World Water Day: Experts Raise Concern Over Poor Access as A’Ibom Govt Pushes for Collective Action

 

Concerns have been raised over poor access to potable water in Akwa Ibom State as stakeholders marked the 2026 World Water Day 2026, with renewed calls for urgent reforms and inclusive water governance.

The Chief Executive Officer of the African Human Development Centre (AHDC), Professor Gabriel Umoh, lamented that more than 90 percent of residents in the state lack access to public water services despite nearly four decades of statehood.

Umoh, in a statement to commemorate the day themed “Water and Gender,” noted that the burden of inadequate water supply disproportionately falls on women and girls, who often bear the responsibility of sourcing water for households.

He described the situation as worrisome, citing the existence of a full-fledged Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, as well as policy frameworks that have yet to translate into improved service delivery. He further revealed that key instruments such as the Water Resources Regulation and Management Law, WASH Policy, and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework remain largely unimplemented more than three years after approval.

According to him, critical structures including a State Water Council, WASH departments in local government areas, and community-level WASH Committees (WASHCOMs) are yet to be fully established, raising questions about the state’s commitment to reform in the sector.

Umoh called on the government to urgently implement existing laws and policies, provide adequate funding, and restructure the sector, including the proposed transition from the Akwa Ibom Water Company Ltd to a Water Corporation as stipulated by law.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Ubuo Ubuo, has urged residents to take shared responsibility for ensuring sustainable access to clean water.

In a statement made available to the Fresh News yesterday, the Commissioner said the theme highlights the role of all genders in protecting water resources, stressing that access to clean water is a fundamental right.

He disclosed that about 42 percent of residents currently have access to clean water, adding that the state government is working towards achieving full coverage. He also revealed that the State Executive Council has approved key policies and developed an implementation roadmap to improve water supply.

Ubuo emphasized community ownership of water projects, urging residents to support government initiatives, protect infrastructure from vandalism, and establish WASHCOMs to manage facilities at the grassroots level.

He added that water projects would be distributed based on need, with priority given to underserved communities, while a designated committee has been tasked with identifying areas lacking access.

Stakeholders say the 2026 World Water Day offers an opportunity for deep reflection on the state of water infrastructure in Akwa Ibom, with calls for immediate action to address inequalities and reduce the burden on vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls.

RAAMP Intensifies Rural Road Supervision in A’Ibom, Highlights Economic Benefits

 

The Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) in Akwa Ibom State has intensified supervision of ongoing rural road projects, emphasizing their critical role in boosting economic activities, improving access, and enhancing livelihoods in underserved communities.

During an unannounced inspection tour, yesterday, the State Coordinator, Pastor Gideon Akpan, led officials to assess the progress and quality of work on several road projects across Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas.

Among the projects inspected was the Nung Ukim–Ukwok–Ibam Edet road with a spur from Aba Itiat–Usuk Ukwok in Ikono LGA. The 6.19-kilometre road, handled by Bahago Services Limited, is currently at 48.01 per cent completion.

Also inspected was the Ikot Onwon Ediene–Ikot Nkwo–Ikot Idomo–Ikot Abia Nkwot road, another Bahago Services Limited project spanning 6.68 kilometres, with 45.49 per cent completion recorded.

In Ini LGA, the team visited the Ananamong–Eboh–Ikot Essien–Nchanebua road, including a spur leading to a cocoa plantation. The 3.42-kilometre project is being executed by AYF Development Nigeria Limited.

At the Naira Market (ALC) road project in Ikono LGA, constructed by Catch Mate Ventures Limited and measuring 12.13 kilometres, officials noted significant progress, with about 80 per cent of earthworks completed and stone base installation underway.

Speaking with Daily Times during the inspection, Akpan stressed the importance of maintaining construction standards, particularly drainage systems, to ensure durability of the roads. 

He directed contractors to clear unsuitable materials blocking drains and to focus on proper stone base protection to prevent erosion, especially as the rainy season approaches.

“Our major concern is ensuring proper runoff from the road into natural channels. Contractors must remove all overburden obstructing drains to allow free water flow and prevent damage to the road infrastructure,” he said.

He also revealed that a nearby collapsed bridge, though currently outside the project’s budget scope, remains critical for linking about six communities and enhancing interconnectivity among local government areas.

At Ikono LGA, the team inspected the Ibiaku Ntukokpo road project, stretching from Ikot Ekpene through Mbiabong Ikot Udofia to Nung Ukim. 

The 1.16-kilometre road, handled by the same contractor, is about 98 per cent completed and is expected to be ready for commissioning by the end of April 2026.

Akpan noted that the unscheduled visits were part of efforts to ensure compliance with project specifications and timely delivery.

The RAAMP coordinator emphasized that rural access roads are essential for economic growth and social development, particularly in agrarian communities.

