Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed delight at the progress of the ARISE Park project, describing it as an excellent interpretation of his dream to turn the hitherto dreaded ravine to a valuable asset for the State’s tourism industry.
Speaking during an unscheduled inspection of the project site on his return from the African Food Systems Conference, in Rwanda, Gov. Eno expressed delight at the pace and quality of work at the site.
The Governor who commended the contractor for ensuring due diligence on the project said, “This is one of the most visited sites by this administration. Again, the reason is its proximity to the Government House. As we pass through here, we would always stop by to see the progress. I think I am happy. I believe the contractor is doing a great job.”
The Governor particularly expressed joy over the successful ravine reclamation that has saved lives and homes of residents around the area whose buildings were almost being destroyed by the ravaging gully erosion and for the commercial value the project, upon completion, will add to the hitherto ruined environment.
According to Governor Eno, “this Park can be literally compared to any park in this region. It makes me happy because it was a dream, but now realizable. We have good people that have interpreted the dream, and that is the spirit of team work. This is nice. I look forward to bringing my grand kids here and running around with them at Christmas. That’s what we expect.”
The Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Akwa Ibom State, Elder Aniekan Akpan, who accompanied the Governor on the inspection, lauded the ingenuity and foresight of Governor Umo Eno, describing him as a pride of the party.
On his part, Hon. Mark Esset, who also accompanied the Governor commended the state Chief Executive for translating his vision to reality, stressing that his sterling performance has written the State’s name in letters of gold thereby making federal lawmakers proud.
Hon. Esset, who represents Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives acknowledged that despite the economic crunch, the Governor has blazed the trail in concrete development and people-oriented projects, proving himself as a man of vision with a mission.
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, further explained that the ARISE Park project which began as a reclamation effort of the Udoinwang-Etim Okon Umana ravine, has expanded to become a multi-faceted project with new additions after each review.
He assured that Akwa Ibom people would be very proud upon completion of the project.
Conveying the assurances of the contracting company, the Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, commended the political will and commitment of Governor Umo Eno to the execution of the project, stating that they will work hard to deliver the project in accordance with the Governor’s expectation come December 2024.
