By Kingsley Agim
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – As part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and stimulate socio-economic development in rural communities, and in fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu on Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the second phase of the 17-kilometre Boki East-West Road at Onitsha Farm in Boki Local Government Area.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, described the road project as a critical intervention designed to open up rural areas and address long-standing transportation challenges. He noted that the road would significantly improve access between communities, ease the movement of people and goods, and support agricultural activities, which remain the mainstay of the local economy.
Rt. Hon. Odey emphasised that improved road infrastructure would not only reduce transportation costs but also increase the income-generating capacity of rural households by enabling farmers to transport their produce to markets more efficiently. He further reaffirmed the Otu-led administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects that promote inclusive growth and improve the quality of life, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Revealing that the state government has provided counterpart funding for the construction of major rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), including roads in previously unreached communities in Boki LGA and other parts of the state, Odey called on traditional rulers, youth, and stakeholders of the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project by supporting the contractor in executing it according to schedule. He also urged the contractor to prioritise local content by utilising local materials, labour, and services to boost economic growth.
In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Boki LGA, Hon. Mrs Beatrice Etta Nyiam, praised Governor Otu for fulfilling his campaign promises. She described the road as a gift that carries “hope, progress, and promise” for the people of Boki, noting that it will transform lives by opening up communities, easing the transportation of farm produce, boosting trade, creating jobs for the youth, and attracting new economic opportunities.
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Hon. Nyiam further emphasised that the road symbolises unity by connecting communities and strengthening social bonds within the LGA. She expressed gratitude to the Governor, highlighting that the people of Boki recognise leadership that delivers on its commitments and assured that they are ready to show their appreciation in the 2027 elections.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Pius Ankpo, appealed to the Council Chairman, traditional rulers, and youth to ensure adequate security and support for the contractor, assuring that his ministry would carry out routine supervision to guarantee timely completion in line with agreed standards and specifications.
In separate goodwill messages, the House of Representatives member for Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Abang, House of Assembly members for Boki 1 and 2, Hon. Bette Obi and Rt. Hon. Dr Hilary Bisong, Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, and the Paramount Ruler of Boki, HRM Otu Fredaline Akando, all expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for prioritising rural development and economic empowerment through strategic infrastructure investments across the state and pledged their continued support for his administration.
The high point of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting by the Deputy Governor, symbolising the commencement of the project, which will cut across Onitsha Farm-Boje-Katabang and terminate at Kanyang Junction along the Ikom-Obudu highway.
