Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned 14.8km of internal roads and 1.9km of discharge drains in Awa, the hometown of former governor Udom Emmanuel, in Onna Local Government Area of the state.
The project consists of 16 road sections initiated by Emmanuel and completed by Eno under the state government’s infrastructure programme, the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Monday, Eno described the project as significant because Awa is the hometown of his predecessor and political father.
The governor said his decision to personally commission the roads was a demonstration of his respect for Emmanuel and a continuation of the development initiatives started by his predecessor.
Eno said political differences should not hinder development, adding that his administration would continue to focus on the growth of Onna and other parts of the state.
He said, “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.”
The governor commended the Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Kufre Umoren, and residents for their support, assuring them that other ongoing projects in the area would also be completed.
According to Eno, 26 projects are currently ongoing in Onna, including a hospital which, when completed, will have laboratory facilities for the training of medical students.
“My administration will continue to commission completed projects across the state with more projects expected to be inaugurated between now and the commencement of my second term in office”, he explained.
Eno also highlighted the number of Onna indigenes holding key positions in his administration, including the Commissioner for Finance,
Accountant-General, Chief Press Secretary and Chief Photographer, saying their appointments reflected the cooperation between his government and the people of the area.
Earlier, Umoren described Awa as an example of “Akwa Ibom United”, noting that residents had continued to live peacefully despite political differences.
He praised Eno for various development projects in the area, particularly road construction, compassionate interventions, model primary schools and healthcare facilities.
“We appreciate Umo Eno for the projects, and we promise our continuous support from the people of Onna to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of 2027”, he said.
