifically praised the governor for the road projects and other initiatives in the area.
The newly inaugurated road network is expected to improve movement within Awa and enhance connectivity between different parts of the community.
The project also includes drainage infrastructure designed to support the roads and improve the management of stormwater.
Eno said his administration would continue to commission completed projects across Akwa Ibom, with more inaugurations expected before the commencement of his second term.
The governor’s administration has made infrastructure development one of the major components of its ARISE Agenda, alongside other programmes aimed at improving public services and economic activity in the state.
The completion of the Awa road project also represents a continuation of infrastructure works initiated under the previous administration, with Eno stressing the importance of sustaining development projects beyond political transitions.
The development comes as the state government continues to announce completed and ongoing projects across different local government areas.
At the commissioning, the focus remained on the infrastructure delivered to residents, while local authorities pledged continued cooperation with the state government on development initiatives.
