… Govt to reactivate Oron as a thriving beach-front town- Gov Eno
… Akwa Ibom committed to blue economy- Ememobong
Akwa Ibom Government has restated its commitment to reactivating trading jetty in Oron Local Government Area to hasten maritime business between the State and Cross River.
Performing the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project at the beach, Idua Assang in Oron Local Government Area on Thursday, Governor Eno said the effort was the renaissance of Oron as a thriving beach-front town.
Eno recollected with nostalgia, the enduring cultural and social life of the area as well as the fun memories of ferry trips from Oron to Calabar.
He equally recollected the seaside restaurants, the seafood, and the general atmosphere of love and relaxation that existed in the area, adding that it was the tourism spot to see the area as the maritime hub of the State.
Also read: National Museum, Oron: Home of wood carvings
“Today, the story is about to change. We can say emphatically that with the launching of the maritime infrastructure which we are gathered here to perform that Oron is back!
“With the flag-off of this project which includes, shore protection, constructing of a terminal building, warehouses with cold rooms, the construction of cargo, passenger and joint task force jetties, the recreational garden at the beach-front, the improvements and facelift of Oron Museum as well as the commercial park, the bright lights of Oron are aligning back.
“We are also restoring the inter-state passenger transportation between Calabar in Cross River and our State, which was one of the defining features of this town, with two passengers’ ferry.
“The sum total of what we are witnessing here today is the turning around of the economic fortunes of the people of Oro, which is in line with my campaign promises,” he added.
He reiterated his administration commitment to the development of Oron Federal Constituency, saying, “Work is ongoing on the 14.5km Nsit Atai-Okopedi Road, and the 11km Okopedi-Uya Oro Road, the Unyenge Road that leads to the Ibom Deep Seaport, Effiong Essang and the 2.9 kilometer Secretariat Road in Urue Offong/Oruko LGA, which was commissioned last year. With your support, we will do more.”
In her remark, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi appreciated the Governor for being a vessel in the hands of God to change the fortunes of people in the area, describing Pastor Umo Eno as best Governor in Nigeria.
Also, the Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, Mr. Okon Enweme appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise to his people, adding that the project, when completed, will serve multiple purposes including job creation and stimulation of the economy.
Giving an overview of the project, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga, said the project would have shore protection, constructing of a terminal building, warehouses, the construction of cargo, passenger and joint task force jetties, and other facilities.
The Member representing Oron Federal Constituency, Mr. Martins Esin and the member representing Oron State Constituency, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, appreciated the Governor for his numerous development initiatives in the area, and passed a vote of confidence on him.
Also speaking, Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard, Rear Admiral Etop Ebe, also appreciated the Governor’s development initiatives, and assured of the Navy’s commitment to finishing their own part of the work on a record time.
Akwa Ibom committed to blue economy- Ememobong
In another development, the Akwa Ibom Government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the potentials of the blue economy and advancing maritime development in the state.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong, made this known when he received members of the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals on a courtesy visit to his office on Thursday, March 13.
Ememobong highlighted the recent commissioning of the Shore Protection Project and shoreline development in Oron as a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to maritime growth.
He emphasized that these initiatives would enhance maritime transport and recreation in the region.
Describing the Ibom Deep Seaport as a cornerstone for future development, the commissioner stressed the importance of collaboration between the ministry and maritime oil and gas professionals.
Ememobong assured them of the state government’s willingness to partner with industry experts to drive growth and achieve long-term objectives in the maritime sector.
“The industrial city envisioned by the governor aims to build indigenous capacity and ensure local participation in its development, he stated.
“This is where the local content law comes into play, requiring that a certain percentage of the project’s workforce, services and materials be sourced locally.”
He explained that for this law to be effectively implemented, local individuals and businesses must possess the necessary capacity. “His Excellency has prioritized capacity procurement to ensure that skills and resources are available before project execution begins,” he added.
The Commissioner also commended the technical committee, led by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, for its role in advancing the Ibom Deep Seaport project, noting that the committee is ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to bring the project to fruition.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Secretary General of Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, Captain Sunday Umoren, expressed enthusiasm for supporting the state’s maritime development. He noted that as indigenes with expertise in various maritime sectors, their goal is to contribute to human capacity building, particularly in preparation for the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“We are here to offer our expertise and seek your support in planning. The deep seaport is just one component, but without proper positioning, we may end up having a seaport in Akwa Ibom without maximizing its benefits,” Umoren said.
The delegation included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project and Director of Project, Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Akaninyene Ekong; former District Surveyor at NIMASA, Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; and Project Lead at Shell UK, Prof. Maurice Asuquo of John Moores University, UK.
Also present were the Chief Engineer of Jad Construction Limited, Warri, Engr. Iniobong Ebong, and Marine Pilot at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Bonny.
