The Cross River State government is set to make a significant investment in a rail project that will stretch from Tinapa to Obudu Local Government Area.
In preparation for this endeavour, stakeholders gathered last weekend at the Conference Room of the Transcorps Hotel, Calabar, to brainstorm and host community meetings to discuss the necessary modalities.
Special adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Ekpenyong Akiba Esq, spoke about the governor’s vision for the state and his determination to reposition the transport sector and the economy.
He stressed the need for stakeholder engagement and praised the handlers of the project for providing timelines and setting a baseline to ensure a successful outcome.
“We are very optimistic that we are heading towards a direction of delivery,” Akiba said, also mentioning the governor’s commitment to positioning Cross River for national and international exposure, attracting meaningful development in line with the “People’s First Mantra.”
The attendees at the meeting demonstrated their excitement and optimism, well-aware of the government’s track record of keeping promises and delivering results. Akiba emphasized the governor’s efforts in maximizing financial opportunities for the state and returning resources to the people for their benefit.
While some may argue that the project is too ambitious for the state, Akiba explained that the governor’s intention is to do whatever is necessary to benefit the people, and reassured the public that the government would invest resources up to their limit, ensuring that the project goes a long way in benefiting the people.
The special adviser acknowledged that it may take time to lay the foundations for such a project, but expressed confidence that the governor would see it through. “This is just one year in office,” he said, “we will have enough time to go through the foundations and make it a reality”.
During the conference, CEO of Grand Litora, ESV. Imo Ekanem, who handles the Obudu through Bakassi Railway Project, assured Cross Riverians that security within the rail would be a top priority. He promised that security would be mounted at every rail station to ensure safety.
Ekanem also provided a timeline, stating that the rail project would reach Yakuur Local Government Area within 18 months, and stressed the importance of driving the project to completion and expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Pastor Ekpenyong Ene Cohbam, highlighted the benefits of the railway transportation project upon completion, saying it would bridge the transportation gap, lower cost, improve efficiency, create jobs, and connect the component units of Cross River State.
“The purpose of the meeting is to bring all stakeholders together,” Cohbam stated. He assured anyone affected by the project that they would be duly compensated for any personal properties affected.
As Cross River State prepares to embark on this significant rail project, stakeholders are optimistic about the governor’s vision and commitment to the well-being of the people.
With adequate stakeholder engagement, careful planning, and the determination of all involved, the state is on track to see the light of day when it comes to this transformative project.
