Sir: I write to draw your attention to the urgent need for intervention on Uyo Road, Ukam Market and Akpaden Market in Mkpat-Enin Local Council.

It is obvious that these markets are very important to the people of this local council. The condition of these markets and the roads linking them are deplorable. The roads within this area are impassable, especially during the rainy season. Uyo Road, which links the state capital, has become a death trap and has claimed many lives, particularly in the month of August 2025.

We believe that this situation can be changed for better if the Chairman, Emmanuel Inyang, can meet with Governor Umo Eno, to help the poor women who earn their daily income from these local markets.

This is why I am pleading with the governor and the chairman to give Uyo Road, Ukam Market, and Akpaden Market urgent attention. We respectfully appeal to the government of today to look into this situation in the best interest of the people of this area. If there is any group that has raised funds or proposed projects that do not benefit the poor, such projects should be reconsidered. Common sense, in this case, is better than the blind application of the law.

These markets are among the most important in the area, and many women depend on them for the survival of their families. To the best of our knowledge, no major rehabilitation has ever been carried out in these markets, apart from the personal efforts of poor women struggling daily to earn a living.

Like the Uyo Road project, contracts were awarded long ago, up till this moment, nothing has been done. Governor Eno and the chairman of Mkpat-Enin, whether rich or poor, should show compassion when people are suffering. History reminds us that when the poor are helped, society progresses. Poverty remains one of mankind’s greatest and most widespread challenges affecting not only people physically but also emotionally.

I cried for help on behalf of these women who trade daily just to survive. Let their suffering be eased, let their tears be wiped away, and let peace return to the lives of the poor. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “the ultimate measure of a person is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.”

I, therefore, appeal to the governor and the chairman to use their good offices to give Ukam Market, Ikot Akpaden Market, and Uyo Road adequate attention. Poor roads and inadequate market facilities hinder progress and development.

Contracts have been awarded, there should be proper team inspecting and evaluating the scope of work to ensure that specifications agreed upon are followed. That when performance is measured, performance improves, when performance is measured and reported, rate of performance accelerates development.

God bless Akwa Ibom State, the Land of Promise. God bless Nigeria.

Edeson Effiong is the president of Nka Ibibio Association, behind NAF Base, Ikeja, Lagos State.