In a bid to enhance connectivity while boosting socioeconomic development in rural communities, Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has 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, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. 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, as well as support agricultural activities, which is the mainstay of the local economy.
Otu pointed out that improved road infrastructure would not only reduce transportation costs but increase the income-generating capacity of rural households by enabling farmers to transport their produce to markets more efficiently.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects that promote inclusive growth while improving 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 and other parts of the state, Otu 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 further urged the contractor to prioritize local content by utilizing local materials, labour and services to boost economic growth.
Executive Chairman of Boki, Mrs. Beatrice Etta Nyiam, praised 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 transport of farm produce, boosting trade, creating jobs for youths, and attracting new economic opportunities.
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. Hilary Bisong, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, and the Paramount Ruler of Boki, HRM Otu Fredaline Akandu, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritizing rural development and economic empowerment through strategic infrastructure investments across the state, even as they pledged their continued support for his administration.
High point of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting by the governor’s representative, symbolizing the commencement of the project which will cut across Onitsha Farm-Boje-Katabang and terminate at Kanyang Junction along the Ikom-Obudu highway.
