The proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway has garnered significant support from the Ibeno Local Government Area, with residents endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno’s vision for this transformative infrastructure. This project is poised to revolutionize the coastal region, unlocking substantial economic opportunities. At a recent rally, the Ibeno people unequivocally declared their backing for the highway’s routing through the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, asserting their rightful ownership of this vital area. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity and attracting both local and foreign investment to Akwa Ibom State.
The rally, held in Upenekang, served as a powerful demonstration of community unity and support. Elders, youths, women, and students from across the local government area came together to express their appreciation for the project and the leadership driving it. Speakers highlighted the immense potential for economic growth and development that the coastal highway promises to bring to Ibeno and the wider state.
Barr. Diamond Akpanika, spokesperson for the Ibeno Elders Forum, and Elder Daniel John Sunday, addressed the media, emphasizing the peace-loving and development-oriented nature of the Ibeno people. They stated that the community stands to benefit immensely from this infrastructure initiative, which is being executed in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Youth leaders also voiced their strong commitment to the project’s success. Comrade Victor Esenem, Youth President of Upenekang, Captain Comrade Okpolo Emmanuel, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Ibeno Clan, Comrade Stephen Moses Akpan, President of the National Association of Ibeno Students, and Deborah Vicky Itrechio, Woman Leader of Inua Eyet Ikot, all vowed to resist any attempts to obstruct the highway’s progress on the Akwa Ibom axis.
Sporting white attire to symbolize peace, the youths actively dismissed claims of disputed ownership over Stubbs Creek, labeling such assertions as historically inaccurate. They issued a stern warning against any efforts to distort historical facts or hinder development, reiterating that Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve has never been a subject of dispute.
Featured snippet paragraph: The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and fostering economic development along Nigeria’s southern coastline. It is expected to create jobs, boost trade, and attract investment to the region.
The youths carried placards with messages such as “We Believe in Government and Due Progress,” “Dialogue Not Dispute – Ibeno is for Peace,” and “Ibeno says Yes to Coastal Highway.” These inscriptions clearly articulated their unwavering support for the project and their desire for peaceful progress.
Other messages on the placards included “Umo Eno, Ibeno Loves You,” “Development is Safe in Ibeno,” and “Ibeno is Investor Friendly.” These slogans underscored the community’s positive outlook and their readiness to embrace development.
The youths also displayed signs like “You cannot claim what you never owned,” and “Ibeno is the true owner of Stubbs Creek,” directly addressing the land ownership claims and reinforcing their position.
The sentiment of gratitude was palpable, with placards like “Build the Coastal Highway through Ibeno” and “Thank you Mr President, Senate President and Governor Umo Eno for your visionary Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway” expressing their appreciation.
Pharm. Ukpong Okon, Vice Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, commended the youths for their disciplined and peaceful conduct during the rally. He reaffirmed the local government’s steadfast support for President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, and Senator Godswill Akpabio.
He concluded by emphasizing that the decision to route the coastal highway through the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve represents a significant step forward for development, unity, and prosperity for the people of Ibeno.
This strong community backing is crucial for the timely and successful completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway, a project with the potential to reshape the economic landscape of the region.
