Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned 14.8 kilometres of internal roads and 1.9 kilometres of discharge drains in Awa, Onna Local Government Area, assuring residents that development projects in the area will continue.

The project, comprising 16 road sections, was initiated by the immediate past administration and completed by the Eno administration as part of the state government’s infrastructure drive under the ARISE Agenda.

Speaking at the commissioning Governor Eno described the occasion as special because Awa is the hometown of his predecessor and political father, Pastor Udom Emmanuel.

He said his decision to personally commission the project was an expression of respect for his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel; and continuity in the good works of his political father, stressing that development should not be limited by political differences.

“I have an affinity with Onna people, so we must continue to develop Onna. We are together, and we will continue to work together and bring development to our people.”

Governor Eno commended the Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Mr. Kufre Umoren, and the people for their support, assuring them that ongoing projects in the area would be completed.

The Governor disclosed that 26 projects are currently ongoing in Onna, including a hospital project which, upon completion, will provide laboratory facilities for the training of medical students.

He also said the administration would continue commissioning completed projects across the state, with more projects expected to be inaugurated between now and the commencement of his second term.

On agriculture, Governor Eno said the state government was collaborating with large-scale farms to boost food production and strengthen food security.

He directed his Special Adviser on Labour to inspect the newly completed roads and document their condition, while noting plans to introduce measures to protect the infrastructure from damage by heavy-duty vehicles.

Governor Eno also highlighted the number of Onna indigenes serving in his administration, including the Commissioner for Finance, Accountant-General; Chief Press Secretary and Chief Photographer, describing their appointments as evidence of the cooperation between his administration and the people of the area.

The Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Mr. Kufre Umoren, while welcoming the Governor, described Onna as a practical example of “Akwa Ibom United,” saying the people have continued to live peacefully despite political differences.

Umoren commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives in the area, particularly road projects, compassionate interventions, model primary schools and healthcare facilities.

He thanked the Governor for the projects and promised the continued support of the people of Onna for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of 2027.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of Onna including the member representing Onna State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Sunday Johnny; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob; former House of Representatives member, Mr. Patrick Ifon; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Mrs Owoidighe Ekpoattai, commended the Governor for his sustained development efforts in the local government.

The Paramount Ruler of Onna, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Raymond Inyang, thanked Governor Eno for what he described as his show of love and commitment to the people of Onna.

The traditional ruler appealed to the state government to support the rehabilitation of the syringe manufacturing company and the flour mill in the area.

In response, Governor Eno thanked the Paramount Ruler for his counsel and assured him that the state government would look into the requests concerning the rehabilitation of the syringe manufacturing company and the flour mill.

Giving a technical overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, said the 14.8-kilometre road network consists of 16 road sections designed to improve connectivity within the communities and link residents to farm settlements.

He said the project comprises single-carriageway roads of varying widths, 1.9 kilometres of discharge drains and a 150-millimetre compacted sub-base course, among other engineering components.

Professor Ibanga said the completion of the project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects while executing new infrastructure across Akwa Ibom State.

The commissioning formed part of the state government’s ongoing infrastructure delivery programme aimed at improving connectivity and opening up communities for greater economic activity.