Senator Aniekan Bassey Advances Rural Infrastructure, Economic Opportunities In Akwa Ibom Community

Rural infrastructure. Esuk Odu Beach has historically served as a vital fishing settlement and trading hub for coastal communities in Uruan. Over the years, it has remained a center for the exchange of dried fish, palm oil, and indigenous crafts, sustaining livelihoods across the region.

Despite its calm waters and scenic appeal, qualities that position it as a promising leisure and tourism destination, the area’s economic potential remained largely underutilized due to prolonged infrastructural deficits.

This trajectory is now being transformed through the ongoing construction of the 3.96km Adadia–Ekim Enen–Esuk Odu Beach Road, a project facilitated by Senator Aniekan Bassey in alignment with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on infrastructure development.

Upon completion, the road will establish a direct and dependable transport corridor, significantly reducing travel time and logistics costs for farmers, fishermen, and residents of Uruan and adjoining communities. By linking inland agricultural zones with Issiet Market and extending to Esuk Odu’s coastal trade routes, the project will enhance the efficient movement of goods and services.

Improved accessibility is expected to stimulate growth across key sectors, including fisheries, aquaculture, sand mining, and small-scale tourism. It will enable farmers to transport perishable produce more efficiently, minimize post-harvest losses, and provide traders with a safer, more reliable supply chain. Furthermore, the improved infrastructure is likely to attract private sector investment in hospitality, recreation, and related services, thereby generating employment and boosting local economic activity.

Residents, including farmers and fishermen, have expressed deep appreciation to Senator Aniekan Bassey for facilitating the project, describing it as a long-awaited solution to persistent mobility challenges. Beyond improved access, they view the road as a symbol of renewed economic prospects and inclusive development.

Senator Bassey

This initiative underscores Senator Bassey’s commitment to grassroots development. It reinforces his support for Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes rural transformation as a catalyst for sustainable growth in Akwa Ibom State.

Rt. Hon. Sunday Bassey

Governor Eno Joins Tinubu, Akpabio In Bayelsa For Projects Inauguration

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD today, April 10, 2026, joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in Bayelsa State for a one-day visit to inaugurate projects.

Amongst the projects inaugurated include a 60-megawatt gas-fired Independent Power Plant (IPP) at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Governor Eno Joins Tinubu

In attendance were governors from the Niger Delta states, traditional rulers, and captains of industry, who joined Governor Diri in receiving the President—an indication of regional solidarity and a shared commitment to the development of the region.

Akwa Ibom Local Council Chairman Construct 1.7km Road Project, Praises Governor Eno For Inspiration

Recently, Governor Umo Eno had called on local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State to embark on roads and life touching projects, rather than endless renovations of council offices.

Governor Eno who spoke during a joint meeting of state executive council members and local government chairmen, had advised chairmen to be more considerate in bringing governance closer to the people.

One local government area, that has perfectly responded to the Governor’s clarion call, is Ikot Abasi under the chairmanship of Hon. Ime Williamson Essien

Of the numerous projects, what has stood out is the ongoing construction of the 1.7km Ikot Umiang – Okon Road, with a bridge he has opted to complete along with the road.

The gesture would be opening up that part of the state for the first time, with a proper road, and is ready for asphalting.

Hinging his motivation on Governor Umo Eno’s transformational strides, the Ikot Abasi Council Chairman, Hon. Ime Williamson, in a brief chat enumerated other achievements of his administration, saying he is able to achieve so much without taking any loan, because the state governor is not interfering with council funds.

He also said that he is highly inspired by Governor Eno’s accomplishments to also replicate same for his people, adding that the road will be ready for inauguration in two months.

“These projects have made it impossible for me to have any money in my pocket”, the Ikot Abasi helmsman said.

The tour of the project revealed how much intentional leadership at the third tier of government can drive development; agreeing with Governor Umo Eno’s recent instruction that Council Chairmen should do more than renovate council secretariats.

‎Chairman Ime Essien explained that the Ikot Umbiang Road, initially designed as a 1km stretch, was extended to 1.7km, thereby easing mobility and stimulating economic activity.
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‎“The road which is 7.3m wide, is equipped with 600x600mm concrete drains and double-sided gutters to prevent flooding and enhance durability ,” the chairman noted.

Beyond the 1.7km Ikot Umiang internal road, the chairman had in October last year executed and inaugurated the Essene Water Project, Ikot Okwo Health Centre, and rural electrification projects across Ikot Ikara, Ikot Obio Ekpe, and Iboro communities in Edemaya Clan.
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The projects, he noted, reflect the council’s commitment to rural connectivity, and improved living standards for residents.

Umo Eno

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The Ikot Umiang Water Project, is a 39-meter-high water tank of 250 litres, solar-powered facility capable of supplying water round the clock.

According to him, the automated pumping system ensures that the tank refills automatically once the water level drops, guaranteeing a constant supply for residents.
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