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Inarguably, Akwa Ibom State since its creation has been blessed with an array of leaders who have not only brought to bare their honest dispositions towards the welfare of the people of the state, but have also intentionally set in motion structures and strategies for the state’s economic development and social milieu.
Mr. Udom Emmanuel,CON, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State blazed a trail in recent times in aviation concerns, bringing to the fore in concrete realities the existence and speedy advancement of the aviation hub as a vast part of the Nigerian polity.
The Airport road expansion commissioning is one too many an event in account of its significance in the litany of inauguration ceremonies set out by Pst. Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State in marking the first anniversary of this administration which has earned and enjoyed overwhelming support, acceptability and accolades across the various strata of the state’s diverse realities given the Governor’s people-centric style of leadership and inclusive politicking.
And so, as Mr Udom Emmanuel arrives and trods with his shoulders high to the scene of the inauguration of the airport road expansion project May 27, 2024 the reminiscences of the glorious days of this quiet achiever dawn strikingly and permeates the length and breath of Akwa Ibom State. The Ikot Oku Ikono-Etinan-Eket-Ibeno Road, measuring over 62km all dualised with 7new bridges, traversing six local government areas, initiated and completed by the Udom administration, undoubtedly, links the touched communities, causing the sprout of an avalanche of economic endeavours, amongst other activities.
In further considering road projects, another significant one is the 29km Etinan – Ndon Eyo Road, dual carriageway with two cable bridges, the 25km Uyo – Ikot Ekpene Road, the longest flyover in the south south at Ikot Oku Ikono, and the longest bridge built by a state government in recent times in the southern part of Nigeria, the Etebi – Enwang road bridge that measures 1.15km, among others.
When he commenced the expansion of the 24km four lane airport road to 8 lanes, some opposition elements raised their objections. Notably among them, the APC leader Ita Enang who complained that ornament trees along the road would be destroyed in the process. Of course, Mr Emmanuel ignored and went on with the project. For him, the Dubai model comes to mind- building for the future. His conviction was hinged on the fact that with the steady growth in the state’s aviation sector and the impending boom in the maritime industry, the population upsurge along the State airport highway can only be imagined. Rather than wait until the corridor is choked, a visionary would rather reason ahead and make hays while the sun shines.
Today, that road project is now ready and indeed a beauty to behold. Beautiful road, it reminds one about the two bridges on the 6.4km Obot Akara – Ekwerazu Road, and the recently completed Nto Ide – Ikot Amba Bridge also in Obot Akara.
Just like the nostalgic feelings that come with a successful child birth, no one remembers the agony and pains that the mother of the baby had gone through. Congratulations to our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who has disappointed the naysayers.
© Stephen Abia, Esq.
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