The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life of citizens across the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Governor Otu made the pledge on Saturday during the official flag-off of the construction of the 10-kilometre Ugboro–Ukpah–Afrike Road in Bekwarra Local Government Area.
Addressing residents, traditional rulers, and stakeholders at the event, Rt. Hon. Odey described the project as another major milestone in the implementation of the Governor’s People First agenda. He noted that the road project reflects the administration’s determination to fulfil its campaign promises by expanding access to rural communities and accelerating development across the state.
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According to him, the road will enhance the movement of agricultural produce, boost commercial activities, improve access to healthcare and educational facilities, and create new economic opportunities for residents of the benefiting communities.
The Deputy Governor commended the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Egbung Odama, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, and the Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang, for their commitment and collaborative efforts in facilitating the commencement of the project.
He urged community leaders, youths, and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the contractor to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the project. Rt. Hon. Odey also charged the contractor to prioritise local content by engaging qualified indigenous labour and sourcing construction materials locally where practicable.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Area, Hon. Egbung Odama, described Governor Otu as a leader who keeps his promises, stating that the administration has continued to translate its campaign commitments into tangible developmental projects.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for extending critical infrastructure to Bekwarra, describing the road project as a clear demonstration of the administration’s People First philosophy. While expressing confidence in the successful completion of the project, he appealed to the state government to also consider the construction of the Abuochiche–Akwurinyi Road.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Dr. Pius Ankpo Edet, assured residents that the project would be executed in accordance with approved engineering standards and completed within the lifespan of the present administration. He called on the host communities to continue supporting the contractor throughout the construction period.
The Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, affirmed that the Governor Otu-led administration had made adequate financial provisions to ensure the uninterrupted execution of the project until completion.
In separate goodwill messages, the Member representing Bekwarra State Constituency, Hon. Charles Omang; former Head of Service, Mr. Timothy Akwaji; the Paramount Ruler of Bekwarra Local Government Area; and the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, commended Governor Otu for the strategic intervention. They pledged the full support and cooperation of the people, assuring the government of a peaceful environment that would enable the contractor to deliver the project on schedule.
The ceremony climaxed with the ribbon-cutting performed by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, officially marking the commencement of the 10km Ugboro–Ukpah–Afrike Road project.
