Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has further demonstrated his commitment to inclusive governance with the commissioning of 2.1 kilometres of internal roads at Obong University in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
The road project, commissioned on Thursday, forms part of the activities marking the State’s 39th anniversary, and is designed to ease movement within the university environment and provide better access for students, staff, visitors and members of the host community.
Representing Governor Eno at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the intervention reflected the Governor’s determination to provide basic amenities for all Akwa Ibom people without discrimination.
Obongemem Ekpo noted that Governor Eno has shown himself to be the Governor of every Akwa Ibom citizen, emphasising that the welfare of the people must remain central to governance, irrespective of whether they attend or work in public or private institutions.
He particularly highlighted the Governor’s interest in education and students’ welfare, stating that the intervention at Obong University demonstrated that students in private institutions are equally part of the state’s development agenda.
According to the Minister, Governor Eno’s approach recognises government’s responsibility to provide infrastructure that improves citizens’ lives and supports institutions contributing to the state’s progress.
Obongemem Ekpo also disclosed that an ICT centre would be provided to Obong University through his office, describing the gesture as an effort to strengthen digital learning and expand students’ access to technology.
The Minister urged the people to sustain the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State, noting that Governor Eno had consistently promoted the ideal of a united Akwa Ibom.
He called on citizens to reject attempts to create ethnic divisions and biases, stressing that unity and cooperation among leaders at both federal and state levels remain essential for development.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described herself as a friend, mother and sister to the people of Etim Ekpo and commended the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Senator Eyakenyi said Governor Eno has once again shown that his administration is focused on serving the entire state rather than any particular section.
She described the road project as clear evidence of the Governor’s concern for the welfare of students across Akwa Ibom, whether they attend federal, state or private institutions.
The Deputy Governor noted that improving infrastructure around educational institutions creates a better environment for learning while also delivering wider benefits to host communities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Hon. Gideon Uwa, expressed appreciation to Governor Pastor Umo Eno for the project in his domain.
He recalled the various people-oriented projects executed by the Governor in Etim Ekpo and stated that the people of the area are happy and proud, pledging their full support in the 2027 general election.
Giving an overview of the project, the Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Works, Mr. Ignatius Ekwere, said the intervention comprised approximately 2.1 kilometres of internal roads within the Obong University environment.
Mr. Ekwere explained that the project was executed with the necessary road and drainage infrastructure and was supervised by the Ministry of Works to ensure compliance with required engineering standards.
He described the project as a testimony to Governor Eno’s commitment to infrastructure development and his determination to address challenges affecting communities and institutions across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Umanah, thanked Governor Eno on behalf of the management, staff and students of Obong University.
Prof. Umanah said the intervention was particularly significant because the university is located in Ward 7 of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, adding that the impact of the project would extend beyond the institution.
He noted that the area is an important oil palm-producing region and expressed confidence that improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, increase commercial activities and contribute to the local economy.
The Vice Chancellor added that the new infrastructure would also provide a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and other academic activities.
The Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Prof. Amanam Udo, described Obong University as a longstanding institution and expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the road project.
Prof. Udo, who disclosed that he was the second Vice Chancellor of the university, recalled his involvement in the institution’s development, including the period when it obtained accreditation and graduated its pioneer students.
He described the road intervention as a major relief for the university, noting that establishing and sustaining a private university is capital-intensive and that adequate infrastructure is essential to the institution’s growth.
The traditional ruler said the Governor’s intervention would benefit both the university and the host community.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, also commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives and the intervention at the university.
Obong Ntukekpo said the people of Akwa Ibom were proud of the Governor’s achievements and the impact of projects being executed across the state.
Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, in his goodwill message, emphasised the importance of unity and collective commitment in sustaining the development of Akwa Ibom State.
The commissioning of the internal roads at Obong University is expected to deliver benefits beyond improved access within the institution.
Stakeholders noted that the project would contribute to the local economy by enhancing connectivity in an area known for oil palm production, thereby facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and encouraging commercial activities.
The intervention also reinforces the administration’s focus on education and human capital development by extending infrastructure support to students and institutions irrespective of whether they are publicly or privately owned.
The project formed part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary, with development initiatives across the state highlighting the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, education, peace and inclusive governance.
For the Obong University community, the newly commissioned roads represent a significant improvement in the institution’s physical environment and a practical demonstration of government support for education and the welfare of students.