Monday December 15, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has called on the state government to urgently intervene in the worsening condition of major roads across the state, warning that continued neglect poses
serious risks to lives, economic activities and public welfare.
The call formed part of resolutions reached at the December State Council Congress held at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, where journalists reviewed both professional and public interest issues affecting the state.
In a communique jointly signed by Comrade Nsibiet John, State Chairman of NUJ and Comrade Okodi Okodi, Chairman, communique drafting committee, made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Monday, December 15, the union expressed grave concern over the dilapidated state of roads in Uyo metropolis, including Ukana Offot Street, as well as the increasing number of potholes on internal roads within the capital city.
The Union therefore called on the government to act swiftly to restore a clean, healthy and motorable environment inherited by the present administration in the state.
The congress also drew attention to the deplorable condition of roads in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, describing the route as a strategic economic corridor for the transportation of seafood to Uyo and other parts of the country.
In a strongly worded resolution, the NUJ lamented the worsening state of the Calabar–Itu Highway, noting that frequent accidents and loss of lives had become recurrent due to the poor condition of the road.
“The Calabar–Itu Highway has become a death trap, and the continued suffering of commuters and other road users. We are urging the Akwa Ibom State Government to take over the reconstruction of the highway in the overriding interest of public safety.” The communique stated
Congress further raised alarm over the abandoned Eket–Ibeno Road, Ikot Akpan Abia Road, Ikot Iko and Ikot Akpa Edu, lamenting that the prolonged neglect, coupled with persistent lack of electricity in the affected communities, has crippled economic activities and made living conditions unbearable.
According to the union, “the abandonment of these critical roads has stalled development and imposed avoidable hardship on residents who depend on them for daily survival.”
Beyond infrastructure concerns, the congress commended the progress recorded at the NUJ Fourth Estate School and urged the management to sustain the momentum and consolidate on the gains already achieved.
Members were also celebrated for outstanding academic accomplishments, including Comrade Edet Okpo of Sensor Chapel, who successfully defended his doctoral thesis, alongside Comrade Dan Etokidem, Comrade Udeme Utip and Comrade Blessing Urua, who completed their Master’s degree defenses at the University of Uyo.
“We are proud that our members continue to excel academically, as it strengthens professionalism and ethical standards in journalism,” Comrade Nsibiet John added.
Congress also appreciated the support of the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, the Zonal Vice President, Zone F, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, and the Zonal Secretary, Comrade John Angese, for their roles during the successful hosting of the NUJ Akwa Ibom State Council Press Week 2025.
Recall that the Minister for Works, Sen Dave Umahi had during a recent inspection visit to Calabar Itu highway called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to expedite action on payment of compensation on Calabar Itu highway, blaming slow pace of work on the state government’s inability to meet its part of the bargain.
