Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commissioned the 29-kilometer six lanes Etinan-Ndon Eyo road in Akwa Ibom state.
The road, which has two cable bridges, is one of the signature projects of the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration.
It was constructed by a Chinese firm, Wizchino Engineering and connects several communities in Etinan and Onna local government areas.
The road, the longest to be constructed in the state, links with the East-West road and grants access to the industrial belt of the State.
Chief Obasanjo, who commissioned the road as part of the activities marking the 35th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, commended the infrastructural strides of Governor Emmanuel.
The former President who said infrastructural development must be backed with employment for the people so they can take adequate care of the infrastructure said the infrastructure should enable the people to carry out their businesses effectively.
“I don’t know why anything good and very good in Akwa Ibom State, you call me to take part in it. Why? The longest flyover in Uyo, you asked me to come and commission it and I was very very pleased to be the one who commissioned that flyover.
“Again, with the amazing grace of God, you have this, the longest, first class, dualised road in the state. You again asked me to come and commission it. Governor, I thank you.
“Leadership requires character. Anyone who knows you reasonably well will know that you are a man of character. And one of the characteristics of a man or woman of character is to be a man of his words.
”When you say you do it, you do it. I have seen that in you at close quarters. Keep on doing what you are doing.
“These infrastructure that you are putting in place are very very good. When we have good infrastructure, when we have a road like this going through the rural area, there must also be what the people would do to ensure that they make maximum use and take maximum advantage of these infrastructure.
“That is what are they going to do? If they are farmers, they have opportunities to farm more. If they are traders, they have opportunity to trade more. Whatever you are, you now have opportunity to enhance whatever you are doing.
Speaking on his achievements so far, Emmanuel said he felt fulfilled that despite the economic situation in the country, Akwa Ibom State was still making progress.
He noted that he was mocked and criticised on social media about his ability to complete the road, adding that he would continue to inaugurate more projects until the last day of his administration on May 29, 2023.
“This road carries two cable bridges of 80 metres each. This is the first time my people have seen cable bridges.
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007.