RAAMP Project Delivers 202km Of Rural Roads In Akwa Ibom

The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has delivered over 202 kilometres of rural roads across several local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, according to state project officials.

The disclosure came during the inauguration of an 11-kilometre Owot Uta–Nung Oku Ekwere–Afaha Udoeyop–Edeobom 1 road, which traverses Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom local government areas.

Representatives from the World Bank, International Labour Organisation (ILO), and other partners attended the event at St. Saviours African Primary School, where they assessed the project’s implementation.

The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by the deputy governor, Akon Eyakenyi, said the road project represents another milestone in his administration’s determination to open up rural communities, improve agricultural transportation, and stimulate economic growth under the ARISE Agenda.

He noted that the road would significantly ease movement between the two local government areas, facilitate the transportation of farm produce to urban markets, and improve trade relations among communities.

The governor also appreciated the World Bank and the French Development Agency for partnering with the State government to execute the project, stressing that the initiative aligns with the administration’s agricultural revolution and rural development vision.

Providing an overview of the project, the State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, Gideon Akpan, disclosed that the road begins from Owot Uta in Ibesikpo Asutan and terminates in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

According to him, the 11-kilometre road cuts across seven communities in Ibesikpo Asutan and one community in Nsit Ibom, eventually linking an ongoing agro-logistics hub being developed in the area.

Pastor Akpan explained that the road project forms part of broader interventions aimed at improving rural access roads and strengthening agricultural marketing systems in the state.

He commended Governor Eno, for promptly releasing counterpart funds and providing the enabling environment needed for the successful implementation of the project in line with World Bank guidelines.

He further revealed that Akwa Ibom currently has over 202 kilometres of rural roads under RAAMP interventions across several local government areas, alongside three agro-logistics markets located at Ekponwa Market, Naira Market, and Atabong Beach Market.

The state coordinator added that the project incorporates sustainability measures through the establishment of the Rural Access Road Agency (RARA), while the International Labour Organization has partnered with the state to support road maintenance through community-based employment initiatives.

According to him, dozens of rural residents have already been employed under the road maintenance scheme to carry out drain clearing, pothole repairs, vegetation control, bridge maintenance, and other routine road management activities.

Pastor Akpan also disclosed that the State has digitized over 2,453 kilometres of rural roads and completed the design of 500 kilometres of roads under the World Bank scale-up programme expected to commence this year.

He said the initiative would help reduce rural-urban migration while creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, described RAAMP as a strategic project designed to improve rural feeder roads and ensure food sufficiency across the state.

She noted that the completion of the road marked a major victory for rural dwellers and thanked development partners for their support.

In their welcome remarks, the Executive Chairmen of Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas, Edidiong Inyang and Otobong Aaron, praised Governor Umo Eno for fulfilling his campaign promises through impactful projects.

They highlighted ongoing initiatives such as Model Schools and Model Health Centres, assuring the governor of the continued support of the people.

Traditional rulers also expressed appreciation for the development projects brought to their communities. The Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, Clement Francis, and the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom, Manasseh Akpan, represented by Udeme Nnah, lauded the governor’s commitment to rural transformation.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by the RAAMP National Coordinator, Aminu Mohammed, and the World Bank Country Director, Matthew Verghis, represented by Anne-Cecile Souhaid.

Speaking with journalists on their assessment of the projects in the state, Anne-Cecile Souhaid, Rep of the Country Director, Practice Manager Transport, West Africa, World Bank, expressed satisfaction with the quality and impact of the road project.

“I’m honoured to participate in the commissioning today. You can clearly see the impact this road will have on the beneficiaries. I also visited other ongoing projects and it is encouraging to see the level of progress recorded. I’m very happy to be in Akwa Ibom State,” she said.

Similarly, the RAAMP National Coordinator, Dr. Aminu Muhammed, National Coordinator, RAAMP expressed satisfaction with the level of work executed in the state.

“We are impressed with the quality of work in Akwa Ibom State. Initially, we came for the commissioning of the road to support His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, but we also used the opportunity to inspect one market, one completed road, and another ongoing road project. The projects are quite impressive and align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. I congratulate the people of Akwa Ibom State because everything has gone successfully,” he stated.