Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government over the 750km Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project passing through eight States in the Country.
The Governor conveyed the appreciation at a ceremony to flag-off the Construction of the 65km 3-lane dual carriageway, a component of the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which passes through Akwa Ibom State, at Ikot Asua Village, Nsit Atai LGA.
He said Akwa Ibom people who are beneficiaries of the road construction do not take the gesture for granted as the road would have passed through any other State within the coastal region.
Governor Eno listed the benefits of the project to include unleashing and expanding of the economic horizon and opening up of hitherto unreachable part of the nation for easy movement of goods and services to the urban centre.
“Let me first and foremost thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for embarking on this bold and audacious project that is bound to unleash and expand our economic horizon and open up hitherto unreachable parts of our nation for easy movement of goods and services.”
Governor Eno noted that the mission of President Tinubu on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway is tied to the importance of road infrastructure which he enumerated to include; serving as a key catalyst for growth and prosperity of the nation as it creates the ease of movement of goods and services.
He said the road when completed would also encourage small and medium scale enterprises, provide employment opportunities, stimulate interstate commerce and create bond among the people as boundaries are easily wiped off when roads passes through communities.
The Governor hinted that sections 3A and 3B of the project which cut across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, spells huge and enormous benefits for the two states, and thanked the President for his inclusive leadership and prioritization of even development across the nation.
“The economic benefits it will bring to our State are enormous and we thank the President for his inclusive leadership and the prioritization of even development across our nation without resorting to political considerations.”
The Governor who also represented President Tinubu at the flag-off, called on the youths to cooperate with the contractors handling the project, urging them to sustain the peace the State is known for.
He also assured that the State will work with the Minister to ensure that compensations are paid to the beneficiaries as soon as the Federal government releases the funds.
The State Chief Executive appreciated the Minister for his intervention in the deplorable Calabar-Itu highway and pledged to work with the contracting firm, Hitech to ensure the execution of the road project.
Gov Eno pledged the support of the State for President, explaining that the stance would enable the President complete the projects he has initiated across the nation.
“Let me end by assuring our President, our people loving president, who will complete eight years, because we are going to stand by him, and this is the truth. He cannot start this work and abandon it, somebody else might not finish it. The hand that has started this work shall complete it. Our prayer is good health for Mr President to finish the work that he has started and commission it,” he added.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, scored Governor Umo Eno high on the development of infrastructure across the State, describing Governor Umo Eno as a true leader, passionate about quality and people-oriented projects.
He particularly expressed his admiration for the ambiance of the State, saying that the flag-off of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project will enhance the economy and accessibility of the State.
On his part, the Member representing the Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset, expressed the gratitude of the people to President Tinubu for the coastal road project traversing the State and assured the Works Minister of the support and cooperation of the House of Representatives to see to a seamless construction and timely completion of the road project for the good of the people.
The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Anthony Nyong; Deputy Political leader, Lawrence Udosen; and Paramount Ruler of Okobo, HRM Okokon Ita in their goodwill messages, appreciated the President for his magnanimity, saying that the road will usher in the needed transformation of the areas and pledged the people’s support towards its timely completion.
