As part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and stimulate socio-economic development in rural communities, and in fulfillment 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 of the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odinga described the road project as a critical intervention designed to open up rural areas and address long-standing transportation challenges.
A statement from the Deputy Governor’s Press Unit 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 emphasized 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 Local Government Area 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 prioritize local content by utilizing local materials, labor, and services to boost economic growth.
In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, 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 transport of farm produce, boosting trade, creating jobs for youths, and attracting new economic opportunities.
Hon. Nyiam further emphasized that the road symbolizes unity by connecting communities and strengthening social bonds within the local council.
She expressed gratitude to the governor, highlighting that the people of Boki recognize 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 member of the House of Representatives, representing Boki/Ikom federal constituency, Hon. Victor Abang, members of the state House of Assembly representing Boki 1 and 2 state constituency, Hon. Bette Obi and Rt. Hon. Dr. Hilary Bisong respectively, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, and the paramount ruler of Boki, His Royal Majesty, Otu Fredaline Akando, all expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for prioritizing 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, symbolizing the commencement of the project, which will cut across Onitsha Farm-Boje-Katabang and terminate at Kanyang Junction along the Ikom-Obudu highway.
