RURAL DEVELOPMENT: 11KM OWOT UTA-EDE OBOM 1 ROAD READY FOR COMMISSIONING

Emmanuel Nicholas

During the inauguration of Governor Umo Eno on May 29 2023 , he unequivocally articulated his commitment to advancing development in the rural areas of the state.

In a strategic and visionary move, he designated Rural Development as the de facto cornerstone of his Arise Agenda during its launch at the Ibom Meridian and Golf Resort.

The emphasis on rural development is not merely a policy choice but a fundamental aspect of his governance philosophy.

The Governor knows by prioritizing the upliftment of rural communities, he aims to address systemic inequalities, enhance the quality of life for residents, and stimulate economic growth from the grassroots level.

The rationale behind this focus is multifaceted.

Firstly, rural areas often face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education, market,quality road network, healthcare, and insufficient economic opportunities.

So, Governor Umo Eno is intentional about channeling resources and attention towards these rural areas ,and seeks to rectify these disparities and promote inclusive development.

Furthermore, the Governor knows that investing in rural development can serve as a catalyst for broader state prosperity. Strengthening agricultural practices, improving transportation networks, and speed-up local entrepreneurship to can create a more resilient economy that benefits all citizens.

In essence, Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to rural development as a central element of his Arise Agenda reflects a holistic approach to governance, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of rural vitality and overall state advancement.

This strategic initiative not only aims to elevate marginalized communities but also seeks to establish a formidable foundation for sustainable advancement throughout the entire state.

To launch this mission, on July 5, 2023, he inaugurated the Rural Access Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) and flagged off the construction of the Owot Uta-Nung Oku Ekere-Afaha Udo Eyop-Edebom 1 roads, which connects the Ekponwa Market and facilitates access between Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas.

The construction of this rural road not only connects these two localities but also traverses 16 villages that previously lacked access to asphalt-paved roads. The significance of this road lies primarily in its critical role in enhancing trade.

The Urua Ekpo Nwa market in Ede Obom 1, which this road connects to, is recognized as one of the three most prominent markets in Akwa Ibom State.

Traders from major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Onitsha, Aba, and Bayelsa flock to this market to purchase essentials like palm oil, palm kernels, plantains, unripe bananas, coconuts, cassava, Afang leaves, pears, goats, sheep, indigenous poultry (both cocks and hens), pumpkin leaves, fufu, dry fish, crayfish, palm fruits, bitter leaves, scent leaves, water yam, yams, peppers, and a plethora of other agricultural products.

The market serves as a vital resource for numerous industries located in Kano, Lagos, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt, which rely on it for the procurement of essential raw materials.

Companies engaged in the production of cosmetics frequently patronize Urua Ekpo Nwa to acquire palm kernels and palm oil, utilizing these ingredients in the manufacture of creams, soaps, and various other cosmetic items.

Moreso, producers of groundnut oil source palm kernels in bulk from the market, while beverage companies flock to purchase fresh fruits for their production processes.

Food vendors operating within the market also benefit from its offerings, buying goats, chickens, and sheep to prepare meals for their many customers.

However, over the years, the number of buyers patronizing this market has dwindled, largely due to inadequate infrastructure on the connecting roads.

Recognizing this pressing issue, it was prudent for Governor Umo Eno to prioritize rural development efforts starting from this critical juncture.

The 11 kilometer road project, initiated in July 2023 under the auspices has been successfully completed and is now awaiting formal commissioning.

During my visit to this remarkable roadway on February 22, 2025, I had the opportunity to drive the entire length, starting from Owot Utah, which serves as the zero point of the road, and concluding at Ede-Obom 1, the endpoint of the 11 kilometer stretch.

It was truly a breathtaking sight to behold; the entire expanse of the roadway has been fully asphalted, presenting a smooth and well-constructed surface that enhances accessibility and connectivity in the localities .

Governor Umo Eno did not just stop by only constructing the access road, He has also modernized the Ancient Urua Ekpo because there was a pressing need for construction of new markets to enhance its facilities and better reflect its significance..

Completing a well-designed road network intended to facilitate market access, while simultaneously permitting the market to remain in a state of disrepair, is like attempting to pour new wine into an old, worn-out vessel.

This analogy underscores the futility of investing in infrastructure improvements without concurrently addressing the underlying issues that plague the market itself.

It illustrates the notion that enhancement in one area cannot compensate for neglect in another, thereby highlighting the necessity for a holistic approach to development that encompasses both infrastructure and the overall condition of the market infrastructure.

In response to these challenges, Governor Umo Eno, through the RAAMP rural project, is spearheading initiatives to transform the market into a professional agro-logistics center, aimed at better serving the numerous traders who rely on it across Nigeria.

The government of Akwa Ibom State has envisioned a comprehensive redesign of the market, which, upon completion, will feature both lock-up and open shops, a dedicated fruit pavilion for farmers selling their produce, an abattoir for livestock traders, and a specialized hall for palm oil and palm kernel vendors.

Moreover, the new market will incorporate warehouses for storage, cold rooms for frozen foods and vegetables, a health center to address any medical emergencies that may arise during trading, and a business district housing banks and cooperative organizations.

Upon its completion, Urua Ekpo Nwa will also include a security post managed by the police and a community security watch , alongside offices for business owners seeking a corporate environment for their daily operations.

The design of the market will accommodate both trailer and bus parks, as well as designated areas for private customers arriving in personal vehicles or on motorcycles.

The new Urua Ekpo Nwa will prioritize comfort and safety, featuring bathrooms, restrooms, and a fire-fighting office to respond promptly to any fire outbreaks that may occur and it will be fenced round.

One of the primary motivations behind Governor Umo Eno’s ambition to establish an agro-logistics market at Urua Ekpo Nwa is the significant potential for economic growth and job creation.

By creating a centralized hub for agricultural products, the market can attract local farmers, traders, and consumers, improving a vibrant economy.

With the successful completion of the 11 kilometer stretch of roads encompassing Owot Uta-Nung Oku, Ekere-Afaha Udo, and Eyop-Edebom 1, Governor Umo Eno has unequivocally asserted that his Rural Development initiative transcends the realm of mere political rhetoric. He is steadfastly committed to transforming the landscape of rural development in Akwa Ibom State.

As we eagerly await the official date for the commissioning of this significant infrastructural investment, it is imperative to highlight that Governor Umo Eno has awarded contracts for over 102 kilometers of roadways and four bridges throughout in the rural areas of the State .

All of these projects are currently in progress and are at various stages of completion.

This comprehensive approach underscores the governor’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and advancing sustainable development in rural areas, thereby improving the quality of life for residents and stimulating economic growth within the state.