Just like rural Communities in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, like Etono, Biakpan, and Abawan(Hon. Alex Ukam’s ancestral home) where their Indigenes practically have to cross waters before going out or returning home, *Ukwa Eburutu*, a Community in Ito/Idere/Ukwa Ward of Odukpani Local Government Area, is one with a huge dream of being a part of what is happening in other parts of the State, especially in the Calabar metropolis and other urban areas.
It appears that previous governments in Cross River State, though they tried their best, were compassing more to the Calabar Metropolis and urban areas in the State, in regards to developments and/or heavy government presence, while the core hinterlands of the State were somewhat left in oblivion.
In retrospect, Mr. Donald Duke’s infamous Tinapa, eco – tourism cum ‘Clean & Green’ enforced policy action programmes; Senator Liyel Imoke’s health approach hence Calabar Specialist hospital, rebranded water sector, and about 40% extension of road constructions away from the centre; and even Senator Ben Ayade’s industrial efforts were all projects majorly outside the main rural areas of the State.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to opine that it is the *”èmi l’okàn”* of the Cross River hinterlands, especially now that a grassrooter is at the helm of affairs in the State, as Governor.
Pretending that no one knew about this, Ukwa Eburutu Community is economically important to Cross River State. She is also the security eye of the State, as she is majorly bounded by a warring Community in Abia State, Arochukwu nee Aro Oke – Igbo. Economically, the much talked about lucrative fish oil, and agro allied businesses can have its chunk source in Ukwa Eburutu if developmental attention is given to the Community by the present Government of Cross River State.
Moreover, the Ukwa Community only gives a sigh of relief whenever as usual, her industrious Sons like *Engr Ben Etim Akak (Otuekong Ukwa Eburutu 1, CEO/Chairman, Bengies Group/Ben Akak Foundation)*, *Engr Esu Ayara(CEO, Esuvic Nigeria Limited)* and his brother, *Professor Ndem Ayara* rise to the occasion of providing succor to the people, in the aspect of internal road openings/grading, Scholarships, job connections, and other relief materials/channels.
In particular, *Otuekong Engr Ben Etim Akak* ‘s regular visit to the Community by risky boat flying without safety modalities by boat owners, is an example of what the good people of the Community are passing through. No road from other parts of Cross River State to Ukwa, and that is not worth mentioning twice.
Therefore, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, the *people – first* Executive Governor of the State where Ukwa Eburutu is a bonafide part of, should as a matter of concern do the following; One, provide and/or partner with the Federal Government to provide durable bridges connecting Atan Onoyom & Atan Eki, also from Ufut water bank in Biase LGA crossing the Inyang Ibom River to the other side where it would be possible to drag developments to the people of Ukwa Eburutu Community in particular, and Ito/Idere/Ukwa Ward in general, and two, provide portable water for the people, as they are practically in short of good drinking water.
If the Governor does these major things, then, what Margeret Ekpo is known for in Women’s World, shall be too small to be compared to the grassroot developmental revolution that he shall be known for, in Ukwa Efik Eburutu ancestral land.
Prince Udeme Akpabio JP writes from Calabar.
udemeakpabio14@gmail.com
08135905617
