The paramount ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, A kwaha Owong (Prof.) Effiong B. Archianga, has felicitated President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno on Nigeria's forthcoming Independence anniversary and the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
Archianga described the Independence anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation's journey, celebrate its resilience, and renew commitment to national unity, peace and sustainable development. He commended President Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the National Assembly, under the leadership of Senator Akpabio, to national development.
The monarch also congratulated Governor Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom on the state's 39th anniversary, commending the governor for strides in infrastructure development, peace-building and transformation. He said ongoing infrastructural projects across the state demonstrated the governor's commitment to improving quality of life and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
However, Archianga appealed to Governor Eno to extend the infrastructure drive to Ibeno, specifically mentioning the deplorable Ibeno-Eket road. He said the road had been in a poor condition for many years, causing difficulties for residents, commuters, businesses and other road users.
The monarch stressed that the Ibeno-Eket road was critical to the socio-economic activities of Ibeno, and urged the state government to go beyond routine maintenance and provide a lasting solution. He also called for intervention over the collapsed electricity transmission tower that previously supplied power to Okoroutip and other communities in the western part of Ibeno.
Archianga further appealed for increased attention to shore protection and coastal defence projects in vulnerable communities across Ibeno. He noted that effective coastal protection would help safeguard communities, homes, public infrastructure and livelihoods, while supporting long-term economic and environmental sustainability of Ibeno as a major coastal and oil-producing area.
The monarch urged the people of Ibeno, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria to remain united and peaceful, and to commit themselves to patriotism and sustainable development. He wished Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno continued wisdom and success in their governance strides.
Key points
- The monarch appealed to Governor Eno to rehabilitate the deplorable Ibeno-Eket road.
- Archianga commended Governor Eno for his strides in infrastructure development, peace-building and transformation.
- The monarch called for increased attention to shore protection and coastal defence projects in vulnerable communities across Ibeno.
