Photograph of Cross River Basin Development Authority team with the commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Hon. Ubuo Ubuo at the middle
By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
Peace and unity were restored in Ini Local Government Area on Thursday, as a special conflict resolution meeting over the construction of the Mbiafun Ikot Abasi–Fiong Aran Road ended with firm assurances from stakeholders, government officials, and the contractor to see the project through to completion.
The engagement, convened at the Ini Council Hall by the Akwa Ibom State Project Implementation Unit of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP), followed recent tensions sparked by a petition to the World Bank by Prince Great Paul Owo, a Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President.
In his welcome address, Village Head, Eteidung Joseph Anyang, described the project as a blessing to Ini people.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Pastor Umo Eno, the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD), and RAAMP for extending development to the area. He urged residents, ward leaders, and community stakeholders to “work hand in hand with the project team, the consultant, the contractor, and those living along the road corridor to achieve one goal.”
Taking the floor, Prince Great Paul Owo explained that his petition was never intended to stall the project but to highlight weather-related concerns and timelines for completion.
He admitted his concerns had been misinterpreted as opposition and offered an apology for any misinformation that caused tension.
On behalf of the Village Council, Mr. Esituko Ekanem, Personal Assistant to Governor Umo Eno, clarified that the controversial letter did not originate from the community.
“Any communication from the council must bear our letterhead, stamp, and signatures of all executives,” he stressed. He reiterated the village’s full support for the road project, adding: “We remain law-abiding citizens and plead with RAAMP to continue work to completion.”
Dr. Lekwuma Isaac, TA on Social Safeguards at RAAMP’s Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), reminded stakeholders that the project is governed by strict transparency and disclosure procedures.
He explained the grievance redress mechanism (GRM), urging community members to channel concerns first through the State RAAMP office, and only escalate to the national or World Bank level if unresolved.
Mrs. Noni Okoko, Social Safeguards Officer at FPMU-RAAMP, commended the peaceful atmosphere of the meeting, noting: “Where there is crisis, development is stalled. We only wish the community peace, understanding, and growth.”
Representing the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Atim Okoko, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, recalled the deplorable state of the road before intervention.
She condemned the protests that followed the petition, insisting they did not reflect the community’s will. “We prayed for this road for years. Now that it is here, let us protect and support it until completion,” she appealed.
The 4.3 km Mbiafun Ikot Abasi–Fiong Aran Road was awarded in June 2024 to K-Class Multi-Global Engineering Ltd, as part of Phase 1 of RAAMP in Akwa Ibom. Following a revised scope of work and an extension granted in April 2025, the project is now expected to be completed in June 2026.
Current implementation status stands at 38%, with site clearing, stripping, and design review fully completed. The road length has also been revised from 4.3 km to 5.1 km, while filling works are at 50%.
Beyond conflict resolution, the meeting rekindled community commitment. Earlier engagements had seen residents request employment opportunities for local youths, construction of double-sided drainage, and an extension of the road to connect with Obot Akara Road for better sustainability.
A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), headed by Eteidung Joseph Anyang, has also been inaugurated to manage future concerns.
On his part, Pastor Gideon Cephas Akpan, State Project Coordinator, AKS-RAAMP, reaffirmed the agency’s determination to complete the road in line with the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, positioning the project as a model for grassroots development.
“This project is not just about roads; it is about livelihoods, access to markets, and dignity for our rural people. With peace, understanding, and cooperation, we will deliver it,” Pastor Akpan assured.
The meeting ended with a collective pledge from stakeholders to safeguard the project and reject any attempts to derail progress, signaling a fresh chapter of unity in Ini Local Government Area.