 He explained that such roads enable farmers to transport produce easily to markets, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve income generation.

He added that improved road networks also enhance access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, while strengthening trade links between rural and urban areas.

According to him, the necessity for these roads stems from longstanding challenges faced by rural dwellers, including poor accessibility, isolation during rainy seasons, and limited market integration.

“With better roads, communities become more connected, businesses grow, and the standard of living improves,” Akpan stated.

He urged contractors to accelerate work while maintaining quality standards to ensure the projects are completed before peak rains, reaffirming the government’s commitment to rural development and agricultural transformation.

Arochukwu Son, Dr. Onyema Edward, Bags IPMD Fellowship

 

An indigene of Arochukwu Kingdom in Abia State, Engr. Dr. Onyema Edward, popularly known as Ikemba Aro, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Institute of Policy Management Development (IPMD), Nigeria, in recognition of his contributions to technological development and policy advocacy in the country.

The honour was bestowed on Dr. Edward on March 14, 2026, during a ceremony held at Damsgrate Hotels in Umuahia.

Dr. Edward, a renewable energy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert from Amangwu town in Arochukwu Kingdom, was recognised for his pioneering role in engineering and his advocacy for the establishment of a National Intelligent Systems Center (NISC) in Nigeria.

According to the Institute, the proposed centre is aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotic systems, wearable technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics across the country.

IPMD noted that Dr. Edward’s professional experience and commitment to policy-driven technological development made him deserving of the fellowship, particularly his efforts toward building a sustainable ICT ecosystem supported by strong data protection frameworks.

Dr. Edward has played key roles in advancing ICT infrastructure in Nigeria. He spearheaded the development of a policy document that led to the establishment of a robust ICT centre at the Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi in Abia State.

He previously served as an ICT and Telecommunications Officer at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Academy and also worked with Megatek Integrated Investment Limited in Lagos.

His industry experience also spans Nigeria’s energy and maritime sectors, having worked with the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) in Abakaliki and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) at the Eastern Port in Port Harcourt.

Academically, Dr. Edward holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and a Master’s degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Beyond his professional engagements, Dr. Edward has been advocating for Nigeria to embrace artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy technologies as strategic tools for solving local challenges and transforming the country into a technology-producing nation.

In his remarks, the Institute of Policy Management Development commended Dr. Edward’s dedication to policy management and technological infrastructure, describing his work as critical to Nigeria’s future development. The Institute also congratulated him on his elevation to the prestigious fellowship cadre.

Research Initiative Brings Clean Water to Osuk Ntan as A’Ibom Govt Reaffirms Rural Development Drive

 

Pastor Gideon Akpan, Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry and Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP) with Associate Professor Dorothy Ngozi Ononokpono during commissioning of the water project in Osuk Ntan community, Ibiono Ibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State 

By Fresh News 

Residents of Osuk Ntan community in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have begun enjoying access to clean drinking water following the commissioning of a research-driven borehole project aimed at improving water, sanitation and public health in the rural community.

The project, facilitated through the TETFund Institution-Based Research (IBR) initiative by a team from the University of Uyo, was officially commissioned on March 7, 2026, ending years of dependence on unsafe stream water by residents.

Speaking during the event, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation, Ubuo E. Ubuo, described the initiative as a significant intervention that reflects the importance of collaboration between government, researchers and communities in addressing developmental challenges.

Pastor Gideon Akpan, Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry and Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP) giving his speech

The commissioner, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry and Coordinator of the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (AKS-RAAMP), Gideon Akpan, noted that access to safe water remains critical to improving health, dignity and economic productivity in rural areas.

He explained that the project supports the development vision of Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, under the ARISE Agenda, which prioritises rural infrastructure, water supply, healthcare and economic empowerment.

“Projects like this represent hope and progress for our rural communities. They demonstrate what can be achieved when government, research institutions and community members work together to improve lives,” he said.

The commissioner commended the principal investigator, Dorothy Ononokpono of the University of Uyo, for translating academic research into a practical intervention that has directly impacted the lives of rural residents.

According to him, the project stands as an example of how research findings can be transformed into solutions that address real community challenges.

He also urged residents to protect and properly maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability and long-term benefit to the community.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Secretary of Osuk Ntan village, Mr. Obot Anthony, expressed gratitude to the research team and government representatives for the intervention.

He noted that the community had long suffered from lack of potable water, forcing residents to travel to neighbouring communities to fetch clean water.

“This project has brought smiles to our faces because our people no longer have to go to neighbouring communities in search of borehole water,” he said.

Anthony, however, appealed for further government intervention, particularly the rehabilitation of the road linking Osuk Ntan with Ikot Akpan Obong as well as the replacement of a vandalised electricity transformer that has left the community in darkness.

