By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The expanded 21.5Km portion of Oron Road, leading to the Victor Attah International Airport Gate, hitherto referred to as Airport Road, has been renamed Udom Emmanuel Boulevard, after the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom.
This is even as Governor Umo Eno, who announced the renaming of the road while commissioning the expanded road project had also renamed the 21 floor Dakkada Towers after Emmanuel in recognition of his numerous service to the state.
Eno lauded the audacious and strategic approach of his predecessor to development, particularly in opening up the government major economic gateways to the State.
The Governor who described himself as a man with the finishing anointing, conveyed the appreciation of Akwa Ibom people to Mr. Udom Emmanuel for initiating the expansion of the all-important gateway road project and for accepting to serve as Guest of Honour during the commissioning of the project.
He stressed that the road would redefined the State’s ambience especially to visitors and reaffirmed his commitment to continuity in governance by completing all projects initiated by the previous administration, while also constructing, expanding and maintaining the edge in Akwa Ibom’s infrastructural development.
“Let me start by commending my predecessor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, CON, for starting the expansion of this very important road project for which we, having deployed our finishing anointing are gathered today to commission. We have added some features to make the road even more welcoming to our visitors. I am sure every Akwa Ibomite, irrespective of political persuasion, should be proud of this gateway into our beautiful and serene capital city of Uyo.
“The character, pulse and ethos of any city all over the world, to a large extent, are defined and shaped by what a first time visitor sees at the point of arrival, which is the airport, and the major road that leads to the city centre, and Your Excellency, you recognized this very important aspect and started the expansion of this road.” The Governor said.
He stated that his administration is determined to maintain and deepen Akwa Ibom’s pride in network of roads among the states in the nation, and ensure it remains the destination of choice for major events in the nation.
The Governor thanked President Bola Tinubu, for the support the state has enjoyed from the FG and expressed the willingness of the state government to partner the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development for Nigeria to take advantage of the State’s smart International Airport Terminal and the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facility.
“We give thanks to God for His grace and what we have achieved in the last twelve months, connecting the dots and ticking all the boxes in our ARISE Agenda in our march to galvanize the rural areas to feel the impact of governance. On Wednesday, we will give an in-depth account of our scorecard and where we intend to go in our second year in office.” He added.
Commissioning the Boulevard named after him, former Governor, Emmanuel, ascribed all praises to God for the successes he recorded in government and thanked God for helping the Governor thus far in his administration.
He affirmed that Eno’s emergence was part of God’s good plans for Akwa Ibom State, while also thanking Akwa Ibom people from all facets for standing by him through thick and thin.
Mr Emmanuel expressed gratitude over the honour done him by the incumbent Governor in naming both the Airport road and the Dakkada Towers after him in quick succession and reiterated that he will continually pray for Governor Eno and his government, pledging to avoid unnecessary interference in the affairs of the State.
“Let me thank you for the vision of naming this road after me and by extension, my entire family. I want to thank you for this honour. I don’t take it for granted. I’m amazed and overwhelmed that God laid this in you’re heart and you did it,” Governor Emmanuel stated.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Sam Anyanwu commended the Governor for his achievements within one year in office, especially for the continuity and the cordial relationship with his predecessor.
In their separate remarks, leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, Ambassador Assam Assam SAN, Paramount Ruler of Uruan, HRM Edidem Cosmas Bassey Nkanga, Chairman of Uyo LGA, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his finishing spirit, and commitment to continuity.
They also appreciated Emmanuel for his vision and audacious spirit which according to them, has made the project possible.
