…as Akwa Ibom moves to stem rural-urban drift.
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Pastor Gideon Akpan, has applauded Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to rural development, as captured in the ARISE Agenda.
Pastor Gideon Akpan was speaking when he conducted some Media Aides of the Governor, around project sites carried out by the agency under his watch, notably, the 11-kilometer Owot-Uta-Edebom road project. The road traverses several key communities, including Nung Oku Ekere, Afaha Udo Eyop, and the Ekponwa market, spanning Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas.
Pastor Akpan commended the Governor’s visionary leadership, particularly for merging rural development with the Ministry of Agriculture, a move he described as instrumental in rejuvenating development across the state. “I am the happiest RAAMP Coordinator in the entire country because Akwa Ibom consistently stands out in project implementation. The credit goes to Governor Umo Eno for his steadfast support and responsiveness in funding these critical projects,” he remarked.
He further lauded the governor for prioritizing rural development early in his administration, noting that the RAAMP project was one of the first initiatives flagged off within his first 30 days in office. “This project hosts one of the largest markets in Uyo Senatorial District, the Ekponwa market, a hub of vibrant commercial activities, including agriculture, trading, and the sale of farm produce,” Pastor Akpan said.
Highlighting the scope of RAAMP’s initiatives, Pastor Akpan disclosed that a total of 204 kilometers of vital rural roads across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state, as well as three major markets, one in each senatorial district, have been awarded for construction in the first phase of the agency’s projects cycle. He assured that these projects would be completed within the next 16 months.
Reflecting on the Governor’s campaign promise to the people of Nsit Ibom, Pastor Akpan highlighted the construction of the Ekponwa market as a significant milestone. “Before the Governor assumed office, the World Bank had completed the market’s design. When we presented it to him, he immediately approved it, and the construction of the agro-logistics hub has since commenced. This forms an integral part of the RAAMP projects that His Excellency flagged off.”
Providing updates on the project’s progress, he stated, “As of today, we have achieved 79.2% asphalt completion. By January, we aim to complete an additional 4 kilometers, ensuring the entire Nsit Ibom stretch is fully asphalted, with work advancing into Ibesikpo Asutan.”
Pastor Akpan acknowledged delays due to the rising costs of goods, materials, and services but assured that the Owot-Uta-Edebom road project would be completed by next month. “We are working towards completing the project in preparation for its commissioning by Governor Umo Eno,” he concluded.
The coordinator also expressed gratitude to the immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, for her meticulous supervision of the projects during her tenure, which he noted played a significant role in their success.
Written by Dr. Eneh John, Charles Akpan, Richard Okon.