By Emeka Samuel
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo would on Monday commission the 29km Etinan -Ndon Eyo road constructed by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the state creation.
The newly constructed road with two cable bridges, road furnitures and street lightening criss crossing more than six communities was constructed by a Chinese firm, Wischino Engineering.
Conducting journalists round the justed concluded road project, the Special Assistant on Research and Documentation to Governor Emmanuel, Mr Essien Ndueso recalled the many challenges commuters faced on the road before the intervention by Governor Emmanuel.
“This six lane dual carriage way was a death trap especially the Ekpene Ukpa bridge before the governor’s intervention. The quality of the cable bridges on the stretch of the road is such that the people who have seen the pictures thought it was photo shopping.
“Today Journalists from credible national newspapers are here to testify to the good job our dear governor has done to enhance the well-being of the people.” Ndueso said.
The Governor’s Aide, also recalled that the old Mkpok bridge was also at the verge of collapse before the intervention of the government officials who drove away illegal sand dredgers before the construction of the lastest cable bridge.
Pointing at the now abandoned old bridges, Essien said the pictures represent Akwa Ibom of the old and the Modern Akwa Ibom State where Government is doing everything possible to ensure the best for her citizens.
Speaking on the milestones recorded in the area of road construction in the state, the governor’s aide said the incumbent administration has done over more than 1000 kilometers of roads across the length and breadth of the state ensuring that every part of the state is included.
“Government has ensured that the Udung uko local government area created since 1996 without a single asphalted road from previous administration can boast of good network of roads today, the same applies to Obot Akara , Ini and Oruk Anam council areas of the state.” He said.
He told journalists that the 18,000 capacity Eket stadium is ready and will be inaugurated on 30th September with a ceremonial match between Akwa United FC and Katsina United FC.
“Akwa Ibom state and Katsina state were created same day by former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida with the later as 20th state of the country, they have that common history.
“Eket stadium will also come handy for the second Akwa Ibom premier league club side DAKKADA football club and there will be no need queueing behind Akwa United for the use of Nest of Champions stadium.” Ndueso said.
