People of Oro nation are happy with Gov. Umo Eno

By Emmanuel Nicholas

Leaders are chosen for various missions; initially, they may be underestimated as misfits, but their performance will ultimately demonstrate why nature has given them the opportunity to serve their people.

Since the vision to establish the airport was started by Obong Victor Attah in the year 2000, the site of the project became moderately contentious among the leaders of the Oro Nation, as the airport project affects access to their community.

Petitions were written to both the Federal Government and its agencies explaining why the airport project should not be built in that location, as it would impede the Oro people’s access to their homeland.

The transition from petitioning to physical protests at the Government House against the planned airport led some leaders to claim that the airport was a cash cow project intended to siphon money, especially since there is already an airport in our sister state capital, Calabar for travelers.

Obong Victor Attah understood his vision and envisioned the brilliant investments the airport project would bring to Akwa Ibom State, and he became adamant and conducted the groundbreaking for the project.

Before the old Oron highway was blocked, Attah’s administration provided a bypass road to Oron, but it was never accepted by the Oro Union, as they continued to call for a better dualized thoroughfare to their nation.

This agitation continued into Chief Godswill Akpabio’s administration; as days went by, the voices of the Oro Nation leaders grew louder, and they refused to abandon their demand for a well-built dualized road to their community.

During Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s campaign to become the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, at the Oron Local Campaign, his team visited the Ata of Oro palace, the royal father continued that agitation by asking for a dualized road to Oro Nation.

His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, as a responsible and responsive leader, granted their request and promised to construct a dualized road from Uyo, the capital city, to Oron.

This project was segmented into Phase 1 and Phase 2., Phase 1 runs from Uyo, through Nsit Atai Local Government, to Okobo, while Phase 2 extends from Okobo through the mangrove forest to Oron town via the East-West Road.

The reason Phase 2 was routed through the mangroves was to provide the road with a straight alignment, free from too many corners, which were a major cause of road accidents on the old Uyo-Oron Road.

The project has begun, with Udom Emmanuel’s administration first awarding Phase 1 to Renaissance Construction Nigeria Limited, a foreign civil engineering outfit. However, their incompetence was alarming and frustrated the administration’s good intentions.

The contract was canceled twice and rewarded, yet these companies continued to show their lack of professional expertise in executing the project.

The Phase 2 project, which extends from Okobo to Oron City, was awarded to CCE CC. However, the project was later slowed down because of a lack of funds caused by the economic downturn during the COVID-19 era.

As a responsible successor who will ensure that the visions brought forth by his predecessor do not die with their exit, the successor must ensure that the project is completed and put to use.

During Governor Umo Eno’s campaign, Oron leaders continued to call for the completion of these two significant projects, as they will help promote commercial activities in their five local government areas.

Pastor Umo Eno agreed to complete the projects to fulfill the promise made to Oro Nation by his forebear, Deacon Udom Emmanuel.

On February 12, 2024, Governor Umo Eno flagged off the dualization of the 13.5 km Okopedi-Oron Road, part of the East-West Road (Phase II), which includes two bridges.

The Governor rewarded the project to the same contractor to whom the project was initially awarded by his predecessor, CCECC, the largest Chinese government-owned construction company.

The joy of the people of Oro Nation knew no bounds as they sang and danced, rejuvenated by a dream that had once been lost.

The Chinese engineering and construction giant, CCECC, is set to be delivered for commissioning in 24 months—a timeframe that Governor Eno urged the contractors to adhere to. He also issued a warning that he will not tolerate the company returning for variations in the project cost because of delays.

The member representing the Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, Martins Esin, has commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership style.

He stated that this style is instilling an unprecedented sense of belonging in the people of Oro Nation and promoting unity across the state.

He said, “Let’s face it: our federal constituency has never fared this well under any governor since the advent of this democracy.

“Without crying ourselves hoarse without much fruit, as usual, Pastor Umo Eno has been very prompt in attending to the needs of the Oro people.

“It started with the choice of a complete Oron patriot, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, as a running mate. Although some individuals tried to downplay that development, it has turned out to be a precursor to the governor’s friendly disposition toward the Oron Federal Constituency,” he posited.

During the flag-off, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, after thanking her boss, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, for his support of Oro Nation, called for the cancellation of the contract with the company handling Phase 1 of the project, suggesting that the project should be rewarded to Henzek Integrated Services that she is speaking the minds of his people.

This agitation from the Governor of Akwa Ibom State did not take for granted because of the contractor’s incompetence and the aimless Behavior regarding adherence to the time frame as stipulated in the contract.

In response to the voices of Oro Nation, Governor Umo Eno canceled the contract and rewarded the project to Henzek Integrated Services, an indigenous construction firm that has demonstrated expertise, competence, and speed in all the previous road construction projects it has handled for the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Currently, the project is over sixty percent complete, and the people of Oro Nation are very pleased with Governor Umo Eno’s responsive administration.

Governor Umo Eno is recognized as a capable successor to Deacon Udom Emmanuel, continuing and fulfilling the vision set by his predecessor for Akwa Ibom State.

His leadership emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that various parts and communities within the state are represented and have access to developments.

Eno’s policies are gear towards building on Emmanuel’s achievements by promoting economic development, and infrastructural growth,
while actively engaging with diverse stakeholders across the state.

His development in Oro Nation is evidence that He will not marginalize any part of Akwa Ibom State in his development calendar until he complete his eight years tenure.