By Joseph ATHANASIUS| Leadership and society are reflections of each other. This truism formed the central theme of classical political thought. Be that as it may, it could be hypothetically said that society that produces good leaders is very likely to produce a good society and a good life for it's citizenry.
Accordingly, history, as it is said, is the thread that connects the past into the dim horizon of the future hence, as a state we are on the bridge that connects us from the past to the future.
Interestingly, being a long chain of that connection, Governor Udom Emmanuel reports for duty May 29, 2015 thus, the past few months of his administration has impacted positively on the people of Akwa Ibom state in all sectors of the society. The people have felt the impact of good leadership in a manner never witnessed in the history of democratic governance particularly, in this era where there is dwindling fortunes of the state's deriving incomes.
As a matter of fact, in the last one year and few months,Governor Udom Emmanuel's administration has channelled the state's resources appropriately to produce the type of results witnessed in all the sectors. The impressive accomplishment of this administration are there for everyone, including ardent critics to appreciate.
Akwa Ibom, as a developing story, has distinguished itself with the laudable value of hardwork, selflessness, integrity and a sense of purpose, which has brought us this far.
So far the people are excited on the pace of development hence, Akwa Ibom is on the verge of emerging one of the pivots of the Nigerian economy, even as it sends signals to other states of the federation that it can realize this dream.
This reality of course,underscores the commitment to selfless service by privileged public servants, who joined hands with Governor Udom Emmanuel to make success of our collective vision for a greater Akwa Ibom state.
In the case of this middle-age son of Akwa Ibom, I have drawn my own opinion. He is a gold getter, whose heart beats with passion for Akwa Ibom people, I am convinced, he is a agreat asset to Governor Udom Emmanuel-led government.
This erudite administrator has reiterated his resolve to commit himself to making the remaining years into Governor Udom's first tenure, the best regime of democratic governance in the history of the state. According to him, this determination will serve as a beacon of hope to Nigerians and pride of memories to Akwa Ibom people. He is the Akwa Ibom state Honourable Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Akparawa Inyang-eyen.
No doubt, September 23, 2016 has once again rekindled in the people of Akwa Ibom, that memorable day of fulfilled aspiration, of joy and celebration, of the birth of a state as Governor Udom Emmanuel flagged-off construction of roads recently awarded by the state government in Uyo, Uruan and Ini LGAs yet, the massive urban-rural road construction witnessed in the state today is a democratic drive of the Works' Ministry under the visionary leadership of Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen.
For instance, the people of Ini LGA that has been marginalized in term of infrastructure development projects are singing Hosanna as construction work is ongoing on this all-important road, which has been abandoned by successive governments, the road connects Akwa Ibom and Abia state (ie Ikpe Ikot Nkon - Obotme - Arochukwu Road). Moreso, 17.4km Odoro Ikpe - Mbiabet - Ikpe Mbiabet Ikot Udo Road with 30 spans breach (Rice Mill Road) in Ini LGA is under construction as well.
Akwa Ibom people are expressing gratitude for thé state Governor for exhibiting uncommon passion for the state development. This appreciation came as a result of the construction work going on at the 19.317km Anua - Mbak - Ishiet Road with spurs, which cuts across Uyo and Uruan LGAs respectively.
According to the people, Governor Udom Emmanuel's administration has shown unparalleled interest in the people's welfare and well-being. They said that they were trusting that better days await them as Udom's administration marches on, even as they lauded Works' Commissioner's pragmatic approach to transport infrastructure development in the state, and argued that Ephraim Inyang-eyen has pictured Akwa Ibom as a future investors' paradise and a must visit state.
Right from when Ephraim Inyang-eyen took over the administration of the Ministry of Works, the developmental strides took a different dimension, it was no longer business as usual, no dull moment, he envisioned Akwa Ibom as an economic hub, with avowed determination to change its monolithic status.
The above explains the government's determination to make Akwa Ibom habitable for investors and its citizens by way of tackling flood menace in the state. The Commissioner dropped the hint during a routine inspection tour to some of the construction sites in the state last week. He expressed delight over the quick take-off of the out-fall drains and culverts construction projects handled by Julius Berger. The project begin from Ring Road 3 to Obot Idim, a 4.6km length of out-fall drain, with the second finger from Tropicana to Obot Idim.
The second phase of this project is to begin from Nsikak Eduok, Oron Road to Tropicana, it's of about 1.5km total length of 2.0m by 1.5m Double Cell Underground Drainage and 15km Service Road.
On completion, the Commissioner said, about 3.5 square kilometers of water shed would be de-flooded, including part of Ewet Housing Estate, part of Osongama Housing Estate, part of Edet Akpan Avenue, Oron Road, Akwa Efak, as well as Itiam Ikot Ebia and Itiam Etoi communities.
Moreno, plans are underway to stop incessant flooding along IBB Avenue by the low point, opposite Women Development Center. However the state government needs about Fifty Two Billion naira to de-flood IBB and Uyo metropolis. As we speak, the World Bank has indicated interest to assist the state government achieve this laudable task.
Truth be told! The sacrifice of our forebears is paying off gradually, many years from now posterity will take a look back at this administration and take a holistic view of all that transpired, even at this trying time, and will exclaimed, there was a responsible democratic governance in Akwa Ibom state!
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