Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has commissioned a 29-kilometer dual carriage way with two cable bridges along Etinan-Ndon Eyo Road in Akwa Ibom State.
The Etinan-Ndon-Eyo road which was constructed by a Chinese firm, Wizchino Engineering, connects several communities in Etinan and ONNA Local Councils with the East-West road with access to the industrial belt of the state.
Speaking at the occasion, Obasanjo commended the infrastructural development strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel but maintained that infrastructural development must be backed with employment for the people.
Such infrastructure he said should also enable the people carry out their businesses effectively.
“I don’t know why anything good and very good in Akwa Ibom State, you call me to take part in it. Why? The longest flyover in Uyo, you asked me to come and commission it and I was very very pleased to be the one who commissioned that flyover.
“Again, with the amazing grace of God, you have this, the longest, first class, dualised road in the state. You again asked me to come and commission it. Governor, I thank you.
“Leadership requires character. Anyone who knows you reasonably well will know that you are a man of character. And one of the characteristics of a man or woman of character is to be a man of his words. When you say you do it, you do it. I have seen that in you at close quarters. Keep on doing what you are doing.
“These infrastructures that you are putting in place are very very good. When we have good infrastructure, when we have a road like this going through the rural area, there must also be what the people would do to ensure that they make maximum use and take maximum advantage of these infrastructure.
“That is what are they going to do? If they are farmers, they have opportunities to farm more. If they are traders, they have opportunity to trade more. Whatever you are, you now have opportunity to enhance whatever you are doing. God has given you the enablement, and God will continue to strengthen you. I come here to join them in thanking you.” The former President said.
Emmanuel in a remark said he felt fulfilled that despite the economic situation in the country, Akwa Ibom State was still making progress adding that he was mocked and criticized on the social media about his inability to complete the road.
“This road carries two cable bridges of 80 metres each. This is the first time my people has seen cable bridges.When you look at all these, I feel fulfilled that despite the challenges of the economy, we are still making impact in communities; and this is not all.” Emmanuel said.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga mentioned that the road has 13 outfall drains totalling 6.3kilometres and 1.3 kilometers underground drain that takes water into Ekpene Ukpa bridge.
Ibanga applauded Governor Emmanuel for the project saying, “this is a gateway for all industrialisation, vehicular movement, commerce and everything you can think of.”
Paramount Ruler of ONNA, Edidem Raymond Inyang stated that the road connected the three communities that make up the area which were cut off when the road became impassable as it became a river.
The inauguration of the dual carriage, 6 lanes road with walkways, street lights cable bridges, and three roundabouts was part of activities to celebrate the 35th Anniversary celebration of the state.
