A'Ibom @ 39: Progress and needs for adjustment
Michael Ufot Thirty-nine years ago, on September 23, 1987, General Ibrahim Babangida announced the creation of Akwa Ibom State from the old Cross River State. What began as a political aspiration has grown into one of Nigeria's most referenced stories of transformation. At 39, the question is no longer whether Akwa Ibom has made progress, it clearly has, but whether that progress can be converted into sustainable prosperity for the ordinary Akwa Ibomite. From the pioneering era that built state institutions to the era of massive road construction, Akwa Ibom now boasts over 1,500 kilometres of roads under active construction and intervention, including 40 bridges and 234 projects. The current administration under Governor Umo Eno has disclosed spending N879.22 billion on infrastructure — N747.51 billion on ARISE Agenda projects and N131.71 billion on inherited projects, with 57 inherited projects already completed. The plan to commission 39 projects for the 39th annive...