Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno was Special Guest of Honour at the just concluded 32nd Annual Conference of Oron Development Union, (ODU) USA Inc. at Long Island Marriott Hotel, New York on August 29 – September 1, 2024.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Pastor Umo Eno used the occasion to restate his commitment to inclusive governance, describing it as the watchword of his administration.
“For the avoidance of doubt, inclusivity is the watchword of our administration. This, we have demonstrated since assumption of office last year.
“We believe in treating all citizens fairly, irrespective of social status, political party affiliation and religious orientation, as well as all parts of the State, including Oro Nation, thus giving everyone a sense of belonging.”
The Governor said his inclusive leadership style has doused ethnic tension and lowered the political temperature of the State.
“This approach to governance has thankfully doused ethnic tension and lowered the political temperature of the State.” He noted.
He explained that the spread of road construction projects across the State, the initiation of One Project Per Local Government Area and the principle of equality adopted in the distribution of the ARISE Compassionate Homes were some of the ways through which he has ensured no part of the State felt marginalized.
Briefing his hosts on the efforts of the administration in Oro Nation, the Governor said he has made good his promise to ensure the resumption of work on the Uyo -Nsit Atai-Okobo-Uya Oro Road, describing the performances of the contractors as remarkable while expressing optimism in their ability to deliver on schedule.
“During electioneering, the recurrent issue anytime I interfaced with Oro people was the perennially poor state of the Uyo -Nsit Atai-Okobo-Uya Oro Road. In each of those occasions, I assured the people that my administration would complete the road.
“We awarded the phase two, starting from Okobo to Uya Oro to the CCECC while we terminated the contract for the stretch starting from the airport road and re-awarded same to Hensek Integrated Services Ltd, a top performing indigenous construction Company. Both companies have made remarkable progress and we are confident the roads will be completed on schedule.”
He also noted that despite the difficult terrain leading to the site for the seaport project, the contractor handling the Orukim- Unyenge Road was surpassing expectations.
The Governor said despite the slow pace of work on Ukpong Street and Effiong Essang Street, the two hitherto impassable roads would be completed on schedule.
Speaking on maritime transportation and tourism, Pastor Umo Eno said his administration has contracted the Nigerian Navy to build a ferry with a tripartite function of a passenger and cruise ferry as well as a pontoon with the capacity to convey sixty human beings and eight vehicles across the Oron – Calabar Waterways.
“In those days, Oro was popular as a transit route, particularly along the Oron – Calabar Waterways where there was robust ferry service.
“Suddenly, the ferries disappeared, leading to several boat mishaps, resulting in the loss of several lives, especially students of Oro extraction, studying in the University of Calabar.
“In addition to the ferry, we are building a new jetty, renovating the waiting hall and transforming that part of Oron beach into a major tourist site and relaxation centre.”
He assured that with the deployment of gunboats donated by the state government and other measures, the activities of sea pirates and kidnappers have been checked.
Pastor Umo Eno described the theme of the Conference, “Refocusing Oro Youth Through Vocational Skills For A Better Tomorrow” as appropriate, timely and in alignment with the ARISE Agenda of his administration, noting that his desire to consciously steer Akwa Ibom youth from job seeking to wealth creation gave birth to Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre.
The Conference drew participants among illustrious sons and daughters of Oro Nation across the World, including Member Representing Oron Federal Constituency, Hon. Martins Esin, immediate past Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey.
