Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the newly completed 6,475-kilometre Amanyam–Mbiaso road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering more people-oriented projects that would directly improve the lives of residents.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Eno said his administration remained focused on development and improving the welfare of the people rather than engaging in political activities that could distract from governance, saying the road was part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary.

He explained that the road project was the third among 39 projects scheduled for commissioning across the state as part of the celebrations, saying, “We don’t play politics with the welfare of our citizenry. Whatever developmental efforts that we are putting in place are tailored towards the overall benefit and improved living conditions of our people.”

According to him, these are among the projects for Ikot Ekpene, including the International Market, Compassionate Homes, Primary Health Centres and additional road projects, and he praised the people for their continued support for his administration and promised to deliver more development projects in the area.

Similarly, he also hinted that his administration would review and complete viable projects inherited from previous administrations, stressing that such projects would be completed for the benefit of the people.

Eno therefore commended the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Aniefiok Nkom, for implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare of the people, describing similar initiatives by local government chairmen across the state as encouraging and reflective of the benefits of local government autonomy.

Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the Amanyam–Mbiaso road was constructed as a 6.475-kilometre single carriageway with an eight-metre width, aimed at opening up communities in the council.

He explained that the project also included 12.95 kilometres of side drains and traversed the Ifuho, Ibong, Ikot Udoe and Mbiaso communities, saying that the project was carefully supervised to guarantee quality, durability and compliance with required standards.

According to the Commissioner, the road had transformed the area into a more accessible economic and social hub, describing it as a “complete developmental ecosystem” that had opened up Amanyam and neighbouring communities.

He thanked Governor Eno for approving the variation in the project cost, which he said contributed to the timely completion of the road.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Aniefiok Nkom, thanked the Governor for his development initiatives and specifically mentioned the ongoing Ikot Ekpene International Market, hospital project and various access roads, including the newly commissioned Amanyam–Mbiaso Road.

“Today, Amanyam and the entire Ikot Ekpene people have declared total support for you. You promised, and you have delivered. We assure you of our full support now and in the 2027 general elections,” Nkom added.

In separate goodwill messages, the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler of the area, HRM Okon Udo Ukut, extolled Governor Eno for his commitment to infrastructure and human development.

Those who attended the event included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; and other government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and residents.