Ananamong–Ebo Road Project Signals Renewed Focus on Rural Access and Agricultural Growth in Akwa Ibom
The handover of the Ananamong–Ebo Itu Mbonuso Road project in Ini Local Government Area has once again placed the spotlight on the role of rural infrastructure in driving agricultural productivity and economic inclusion in Akwa Ibom State.
The 5.92-kilometre road, being executed under the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP), is designed to connect farming communities that have for years struggled with poor access to markets, health services and social amenities.
Of the total length, 3.42 kilometres are funded through AKS-RAAMP, while the remaining 2.5 kilometres are financed directly by the state government.
Speaking at the project handover over the weekend, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor, described the road as a strategic intervention aimed at unlocking the agricultural potential of the Ananamong and Ebo Itu Mbonuso axis.
According to her, limited access roads have long constrained farmers, increased post-harvest losses and discouraged youth participation in agriculture, contributing to rural-urban migration.
She noted that beyond easing transportation, the road is expected to strengthen value chains by enabling farmers to move produce to markets more efficiently, attract private buyers and reduce the cost of farm inputs.
“When rural roads work, agriculture works,” she said, adding that the project aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s broader rural development and food security agenda.
Dr. Offor also raised concerns about project sustainability, urging community members, particularly the youth, to protect the construction process and avoid disruptions that could derail timelines.
She stressed that community ownership is critical to ensuring that the road delivers long-term benefits beyond its completion.
Local government officials and community representatives echoed similar views.
The Chairman of Ini Local Government Area, Hon. Inibehe Umah, said the road would address years of isolation experienced by the community, while other speakers maintained the link between infrastructure, rural livelihoods and social stability.
Responding, the traditional rulers of Ebo Itu Mbonuso, also spoke through the Village Head, Chief Effiong Otu Bassey, announced plans to name the road after Dr. Offiong Offor upon completion, citing her role in attracting the project and ending what they described as decades of hardship for residents.
From an implementation standpoint, the State Project Coordinator of AKS-RAAMP, Pastor Gideon Akpan, acknowledged the financial and technical backing of the state government, describing it as crucial to the project’s take-off.
He emphasised the need for strict adherence to project specifications, especially given past challenges of abandoned or substandard rural road projects in the region.
Contractors and consultants handling the project, AYF Development Limited and Thamar Engineering Limited pledged to deliver the road within agreed timelines and technical standards.
Their commitment will be closely watched by residents and stakeholders, particularly in light of growing public demand for accountability in infrastructure delivery.
The formal handover of contractual documents marked the start of physical work on the road, but for residents of Ananamong and Ebo Itu Mbonuso, the real test lies ahead: whether the project will be completed on schedule, meet quality benchmarks, and translate into measurable improvements in agricultural output, incomes and quality of life.
As Akwa Ibom intensifies investments in rural access roads, projects like the Ananamong–Ebo Itu Mbonuso Road may serve as critical indicators of how infrastructure policy is shaping development outcomes at the grassroots.
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