Wike applauds Eno as Akwa Ibom commissions 17.33km of roads in Ika
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his leadership and development efforts, following the commissioning of 17.33 kilometres of roads in Ika Local Government Area as part of the state’s 38th anniversary celebrations.
Wike, who commissioned the 15.8km Ikot Esu–Otomo–Azumini Road and 1.53km internal roads in Ikot Udom, described Governor Eno as “a man of humility, sincerity, and honour,” adding that what he saw on ground was “not 3D, but real development.” He urged Akwa Ibom residents to remain united and continue supporting the state government.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for attending the event, calling him a “great son of the Niger Delta” and praising his commitment to national development. He explained that while the Ikot Esu–Otomo–Azumini Road is 15.8km within Akwa Ibom, it was extended by 3.5km into Azumini in neighbouring Abia State.
Highlighting the road’s economic significance, Eno said it opens Ika to commercial opportunities by connecting the community directly to Aba, the South-East’s commercial hub. He also noted that the internal roads in Ikot Udom fulfilled a promise he made to the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, and would greatly improve local business access.
The Governor described the presence of prominent PDP figures, including Wike, at a project commissioned in an APC-led state as a sign of unity and collaboration. He emphasized that Akwa Ibom remains united in its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he credited for helping stabilize the economy and providing states with development funds.
Chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, described the road project as “historic and heartwarming,” noting that it was the first tarred road in the area and would bring economic and social transformation to the community.
Other dignitaries, including Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo and former Attorney General Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, praised Governor Eno for giving Ika people a sense of belonging through the road infrastructure, describing the project as a catalyst for economic growth.
The commissioning ceremony drew a large crowd and featured the presence of past and current state leaders, including Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Mayor of Islington Jason Utitofon Jackson, political stakeholders, and members of the public.
