The Cross River State government has commenced the rehabilitation of the long-neglected Akamkpa electrification network spanning from Awi to Uyanga.
At the flag-off ceremony, Governor Bassey Otu who was represented by the Director General of the Cross River State Electrification Agency, Mr. Francis Ekpo, said the critical intervention, aimed at restoring power supply to the area, underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to the delivery of equitable infrastructure and rural development.
In a bid to fulfill his campaign promises to the people of the area, the Governor said he gave directive for an immediate and total overhaul of the collapsed power network.
According to him, this effort is not an isolated gesture but part of a grander design to restore electricity and catalyse economic activity across underserved areas of the State.
He explained that, “the rehabilitation of the Awi-Uyanga line is not just an infrastructure project, it is a statement.“
The Governor said he had mandated immediate mobilisation to site, and gave the assurance that they would proceed without delay to ensure that the promise became tangible within weeks.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Felix Akposi, who set the tone of the event, praised the Governor’s focused leadership and political will noting that with the restoration of the electrification project in the area, the Governor had again proven that he is not a man of empty rhetoric.
Akposi said, “This power restoration project is a fulfilment of a sacred pledge made to us during the campaign, and today, we are witnesses to his true intentions.”
The Council Chairman went further to enjoin community leaders, youths, and residents to take ownership of government projects in their domains.
“Our responsibility begins where government intervention ends. We must safeguard the infrastructure, as collective patrimony. Only then will we secure enduring value,” he stated.
The Member representing Akamkpa I State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr Okon Owuna, extolled Governor Otu for what he described as an “unprecedented fulfillment of campaign promises.”
“From the establishment of the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa, to strategic road construction of the Oban to Nsan Road, and now this power project, His Excellency is not only making promises, he is keeping them. As beneficiaries, our gratitude must be matched with loyalty and support.” Mr Owuna noted.
Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Pius Ankpo, and the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Commission, Mr Victor Okon, who both commended the Governor’s people-oriented governance. They pledged the sustained backing of their offices in ensuring the full implementation of the State’s development blueprint.
Representatives of women, youths and students also spoke, pledging their readiness to support and defend the renewed infrastructure.
The Youth Leader assured the gathering of proactive collaboration with local authorities to prevent vandalism or sabotage of the power installations.
