Ibeno Monarch urges Eno to rehabilitate Eket-Ibeno road, restore power to communities

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Akwaha Owong (Prof.) Effiong B. Archianga has appealed to Governor Umo Eno to urgently rehabilitate the Eket-Ibeno road and extend the state government’s ongoing infrastructure development to the oil-producing coastal area.

The monarch appealed while felicitating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Eno on Nigeria’s Independence anniversary and the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking with journalists at his palace in Ibeno on Sunday, Archianga described the Independence anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, celebrate its resilience and renew their commitment to national unity, peace and sustainable development.

He commended President Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Akpabio to national development.

The monarch prayed for continued wisdom and success for the President and Senate President, expressing hope that their efforts would translate into improved opportunities and better living conditions for Nigerians.

Archianga also congratulated Governor Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom on the state’s 39th anniversary, commending the governor’s administration for its infrastructure initiatives, peace-building efforts and development agenda.

Governor Eno, in his 39th anniversary broadcast, said his administration had undertaken, commissioned or continued work on more than 1,500 kilometres of roads, including 43 bridges, since May 29, 2023. He also said the administration was taking infrastructure to rural communities as part of its inclusive-governance approach.

However, the Ibeno monarch urged the state government to ensure that the area benefits from the infrastructure drive.

“We appeal to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, to extend the ongoing infrastructural renaissance to Ibeno. The Ibeno-Eket road has been in a deplorable condition for many years, and our people deserve a durable solution to this longstanding challenge,” he said.

Road critical to Ibeno economy
Archianga stressed that the Eket-Ibeno road was critical to the socio-economic activities of the area, noting that its poor condition had continued to create difficulties for residents, commuters, businesses and other road users.

He urged the government to go beyond routine maintenance and implement a lasting rehabilitation solution for the road.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of the state government’s wider road construction and rehabilitation programme.

In June, Governor Eno commissioned 4.8 kilometres of roads in Eket Local Government Area and said his administration remained committed to completing viable projects inherited from previous administrations.

Monarch seeks restoration of electricity

The monarch also called for urgent intervention over the collapsed electricity transmission tower that previously supplied power to Okoroutip and other communities in the western part of Ibeno.

He urged the state government to collaborate with relevant federal authorities and electricity agencies to reconstruct or replace the tower and restore electricity supply to the affected communities.

According to him, the prolonged power outage had placed additional economic burdens on residents and businesses.

He said restoring electricity would boost commercial activities, improve living conditions and create a more conducive environment for economic development.

Demands coastal protection

Archianga further appealed for increased government attention to shoreline protection and coastal defence projects in vulnerable communities across Ibeno.

He noted that Ibeno’s extensive coastline made coastal protection an important component of the area’s infrastructure and environmental development.

The monarch urged the state government to work with relevant federal agencies and other stakeholders to identify vulnerable communities and implement sustainable protective measures.

He said effective coastal protection would help safeguard communities, homes, public infrastructure and livelihoods while supporting the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of Ibeno as a major coastal and oil-producing area.

Calls for investment in health, education

The traditional ruler also called for greater government intervention in healthcare, education, water supply and rural infrastructure.

He argued that Ibeno’s strategic position as a coastal and oil-producing area warranted sustained investment in critical infrastructure and social services.

Archianga urged the people of Ibeno, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria to remain united and peaceful while committing themselves to patriotism, development and the collective progress of the country.

He wished President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio and Governor Eno continued wisdom and success in their respective responsibilities.