By Patrick Titus, Uyo
The Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Akwaha Owong Effiong B. Archianga has appealed for increased attention to shore protection and coastal defence projects in vulnerable communities in the coastal region of the state especially Ibeno.
Archianga pointed out that Ibeno’s extensive coastline made shoreline protection a critical component of the area’s infrastructure and environmental development, urging government to work with relevant federal agencies and stakeholders to identify vulnerable areas and implement sustainable protective measures.
He added that effective coastal protection would help safeguard communities, homes, public infrastructure and livelihoods, while supporting long-term economic and environmental sustainability of Ibeno as a major coastal and oil-producing area.
The monarch made the appeal at the weekend, while felicitating President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno on Nigeria’s forthcoming Independence Anniversary and the 39th Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The Royal Father also appealed to Governor Umo Eno to help rehabilitate the deplorable Ibeno-Eket road, however, noting that the ongoing infrastructural projects across the state demonstrated the governor’s commitment to improving quality of life and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.
“We appeal to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, to extend the ongoing infrastructural renaissance to Ibeno. The Ibeno-Eket road has been in a deplorable condition for many years, and our people deserve a durable solution to this longstanding challenge,” he said.
Archianga stressed that the road was critical to the socio-economic activities of Ibeno, noting that its poor condition had continued to create difficulties for residents, commuters, businesses and other road users.
He urged the state government to go beyond routine maintenance and provide a lasting solution.
The monarch also called for intervention over the collapsed electricity transmission tower that previously supplied power to Okoroutip and other communities in the western part of Ibeno.
He urged the state government to collaborate with relevant federal authorities and electricity agencies to reconstruct or replace the tower and restore supply to the affected communities.
According to him, the prolonged outage had imposed additional burdens on residents and businesses, while restoration of power would boost economic and social activities in the area.
He described the Independence Anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its resilience, and renew commitment to national unity, peace and sustainable development.
He commended President Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the National Assembly, under the leadership of Senator Akpabio, to national development.
He prayed for continued wisdom and success for both leaders, expressing hope that their efforts would translate into improved opportunities and better living conditions for Nigerians.
The monarch also congratulated Governor Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom on the state’s 39th anniversary, commending the governor for strides in infrastructure development, peace-building and transformation.
