Oron Local Government Area comes alive today as Governor Umo Eno commissions several life-changing projects under the ARISE Agenda.
The commissioning comes shortly after the APC primaries, where Akwa Ibom people gave Governor Eno strong backing as the party’s candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election. With the politics of the primaries behind him, the governor is returning attention to governance, development and service delivery across the state.
Today’s projects include a Model Healthcare Centre, an administrative block, a Youth Development Centre and completed road projects in Oron. Among them are the 2.1km Ukpong Street and Effiong Esang Street roads, supported by an 800-metre span discharge drain.
For many residents, the roads carry deep meaning. Before the intervention of Governor Eno, the area was in a deplorable condition and had long caused hardship for motorists, residents and businesses. Although the roads had earlier been approved under the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, funds were not released for their construction.
Governor Eno later awarded the project and provided the needed financial backing for its completion. This reflects his commitment to ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in the development of Akwa Ibom State.
At the flag-off of the project, Deputy Governor Dr Akon Eyakenyi thanked the governor for keeping the interest of Oro people close to his heart. She described his administration as inclusive and praised him for keeping his word to the people.
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, explained that the roads are important because they connect the Federal Government Housing Estate, the Maritime Academy and several residential areas in Oron. He said the roads were designed with drainage infrastructure because of the erosion-prone nature of the area.
The Model Healthcare Centre being commissioned is also a major part of the governor’s rural development vision. Governor Eno has continued to prioritize access to healthcare across the 31 local government areas of the state. With this facility, residents within the area will no longer need to travel long distances for basic healthcare services.
The Youth Development Centre is another important project for Oron. Equipped with ICT facilities, the centre is expected to support skills development, youth empowerment and employability. It reflects the governor’s belief that investing in young people is one of the surest ways to prepare the next generation for leadership and productive citizenship.
Governor Eno is also expected to inspect the Oron Maritime Project, one of the major initiatives of his administration. The project is designed to include ferry boats, a cold room, warehouse, car park, four jetties and recreational space.
When completed, the maritime project is expected to expand commercial activity in Oron and strengthen its role as a gateway to Calabar and other coastal communities. It will open new economic opportunities for traders, transport operators, fishermen, investors and residents.
For the people of Oron, today is more than a commissioning ceremony. It is a moment of renewed confidence that their community remains central to the development priorities of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
These projects explain why many Akwa Ibom people continue to identify with Governor Eno’s leadership and his ARISE Agenda. They see in his administration a steady commitment to infrastructure, healthcare, youth development and economic expansion across the state.
Arise, that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
