WEDNESDAY March 12, 2025 |TheNewsDESK
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially flagged off the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Development Project, marking a significant step in restoring Oron’s status as a vibrant maritime and tourism hub.
The initiative, launched at Oron Beach, Idua Assang, is expected to unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, and revive the town’s historical significance as a major coastal gateway.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno recalled Oron’s past glory, highlighting its role as a thriving beach-front town, a major transportation hub, and a center of tourism and nightlife.
He reminisced about the ferry trips from Oron to Calabar, the and the once-thriving seaside facilities that made Oron a prime tourism destination. Declaring that “Oron is back and I will travel on our ferry from Oron to Calabar” the Governor emphasized that the maritime project would not only create job opportunities within the maritime sector but also reposition the town as a prime destination for tourism and commerce.
The project includes shore protection to enhance coastal resilience, the construction of a terminal building, warehouses with cold rooms to support fishermen and boost the blue economy, and the development of cargo, passenger, and joint task force jetties.
Additionally, a recreational garden will be built at the beach-front, the Oron Museum will receive a facelift, and a commercial park will be established. The long-awaited revival of inter-state ferry transportation between Oron and Calabar will also commence, with two passenger ferries set to restore the once-bustling maritime route.
Governor Eno, who made this known during the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development across the Oro Nation.
He cited ongoing projects such as the 14.5km Nsit Atai-Okopedi Road handled by Hensek Construction, the 11km Okopedi-Uya Oro Road being executed by Amitec Construction, the Unyenge Road leading to the Ibom Deep Seaport, Effiong Essang Road, and the 2.9km Secretariat Road in Urue Offong, which was commissioned last year.
The Governor assured the people that these projects were part of his broader vision to transform the economic landscape of the Oro Nation, in line with his campaign promises.
He expressed optimism that with the completion of the maritime project, Oron would reclaim its place as a thriving economic hub.
In their goodwill messages, Deputy Governor Senator Dr. Akon Eyakenyi appreciated the Governor for restoring the glory of the Oro Nation through maritime ecosystem development and for the numerous projects across the region. Oron Local Government Chairman, Chief Asuwko Enweme; National Assembly Member for Oron/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko/Okobo/Mbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Martins Esin; and House of Assembly Member for Oron/Udung Uko, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Kenim Onofiok also commended the Governor’s efforts in transforming the local economy and pledged their continued support.
