Open letter to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State

Your Excellency,

A passionate appeal for construction of collapsed bridge at Isong Inyang, Udesi Community In Mbo Local Government Area

I humbly write to draw your kind attention to a matter of critical importance to the people of the nine villages in Udesi community, Mbo local government area, who have been enduring a profound hardship for close to forty years now due to the collapse of the bridge at Isong Inyang village.

The collapsed infrastructure, in the picture below, connects our community to our local government headquarters, Enwang and other communities in Mbo.

The absence of this bridge has cut off six out of the nine villages in Udesi community, forcing us to traverse three different local government areas just to reach our local government council, a journey that should have been direct and seamless.

Your Excellency, the collapsed bridge has severely impacted the lives and livelihoods of our people.

Access to essential services such as secondary education, healthcare, and economic activities has been greatly hindered. Students face tremendous challenges going to schools; farmers, traders, and small and big business people struggle to transport their goods; and residents in need of urgent medical care are at a severe disadvantage.

The fact remains that the bridge’s absence has isolated our community, stifled economic growth, and increased travel expenses, which most of our people can ill afford. Also, participation in church and social activities across the collapsed bridge has become burdensome for a great number of people.

Your Excellency, truth be told, several appeals have been made in the past years to address this situation, especially during electioneering campaigns, but unfortunately, no solution has been forthcoming. 

It is clearly understandable that there are competing demands on the state’s resources, but we respectfully ask that you consider the dire circumstances of our Udesi community at this point of your administration. The construction of this bridge will restore connectivity, boost local trade, improve access to education and healthcare, and foster overall development.

Your Excellency, as the state prepares its new budget for 2025, I, on behalf of the elders, the aged, women, youth and stakeholders of Udesi community, earnestly appeal to you to kindly direct the inclusion of the construction of this vital bridge in the upcoming fiscal plan.

Our people are confident that under your compassionate and visionary leadership, this long-standing challenge can finally be resolved, and our community reconnected to the opportunities and resources that have been missing for decades.

Your ongoing genuine commitment to rural and infrastructural development, promotion of entrepreneurship, capacity building and welfare packages for Akwa Ibom people speak volume of you, not only as a dedicated leader but one with compassion.

We believe in your commitment to the well-being of all citizens of Akwa Ibom State, and we trust that you will take swift and decisive action to alleviate our suffering.

Again, your intervention would not only uplift Udesi community but also stand as a testament to your enduring legacy of development and care for the people.

It is our earnest prayer for God to guide and equip you with the wisdom needed at all times to successfully handle the affairs of Akwa Ibom State.

Thank you for your kind attention and anticipated favourable response.

Yours sincerely,

Mfon Uyeh.

Hails from Akai Ati village, Udesi community, Mbo local government area. A journalist, based in Uyo.

(08028325696)

19102024.