By Emma Akpabio
There is an atmosphere of celebration across several communities in Ikono Local Government Area as residents express overwhelming joy over the steady and satisfactory progress of the 21.5km Ikot Anyan Ediene – Ikot Atia – Urua Naira – Ikot Nseyen – Nkwot – Nung Ukim Road project, which also features a 45-metre span bridge.
Although construction is ongoing, the visible transformation along the corridor has ignited hope and excitement among residents and road users. Many say they are witnessing, for the first time in their lives, a properly tarred road passing through their communities.
Members of the communities who spoke with the Government House research and documentation team led by Dr. Essien Ndueso described the development as historic and deeply symbolic.
They recalled years of hardship travelling from Itak Junction through Nnung Ukim to the council headquarters at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, a journey once defined by potholes, mud, and long hours on unsafe stretches.
“For the first time, we are seeing a tarred road in this area,” said Madam Unwana Umoh, a visibly excited trader from Ekpene Ediene Ikot Ntia. “We used to think roads like this were only meant for other places outside Ikono. Over the years, we had no buyers from Uyo patronising us at Urua Naira. Today, our story has changed, courtesy of Governor Umo Eno.”
Speaking at Scout Junction in Ikot Anyan Ediene, a pensioner who identified himself as Chief Alphonsus Udofia said the road often became almost impassable during the rainy season, cutting off communities and slowing economic activities. With asphalt now being laid and work progressing at a commendable pace, he noted that movement has already begun to improve, bringing renewed optimism to traders, farmers, students, and commuters.
Similarly, Goodnews Dickson, a student of Ediene Community High School, while praising Governor Eno, narrated their ordeals. “Before now, going to school from Uyo Afaha Ankan, you were not only certain of arriving late but also of getting there with muddy sandals because of the terrible state of the road. Today, that is history, thanks to our dear Governor,” Master Dickson added.
Meanwhile, youths of Ikono Local Government Area have commended the quality and speed of delivery by the contractor, Hensek Integrated Services. Speaker after speaker, youths who gathered around the popular Urua Naira noted that the contractor has engaged a significant number of local youths and prioritised local content in the course of the construction.
They expressed confidence that, upon completion, the project will permanently enhance connectivity and reduce travel stress across the benefiting communities. While acknowledging that work is still underway, other market women, stakeholders, and residents praised Governor Eno for demonstrating commitment to addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges.
For the people of Ikono, the advancing road project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a powerful sign that development has finally reached their doorstep.
It is noteworthy that same narrative of transformation is unfolding across all local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, a clear testament to Governor Umo Eno’s unwavering commitment to rural development and inclusive growth.
