Akwa Ibom at 39th: Governor Eno Opens 6.475km Road in Ikot Ekpene Communities

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the newly completed 6.475-kilometre Amanyam–Mbiaso road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that directly improve the lives of residents.
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The road was commissioned on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Amanyam as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary.

The project was the third among 39 projects scheduled for commissioning across the state as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Eno said his administration remained focused on development and improving the welfare of the people rather than engaging in political activities that could distract from governance.

“Whatever developmental efforts that we are putting in place are tailored towards the overall benefit and improved living conditions of our people. We don’t play politics with the welfare of our citizenry,” the Governor said.

Governor Eno commended the people of Ikot Ekpene for their continued support for his administration and promised that more development projects would be delivered in the area.

He also disclosed that his administration would review and complete viable projects inherited from previous administrations, stressing that such projects would be completed for the benefit of the people.

Among the projects highlighted for Ikot Ekpene were the Ikot Ekpene International Market, Compassionate Homes, Primary Health Centres and additional road projects.

The Governor also commended the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, for implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare of the people, describing similar initiatives by local government chairmen across the state as encouraging and reflective of the benefits of local government autonomy.

Road Opens Up Communities

Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the Amanyam–Mbiaso road was constructed as a 6.475-kilometre single-carriageway with an eight-metre width.

He explained that the project also included 12.95 kilometres of side drains and traversed Ifuho, Ibong, Ikot Udoe and Mbiaso communities.

According to the Commissioner, the road had transformed the area into a more accessible economic and social hub, describing it as a “complete developmental ecosystem” that had opened up Amanyam and neighbouring communities.

Prof. Ibanga said the project was carefully supervised to guarantee quality, durability and compliance with required standards.

He thanked Governor Eno for approving the variation in the project cost, which he said contributed to the timely completion of the road.

Ikot Ekpene Chairman: “You Promised and You Have Delivered”

Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, praised Governor Eno for his development initiatives in the area.

Nkom specifically mentioned the ongoing Ikot Ekpene International Market, hospital project and various access roads, including the newly commissioned Amanyam–Mbiaso road.

“You have done so much in, and for Ikot Ekpene. Currently, you have four projects to commission in Ikot Ekpene. I want to tell you that we are very happy with you,” he said.

The council chairman further declared the support of Amanyam and the wider Ikot Ekpene community for Governor Eno.

“Today, Amanyam and the entire Ikot Ekpene people have declared total support for you. You promised and you have delivered. We assure you of our full support now and in the 2027 general elections,” Nkom added.

Leaders Commend Governor Eno

In separate goodwill messages, the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler of the area, HRM Okon Udo Ukut, commended Governor Eno for his commitment to infrastructure and human development.

They recalled the hardship residents had endured over the years due to the poor condition of the road, noting that the situation had negatively affected movement, trade and other economic activities within the area.

Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno

The leaders applauded the Governor for completing the road and other economically significant projects, saying the developments had restored confidence and hope among residents.

They also expressed support for the Governor’s administration and his bid for a second term in office.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; and other government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and residents.
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Ooni, Obi of Onitsha Commend Governor Umo Eno for Exemplary Leadership

Akwa Ibom Governor honoured as Most Outstanding Governor in Nigeria – South-South at Daily Times Centenary Heroes Awards
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has received another major recognition for his administration’s performance, after being honoured as the “Most Outstanding Governor in Nigeria – South-South” at the Daily Times Centenary Heroes Awards in Abuja.
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The prestigious award was presented on Thursday at the ThisDay Dome, Abuja, during a ceremony attended by prominent Nigerians, including traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, business leaders and other distinguished personalities.

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, commended Governor Eno for what they described as his visionary leadership, commitment to the welfare of the people and impactful development initiatives across Akwa Ibom State.

Governor Eno was represented at the event by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.

Presenting the award, the Obi of Onitsha spoke highly of the governor’s performance, recalling his visits to Akwa Ibom State and expressing satisfaction with the level of development witnessed under Governor Eno.

“I have been to Akwa Ibom State on several occasions, and I am very impressed with the work he is doing, particularly his commitment to the welfare of the people. We encourage him to keep the flag flying,” Igwe Achebe said.

The Ooni of Ife also praised the governor’s achievements and described him as a “good man” and a “performer.”

“He is a good man. He is doing well. Please extend my greetings to him,” Oba Ogunwusi said.

The recognition adds to the growing list of accolades received by Governor Eno since assuming office, particularly in recognition of his administration’s focus on infrastructure, human capital development, economic empowerment and people-oriented governance.

The ceremony featured a keynote address by former President of the African Development Bank, Prof. Akinwumi Adesina, who commended the Daily Times for surviving for a century and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s development.

The occasion was chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Also in attendance were Governors Umaru Bago of Niger State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; APC National Chairman, Prof.

Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as well as former ministers, royal fathers, captains of industry and other prominent Nigerians.

Ooni

Several other individuals and institutions were also honoured for their outstanding contributions to national development.

The Daily Times Centenary Heroes Awards was organised to commemorate 100 years of the Daily Times newspaper and recognise individuals and institutions whose contributions have had significant impact on public service, business, community development and the growth of Nigeria.
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Protest Hits Ondo University as Students Demonstrates 68-day Strike

Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, on Thursday protested the 68-day industrial action by workers’ unions, demanding the immediate reopening of the institution.
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The students took to the streets to express their displeasure over the prolonged closure, which they said had disrupted academic activities and created uncertainty for those nearing graduation.

The protesters barricaded the university’s main gate along the Owo-Ikare Expressway, carrying placards with inscriptions including, “Every pending graduate, shey na our lives be these?”, “NASU, NAAT, SSANU have joined strike” and “Enough is Enough.”

‎They called for an immediate resolution of the issues behind the strike, urging the Ondo State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that academic activities resume without further delay.

Speaking during the protest, the President of the Students’ Union Government, Folagbade Ayoola, said the students had reached their limit and could no longer remain silent over the prolonged closure.‎

Ayoola lamented that students were being required to pay school fees while lecturers’ salaries remained unpaid, adding that repeated meetings and promises had failed to produce a lasting solution.

‎He said, “We cannot keep silent because we are really facing challenges in our university. Imagine students having to pay school fees while lecturers’ salaries are not being paid.”

According to him, the Academic Staff Union of Universities had presented its demands to the government, but the failure to secure the necessary response eventually led to the commencement of the indefinite strike.

He added that the students would continue to use legitimate means to press for a resolution until the strike was called off.

The union’s General Secretary, Oluwatimileyin Amos, said the prolonged stay-at-home was creating uncertainty and hardship for students, particularly those nearing graduation.

The industrial action followed demands by unions in Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions for the implementation of the Federal Government/unions agreement on workers’ welfare.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and National Association of Academic Technologists are among the unions involved in the dispute.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government said it had paid the outstanding balance of the August arrears of the new subvention to the state-owned tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the government said the payment marked the commencement of the implementation of a 60 per cent increase in subventions to the institutions.

The government said the increase was aimed at meeting salary obligations and improving the welfare of university workers.

Ondo University

‎The statement partly read, “This payment marks the commencement of the implementation of the 60 per cent increment on subventions to the institutions, aimed at meeting up with salary obligations and improving welfare.

‎”Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa therefore appeals to the striking unions of the institutions to, in good faith, call off the strike and return to work in the interest of our students and the overall development of the state.”
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