Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has given the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, a pass mark in infrastructural development and other positive imprints across different sectors of the nation’s economy.
For these achievements, Gov Eno, despite being a staunch member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has vowed to throw his weight behind Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 to see off his second term.
Joining hordes of Akwa Ibom people to express gratitude as beneficiaries of the Lagos – Calabar coastal road project, conveyed the message to the Federal government, urging the President to sustain the tempo.
He listed the benefits, which include easing and expanding the economic horizon and opening up the hitherto unreachable parts of the nation for easy movement of goods and services to the urban centres.
The governor conveyed appreciation in a brief ceremony yesterday to flag off the Construction of the 65KM:3-Lane Dual Carriageway (750KM Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway) at Ikot Asua Village, Nsit Atai local government area.
He said Akwa Ibom people who are beneficiaries of the road construction do not take the gesture for granted as the road would have passed through any other State within the coastal region.
“Let me first and foremost thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for embarking on this bold and audacious project, which is bound to unleash and expand our economic horizons and open up hitherto unreachable parts of our nation for the easy movement of goods and services,” he enthused.
Governor Eno noted President Tinubu’s mission on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, adding that the importance of road infrastructure remains non-negotiable as it serves as a key catalyst for the nation’s growth and prosperity.
He enumerated the ease of movement of goods and services, the encouragement of small and medium-scale enterprises, the provision of employment opportunities, the stimulation of interstate commerce, and the creation of bonds among the people, as boundaries are easily wiped off when roads pass through communities.
The governor hinted that the project benefits Akwa Ibom and Cross River State enormously. He thanked Mr President for his inclusive leadership and prioritisation of even development across the nation.
He said, “Road infrastructure, therefore, is a key catalyst for the growth and prosperity of any nation. It facilitates the movement of goods and services, encourages small and medium-scale enterprises, provides employment opportunities, stimulates inter-state commerce, and generally improves the quality of life for the people.
“This is the vision of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway project 3 and 3b, which links the two Sister- States of Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
“The economic benefits it will bring to our state are enormous. We deeply thank the President for his inclusive leadership and prioritising even national development without resorting to political considerations.”
He canvassed the youths’ cooperation with the road project contractors, urging them to sustain the peace the State is known for. He assured them that “the State will work with the Minister to ensure that compensations are paid to the beneficiaries as soon as the Federal government releases the sum.”
Governor Eno, therefore, appreciated the minister for Works, David Umahi, for his intervention in the deplorable Calabar -Itu highway and pledged to work with the contracting firm to ensure the execution of the project.
Gov Eno pledged the unalloyed support of the people of the State to President Tinubu’s second term bid, explaining that the stance would enable the President to wind up on the projects he has initiated across the nation.
“Let me end by assuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Akwa Ibom State stands ready to continue to support and collaborate with his administration as he works to renew our hopes in the founding principles of our dear nation, which, in the main, are to spread prosperity, deepen unity, faith and pride of the Nigerian State,” he stated.
Umahi scored Governor Umo Eno high on infrastructure development across the State, describing him as a man of sincerity and passion for quality and people-oriented projects.
He particularly admired the state’s ambience, saying that the flag-off of the Lagos -Calabar coastal road project will enhance the state’s economy and accessibility.
