Engr. Olatunji Ahmed, the Task Team Leader (TTL) of the World Bank-sponsored Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), has described the 11-kilometer demonstration road executed by Akwa Ibom RAAMP as an excellent example of the project’s development objectives across the country.
He made this remark recently during a site inspection and evaluation visit, part of the pre-mission exercise in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. “Mission” is a technical term used by most World Bank projects, referring to an appraisal exercise aimed at evaluating the current implementation status of participant states, identifying gaps, consolidating areas of strength, and exploring solutions to challenging issues to ensure the overall success of the projects.
Four states—Kogi, Ebonyi, Abia, and the host state, Akwa Ibom—converged in Uyo for the event, held from May 20 to 22, 2024, at the banquet hall of Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo.
The team leader commended the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), led by Pastor Gideon Akpan, along with the consultant supervisor and project contractor, for their progress and the quality of their work. He expressed hope that other states would follow Akwa Ibom’s example.
Engr. Burka Gana, the Lead Infrastructure Engineer at the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) of RAAMP, representing the National Coordinator, Engr. Aminu Mohammed, also praised the Akwa Ibom team for their impressive project implementation and encouraged them to maintain their high standards.
Pastor Gideon Akpan, the State Project Coordinator of RAAMP, attributed the success to the invaluable support and encouragement from His Excellency, Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Offor; the State Project Monitoring Committee (SPMC), led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Mary Ukoette Bassey; and the teamwork approach of the State Project Implementation Unit, along with other staff and stakeholders.
He further thanked the consultant supervisor, Yaroson Partnership, and the project contractor, China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC), for executing the job according to specifications and urged them to continue their efforts for the best results.
The 11-kilometer Owotuta – Nung Oku Ekere – Afaha Udo Eyop – Edeobom – Utuat market junction demonstration road, under RAAMP, was flagged off for construction in July last year by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, with a delivery timeline of 18 months. The road traverses seven communities, including Owotuta, Ikot Okubo, Ikot Ikerre, Itoko, Afaha Ikot Owop, Afaha Udo Eyop, and Edeobom 1, all in Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas of the state.
