By Ojutole News Desk
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially unveiled the design and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Ikot Ekpene International Market, describing the project as a strategic investment in trade, employment and economic development.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 30, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, was part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible infrastructure across the state.
The Governor recalled that there had previously been questions from opposition voices over the projects promised as part of the anniversary celebrations.
“When we first started, the opposition asked, ‘Where are the 39 projects?’ Today, we can gladly tell them to come and see,” he said.
Governor Eno explained that the initiative was not merely about constructing a market but about creating a platform for economic growth and prosperity.
“Today, we are not just laying a foundation or turning the sod for this market; we are laying a foundation for prosperity, building infrastructure for opportunities, and creating a platform upon which our traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers, and young people can build their dreams,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), said the project reflected the administration’s efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a major centre for trade, tourism and industrialisation.
According to him, the first phase of the project will comprise 30 blocks of double-deck structures containing 108 shops, alongside two warehouses, restaurants, cold rooms, a police station, asphalt roads and concrete roads.
Captain Ekong noted that the strategic location of the market would attract traders and customers from neighbouring states and beyond, including Cross River, Abia and Rivers, as well as Cameroon.
He said the completed project would generate revenue, create employment and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s connection with major trade centres around the Gulf of Guinea.
The Director-General of Campaigns, Ambassador Chief Assam Assam (SAN), commended Governor Eno for the initiative, describing the market’s location as strategic and accessible to communities across the state.
Chief Assam recalled that Governor Eno had previously promised to establish an international market in Ikot Ekpene, describing the project as the fulfilment of that commitment.
“I remember that the Governor was in Ikot Ekpene Stadium when he said he was going to build an international market in Ikot Ekpene. This market is this Governor’s dream child,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in the area, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien said the project was first conceived by the people of Ikot Ekpene in 2010 but remained unrealised under successive administrations.
He commended Governor Eno for bringing the project to fruition.
“This project started in 2010 when it was conceived by the people of Ikot Ekpene. And through three administrations, this project did not see the light of day, but when you came with the finisher’s anointing, this project is now actualised,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Elder Aniefiok Nkom, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for commencing the long-awaited project.
He said the market was expected to redirect commercial activities to Ikot Ekpene and attract traders who would ordinarily travel to other commercial centres.
Describing Governor Eno as “a man of his word,” Nkom said the people of Ikot Ekpene were excited about the commencement of the project.
The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, also expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing the project as a significant development for the area.
When completed, the Ikot Ekpene International Market is expected to boost commercial activities, create employment opportunities and strengthen Akwa Ibom State’s trade connections with neighbouring states and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.