By Ogenyi Ogenyi
The Ibeno Clan Council has lauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the ongoing land reclamation project along Secretariat Road, describing it as a bold and life-changing intervention that will permanently address the long-standing environmental challenges in Ibeno Local Government Area.
The commendation was given on Saturday at Upenekang during an inspection tour of the project site by stakeholders of the clan.
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Secretary, Chief Udofia Okon Udofia, said the initiative was already transforming the area and would unlock new opportunities for physical development, economic growth and improved living standards for residents.
“This project will put an end to the perennial flooding and erosion that have plagued some Ibeno communities for years. It will create safe and usable land, attract investors, and enhance the quality of life of our people,” Chief Udofia stated.
He noted that the land reclamation effort reflects Governor Eno’s people-centred leadership philosophy, which prioritises riverine and coastal communities that have often been neglected in the developmental process.
According to him, the people of Ibeno are witnessing tangible dividends of inclusive governance under the ARISE Agenda.
“For the first time in a long while, our people can see development they can touch and feel. From the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern primary school to over ten kilometres of roads across our communities, Governor Umo Eno has shown that Ibeno truly matters in the Akwa Ibom project,” he said.
Chief Udofia added that since assuming office, the governor has demonstrated a strong commitment to equitable development, ensuring that coastal and oil-producing communities such as Ibeno are not left behind.
“These projects go beyond physical infrastructure; they restore confidence and rekindle hope among our people,” he noted.
He further highlighted that the road projects have significantly improved access and mobility, while the new primary school will enhance learning conditions for children and reduce the burden on parents who previously struggled with inadequate facilities.
“These are not paper projects or empty announcements. They are visible, ongoing, and life-changing. They speak to the governor’s sincerity and his desire to govern with fairness, compassion and a listening ear,” he added.
Beyond education and road infrastructure, the clan council acknowledged other people-oriented initiatives of the Eno administration, including community infrastructure, social welfare programmes and sustained engagement with host communities.
According to Chief Udofia, these efforts reflect the governor’s understanding of Ibeno’s environmental challenges and strategic importance to the state’s economy.
The council also commended Governor Eno’s emphasis on peace, dialogue and unity, which gave rise to the historic Ibeno/Esit Urua Peace Accord nothing that, this leadership style has reduced tensions and created an enabling environment for development, investment and youth participation.
“We appreciate what has been done, and we encourage the governor to sustain this momentum, especially in coastal infrastructure, environmental protection, skills acquisition and job creation for our youths, and with continued commitment, Ibeno will grow even faster,” he said.
While expressing gratitude, the clan council appealed to the state government to extend similar land reclamation and environmental intervention projects to other flood-prone and erosion-ravaged communities within Ibeno Local Government Area.
The council maintained that sustained government attention would significantly improve safety, stimulate economic activities and accelerate overall development in the area.
Chief Udofia concluded by pledging the full support of the people of Ibeno to Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, assuring that the community would continue to partner with the state government to ensure the successful execution of developmental projects across the local government especially, the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway passing through Ibeno.
He also declared that the people of Ibeno hold the governor in high esteem and would continue to support his leadership and political aspirations, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Governor Umo Eno has shown that he truly cares for the people of Ibeno. This project is a proof that his administration is determined to tackle our challenges head-on,” he said.
For the people of Ibeno, the message remains one of gratitude, combined with a hopeful call for sustained partnership and more milestones on the path to shared prosperity.
