Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has flagged off the construction of the second phase of the 17-kilometre Boki East–West Road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving rural connectivity and accelerating socio-economic development across the state.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held at Onitsha Farm in Boki Local Government Area, was performed on behalf of the Governor by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey.
Speaking at the event, Odey described the road project as a strategic intervention aimed at opening up rural communities and addressing longstanding transportation challenges in the area.
He said the completion of the road would enhance access between communities, facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods, and significantly boost agricultural productivity, which remains the backbone of the local economy.
According to him, improved road infrastructure would reduce transportation costs and increase the income-generating capacity of rural households by enabling farmers to transport their produce to markets more efficiently.
The deputy governor reiterated the Otu administration’s resolve to deliver people-oriented projects that promote inclusive growth and improve the quality of life of residents, particularly those in hard-to-reach communities.
He disclosed that the state government had provided counterpart funding for several rural road projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), including roads in previously inaccessible parts of Boki Local Government Area and other communities across the state.
Odey urged traditional rulers, youths and other stakeholders in the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project by supporting the contractor to ensure timely and quality execution. He also advised the contractor to prioritise local content by engaging local labour and materials to stimulate economic activity within the host communities.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Beatrice Etta Nyiam, lauded Governor Otu for fulfilling his campaign promises, describing the road project as a symbol of hope, progress and development for the people of Boki.
She said the road would transform livelihoods by opening up communities, easing the transportation of farm produce, boosting trade, creating employment opportunities for youths, and attracting new investments to the area.
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Nyiam added that the project also represents unity, as it connects communities and strengthens social cohesion within the local government. She assured the Governor of the continued support of the people of Boki and expressed confidence that they would reciprocate the gesture in the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Pius Ankpo, appealed to community leaders and youths to provide adequate security and cooperation for the contractor. He assured that the ministry would ensure routine supervision of the project to guarantee compliance with specifications and timely completion.
In separate goodwill messages, the member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang; members of the Cross River State House of Assembly for Boki I and II, Hon. Bette Obi and Rt. Hon. Dr. Hilary Bisong; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang; and the Paramount Ruler of Boki, HRM Otu Fredaline Akando, commended Governor Otu for prioritising rural development through strategic infrastructure investments.
They pledged their continued support for the administration’s development agenda.
The highlight of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting by the Deputy Governor, marking the commencement of construction on the road, which stretches from Onitsha Farm through Boje and Katabang, terminating at Kanyang Junction along the Ikom–Obudu Highway.