In his remarks, Akpan described the successful drilling of the borehole as remarkable given the rocky terrain of the area, which often makes groundwater exploration difficult.

He revealed that the state government has already supported the construction of about 202 kilometres of rural roads across the state, while designs are ongoing for an additional 520 kilometres under ongoing rural access programmes.

Akpan further disclosed that a technical team would soon visit the community to begin the design of the Osuk Ntan–Afaha Itiat road to improve connectivity and enhance economic opportunities for residents.

To ensure sustainability of the water project, he added that officials from the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation would establish a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committee (WASHCOM) to train members of the community on the operation and maintenance of the facility.

Providing an overview of the project, Dr. Ononokpono explained that the intervention originated from a research study examining the impact of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) on maternal health among women of reproductive age in rural communities of Akwa Ibom State.

She said the research team discovered alarming conditions during fieldwork in Osuk Ntan in 2024, including poor access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which prompted efforts to seek funding under the TETFund Institution-Based Research scheme.

The funding, secured in 2025, enabled the drilling of the borehole and installation of storage tanks to provide safe water for residents.

Dr. Ononokpono also acknowledged the contributions of members of the research team, including Mrs. Itoro Benedict Umoren, Mrs. Ibukun Odejimi and Miss Edo Effiong Edem, as well as other individuals who supported the project.

Community leaders and residents described the project as historic.

Village head, Eteidung Richard Ndarake, said the intervention has ended years of dependence on muddy stream water, noting that residents previously struggled to obtain clean water even after boiling it.

Similarly, the women leader, Mrs. Eno Emmanuel Eshiet, expressed gratitude to the research team, saying the project has relieved women and children of the burden of trekking long distances to fetch water.

Youth President of the community, Mr. Esessien Essien Udo, also praised the initiative, describing it as the first major development project executed in the village through the effort of a single individual.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several academics from the University of Uyo, including Prof. Iniobong Ansa, Prof. Emmanuel Udofia, Prof. Enefiok Ukomi, Dr. Nsidibe Usoro, Prof. Aniekan Brown, Associate Prof. Nsikakabasi Wilson and Prof. Sunny Offiong.

Traditional rulers and community leaders present at the event included Elder Akaninyene Udofia Uko, Chief Okon Udoeyo, Ntia Bassey Ntia and Elder Emmanuel Akpanekot, alongside government officials and members of the community.

Oruk Anam-born Business Mogul, Dr. Churchill Etuk, Hails Gov. Umo Eno's Governance Imprints in Akwa Ibom State* ... mobilizes support for President Tinubu, Senate President, Akpabio and Gov. Eno's re-election

 

Dr Churchill Etuk,Group Managing Director of Optimus Resources Energy Ltd, Texas, USA, and Chairman of the Churchill Etuk Foundation

By Fresh News

An Oruk Anam-born international business magnate, Dr. Churchill Etuk, has applauded the transformative governance strides of Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State, describing his administration as people-focused, visionary, and impactful.

Dr. Etuk, who is the Group Managing Director of Optimus Resources Energy Ltd, Texas, USA, and Chairman of the Churchill Etuk Foundation, commended Governor Eno for what he termed “visible governance imprints” across critical sectors of the state’s economy.

He particularly praised the Governor’s rural development initiatives, noting that interventions in schools, primary healthcare centres, and poverty alleviation programmes have directly improved the quality of life of ordinary citizens in communities across the state.

According to him, the administration’s commitment to grassroots development reflects a deep understanding of the needs of the people and a deliberate effort to bridge the urban-rural divide.

Dr. Etuk also lauded Governor Eno’s bold infrastructure drive, citing landmark projects such as the Ibom Specialist Hospital and the ARISE Resort, alongside ongoing road construction and urban renewal efforts, as strategic investments that will boost economic growth, tourism, and healthcare delivery in the state.

Beyond infrastructure, the business leader applauded Governor Eno for fostering unity across political divides and sustaining the culture of peace for which Akwa Ibom is known. He noted that inclusive governance and bipartisan collaboration have strengthened social cohesion and created a stable environment for investment and development.

Dr. Etuk further saluted the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for what he described as charismatic and purposeful leadership at the national level. He commended the Senate President for complementing the reform agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the legislature, stressing that synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government is crucial for national progress.

Reaffirming his commitment to grassroots advancement, Dr. Etuk expressed readiness to contribute his quota to the development of Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency and Akwa Ibom State at large. He emphasized that as a son of the soil with global exposure, he remains passionate about leveraging his experience and networks to attract investments, create jobs, and support community-based initiatives.

He urged stakeholders at all levels to continue supporting the present administration to consolidate on the gains already recorded and position Akwa Ibom as a model of sustainable development in Nigeria.