Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has assured the people of Essien Udim Local Government Area of the State of timely completion of the road connecting the General Hospital, Ikpe Annang and the Obo Annang Market.
Emmanuel made the declarations while speaking at the funeral service of the Late Itai Afe Annang IV, Okuku Pius Effiong Esideh III, at the Assumption Parish of the Roman Catholic Church, Essien Udim on Wednesday.
He disclosed that his appointment of an indigene of Essien Udim in the State Executive Council and the State House of Assembly member representing the area to supervise the project was deliberate to ensure close and dedicated monitoring towards timely completion of the project.
“On the issue of the road, if you check that is the third contractor we are awarding that road and this time around we had to bring the Chinese to see how we can get it done. We are going to do that road by force, but as we discussed, once we open that road, those schools around the area will be left open.
He also directed the immediate commencement of work for perimeter fencing of St. Ignatius Primary School Ukana, Community Secondary School, Ukana East and Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikpe Annang.
“So I want to assure the community and the clan that those three schools, Saint Ignatius Primary School Ukana, Community Secondary School, Ukana East and Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikpe Annang, will be fenced all-round because of the opening of those roads and that will be done immediately, as a mark of honour,” the Governor declared.
“The gesture was in line with the wish of the deceased, coupled with the present state administration’s premium on education”, he said.
He described the deceased as a respected patriarch and educationist who exhibited both character and charisma, positive and forward looking, an advocate of good judgement and Justice, whose support and good counsel was valuable to his administration.