By Edet Okpo
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals and Senator representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ekong Sampson, Friday, October 10, 2025, flagged off the construction of the Ikot Unya-Nung Ukim – Ikot Ekpe road in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The road project, facilitated by Senator Ekong Sampson and awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as an Emergency Intervention project is expected to boost economic activities in the three benefitting communities by improving access to markets, farms, and other essential services.
Apart from Senator Ekong Sampson’s robust legislative engagements in the National Assembly and positive impact in education, health-care, entrepreneurial development, employment and human empowerment, the celebrated lawmaker has demonstrated unwavering commitment towards boosting the socio-economic landscape of his constituency with quality infrastructure, such as road and electricity.
Addressing the visibly elated community elders, stakeholders, royal fathers, women, youth, supporters, members of All Progressive Congress (APC) and officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Mkpat Enin local government area, Senator Ekong Sampson expressed gratitude to the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Executive Director, Projects, Rt. Hon. Dr. Victor Antai and the entire Management of the Commission for graciously awarding contract for the construction of the Ikot Unya – Ikot Ukim – Ikot Ekpe road in his local government area.
The lawmaker noted that the 3 kilometer project will likely have a significant impact on the local economy, which is driven by agriculture and oil and gas production, adding that With improved infrastructure such as the road project, farmers will be able to transport their produce, such as plantains, cassava and vegetables, more efficiently to markets, increasing their income and contributing to food security and rural development.
Speaking further, Ekong Sampson disclosed that construction of the Ikot Unya – Nung Ukim – Ikot Ekpe road will also enhance connectivity within Mkpat Enin and neighboring communities, facilitating trade and commerce.
He said that as the region is rich in hydrocarbons, including oil and natural gas, the improved road network will support the growth of the oil and gas industry, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
“Let me use this opportunity to commend our in-law who is the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for his inclusive and result- oriented administration; especially for deepening growth and development across all the critical sectors of the Arise Agenda.
“There is no doubt that the trajectory of our development remains on Course. I want to also use this occasion to announce to Mkpat Enin People that our in-law and Governor has assured me that he will soon be in Mkpat Enin to flag off the construction of Ibekwe Road linking Ekpuk Community.
‘Let us remain loyal and resolute in our support for the success of Pastor Umo Eno’s leadership in Akwa Ibom State.”, Senator Ekong maintained.
He specially appreciated the Nigerian Senate President, Senator( Dr.) Godswill Akpabio for his sincere love and support to him as well as the assurances of facilitating approval for the construction of an economically viable road in Mkpat Enin local government area.
While calling on his constituents across the 12 local government areas of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District to participate in the ongoing Voters registration and revalidation exercise, Senator Sampson remarked that in Nigeria of today, and considering the goodwill and massive support President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno are enjoying from the governed, it will be very appropriate for someone to advise himself before contemplating or attempting to unseat an incumbent President or Governor who is delivering quality dividends of democracy to the people., hence the need for all progressive minded citizens to align with the road map of holistic governance provided by the APC led administration in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State.
Expressing deep satisfaction and a sense of fulfilment over the timely intervention of the NDDC in the road project, Senator Ekong Sampson said the development marks the first time Ikot Unya community will witness a tarred road since the local government was created, describing it as a significant step towards improving the socio-economic well-being of the people of Mkpat Enin and Akwa Ibom State.
On his part, former Member of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency and Honorary Special Adviser to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Hon. Engr. Otobong Ndem said Senator Ekong Sampson cannot be found wanting in the trinity mandate of lawmaking, Oversight and representation.
He applauded the Senator for attracting several projects to Akwa Ibom South in the area of infrastructure, education and health-care, including projects from FERMA and other projects – intervention agencies.
“I am very delighted to commend Senator Ekong Sampson for his tireless efforts in bringing development to our community. The flagging off of the Ikot Unya- Nung Ukim – Ikot Ekpe road project is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of our people.
This road project will not only enhance connectivity but also boost economic activities, improve access to markets, and increase the value of our land. I am confident that it will bring prosperity and growth to our community.
I appreciate Senator Ekong’s vision and dedication to serving our community. His efforts are a true reflection of his passion for the development of Mkpat Enin and Akwa Ibom State.
Thank you, distinguished Senator Ekong, for your selfless service. We are grateful for your leadership and commitment to our community.” Hon. Engr. Ndem, stated.
Engr. Ernest Mika Olisa, Managing Director, Tek Construction Company Limited, Contractor handling the Project, assured that the Project will be executed and Commissioned in less than one year. Hẹ solicited the cooperation of the Stakeholders and youth of the Community.
In their separate remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin local government area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Akpan Ikpe, APC Chapter Chairman in Mkpat Enin, Hon. Utitofon Jeremiah, former Chief Medical Director, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, ( UUTH) Prof. Etete Peters, , APC Chieftain, Rev. Obọt Ekanem and Engr. Emmanuel Jacob were unanimous in commending Senator Ekong Sampson’s quality and effective representation in the National Assembly.
The event was also attended by the Director General Of Senator Ekong Sampson Campaign Organisation, Sir Michael Essang, Chairman Of Senator Ekong Sampson Empowerment Committee, Barr Ini Ekott, former Member Of Akwa Ibom State House Of Assembly representing Okobo State Constituency, Họn. Chief Efefiong Antigha, Họn. Abigail Edohoket, PDP Chapter Chairman, Họn. Isaiah, among others.
In a related development, the Okon Clan Council in Eket Local Government Area Of Akwa Ibom State, has bestowed the prestigious Chieftaincy title Of Otuekong Okon on Senator Ekong Sampson in appreciation of the quality dividends of democracy the Senator has attracted to Okon, such as electrification Project, CBT Block at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Ataku, among others.
