Excitement in Boki Community as Otu Inugurates East–West Road Phase I To Boost Local Economies
Judex Okoro
There was renewed hope in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State as Governor Bassey Edet Otu inaugurated Phase One of the Boki East–West Road to boost local economies.
East-West Road is a major infrastructural project expected to ease transportation challenges and stimulate socio-ciltural activities across the area.
The project involves the construction of a 17 kilometre stretch of road linking rural and urban communities in Boki. The road runs from Onitcha Farm Roundabout to Kataba Junction along the Ikom–Obudu Road and is designed to improve access to farms, markets and neighbouring communities.
For many years, the road had been in a deplorable condition, posing serious difficulties for farmers, traders and other road users, while limiting agricultural and commercial productivity.
At the event, Governor Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the road as a critical intervention and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Boki L
local government area.
Odey assured residents that the project would be completed within a short timeframe, adding that the governor was determined to return to Boki to commission the road upon completion.
He noted that the size and economic importance of Boki justified the scale of investment, stressing that the present administration remains committed to fulfilling its campaign promises.
The Chairman of Boki Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs Eti Eka Beatrice Nyiam, said the road would open up agricultural communities, ease the movement of farm produce and create employment opportunities, especially for youths.
She added that beyond economic benefits, the road would strengthen unity and cooperation among communities within the local government area.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Boki II State Constituency, Dr Hilary Bisong, described the project as a major investment in the development of Boki, disclosing that the 17 kilometre road project is estimated to cost close to N10 billion.
Bisong appealed to the state government to prioritise Boki in future road projects, particularly under the proposed 2026 budget.
The ceremony attracted a large turnout of youths, women, traditional rulers and political leaders, who applauded the state government for initiating the project. In separate interviews, community leaders described the road as a catalyst for economic growth, increased agricultural investment and improved commercial activities across Boki local government area.
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