Date Published: 12/13/10

Akpabio approves more Road Construction Works

Akwa Ibom government has approved it extension of road construction to cover major axis of Urua Inyang and Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government Area.

Gov Godswill Akpabio made the government’s intention known during the 14th anniversary celebration of Ika and reception of the primate of the African Church Nigeria and Overseas, Bishop Emmanuel Udofia at Urua Inyang.

The Governor stated that construction of the road would commence without delay and completed before the expiration of the first tenure and not part of projects in the second term.

Akpabio remarked that other axis of Ika Local Government Area expected to have a facelift in road construction are Ikot Uko, adding that ongoing projects on electricity would be fast-tracked for needed benefits.

He pointed out that his administration decided to take Ika as the pivot of socio-economic programmes to reverse the extent of neglect prior to 2007, pledging “not to leave Akwa Ibom especially Ika in darkness.”

The governor said in the agenda of the government to reposition Ika, relevant facilities would be provided at Ikot Udo such as the recently approved Forward Operations Base.

Akpabio stated that the resolve of his administration in the initiation and completion of over 3000 inter-ministerial projects should not be taken for granted but a commitment to changing the circumstances of the state.

He described the elevation of Ika people in many facets of endeavour as a reflection of God’s recognition on the people, commending the African Church Nigeria and Overseas for granting an Akwa Ibom indigene its topmost position of a Primate.

Akpabio stated that the acceptance of Bishop Udofia as the Primate has integrated Akwa Ibom in the mainstream of its services, urging for support from Ika indigenes to enable his success.

In a homily the officiating minister, Apostle Goddy Udoinyang who read from Psalms 103 and Psalms 24:6 said the thanksgiving by Ika people was relevant at the moment as it has produced credible men as royal priests.

Udoinyang stated that thanksgiving required three major factors of the benefactor, beneficiary and the expected benefit, noting that over the years peace had eluded Ika Ika best restored at the fulfillment of God’s agenda.

The chairman of Ika Local Government Area, Mr Saviour Enyiekere said that the thanksgiving has honoured Ika as a mark of liberation from crises, noting that the peace enjoyed in the area presently was a matter of destiny.

Enyiekere appealed to the government to commence the tapping of crude oil resources in Ika, thanking governor Akpabio for bringing the first tarred road to Ika and the settlement of boundary disputes without ceding Ika land to any of their neighbours.

The primate, the African Church Nigeria and overseas, Bishop Udofia thanked governor Akpabio for the support to him during his selection and consecration as the Primate of the African Church Nigeria and Overseas.

Udofia enjoined the various churches in Ika to embark on the sensitization of members on voter’s registration to enable them to participate in civic responsibilities of having a government close to their interest.

Highlight of the reception was the conferment of Gold Service Award on Good Governance and a chieftaincy title of Idorenyin Ika (Hope of Ika) on Chief Akpabio by the council and traditional rulers of Ika.

The reception attracted distinguished personalities of Ika, including the paramount ruler, Obong Ekpenyong Okongko Udoutin who is also chancellor, University of Maiduguri, Borno State.