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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Deep in the heart of Cross River State, the Boki community has long been a treasure trove of untapped potential, boasting vast agro potentials, lush forest reserves, rare flora and fauna, pristine forests, breathtaking mountains.
A vast percentage of Nigeria’s remaining rainforests is in the area as well as sections of the Cross River National Park, a sanctuary for the endangered Cross River Gorilla and other gifts of nature. Despite these riches, the people of Boki have historically been held back by a crippling lack of infrastructure – specifically, reliable road networks.
For years, the community struggled to evacuate agro produce, access markets, health centres, schools and their economic growth stunted by the very geography that should be their greatest asset.
A sprawling local government area and one of the biggest in the state, a key road infrastructure that links the Eastern and Western part of the area has been in its poorest condition and literally a nightmare.
It got so poor that it cut off people from both parts of the area. Cars dreaded the road as well as tractors. The only means of accessibility became motorbikes.
Despite this, passengers still had to trek in some sections because of the condition of the road. Whenever it rained, particularly during the wet season, logistics between both sides of Boki becomes a nightmare.
Development literally stagnated in communities like Boje which also hosts the headquarters of the council.
During this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance day, the ceremony was shifted from Boje where the cenotaph is located to Okunde.
Three attempts to reconstruct the road in recent times fell through as contractors who mobilized to the site abandoned the contract leaving the people to their fate.
However, a major lifeline came the way of the people as the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu fulfilled a promise to the people to end the nightmare of the Boki people by constructing the road.
This follows the flag off of the Boki East – West Road project heralding a new dawn and kick-starting a real season of sweetness for the resilient people of Boki.
The project forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and stimulate socio-economic development in rural communities.
It also stands as a fulfillment of the governor’s commitment to improving road infrastructure across Cross River State.
Gov. Otu performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the second phase of the 17-kilometre Boki East-West Road at Onitsha Farm in Boki local government area.
The construction of the first 17 kilometers phase of the road is linking the rural Boki and the urban Boki axis and will cut across Onitsha Farm-Boje-Katabang and terminate at Kanyang junction along the Ikom-Obudu highway.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, described the road project as a critical intervention designed to open up rural areas and address long-standing transportation challenges.
“This work is not going to stop here. I will come back here, not for the flag off, not for supervision, but to commission this road. We should have the construction of this road in record time and other roads that are going to be done here in Boki local government area.
“Boki is a big local government, no doubt; it’s big. That is why we are also bringing big projects so that you have big work coming from the government of Cross River State.
“I assure you that the governor of Cross River State, if he says anything, he does it.”
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He noted that the road would significantly improve access between communities, ease the movement of people and goods, and support agricultural activities, which remain the mainstay of the local economy.
Odey emphasized that improved road infrastructure would not only reduce transportation costs but also increase the income-generating capacity of rural households by enabling farmers to transport their produce to markets more efficiently.
He further reaffirmed the Otu-led administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented projects that promote inclusive growth and improve the quality of life, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Giving more details of the administration’s intervention, he said the state government has provided counterpart funding for the construction of major rural roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), including roads in previously unreached communities in Boki LGA and other parts of the state.
Odey called on traditional rulers, youth, and stakeholders of the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project by supporting the contractor in executing it according to schedule while urging the contractor to prioritize local content by utilizing local materials, labour, and services to boost economic growth.
Chairman of Boki LGA, Hon. Beatrice Etta Nyiam, praised Gov. Otu for fulfilling his campaign promises. She described the road as a gift that carries “hope, progress, and promise” for the people of Boki, noting that it will transform lives by opening up communities, easing the transport of farm produce, boosting trade, creating jobs for youths, and attracting new economic opportunities.
“This road will transform lives. It will open up our agricultural communities, make it easier for farmers to move their products, boost local trade, create jobs for our youths, and attract new economic opportunities. Simply put, it will bring development closer to our people and prosperity closer to our homes.
“Beyond economic benefits, this road stands as a powerful symbol of unity. It connects our communities, strengthens our bonds, and reminds us that Boki is one big family with a future. When we stand together in peace and cooperation, no challenge will be beyond us.”
She expressed gratitude to the governor, highlighting that the people of Boki recognize leadership that delivers on its commitments and assured that they are ready to show their appreciation in the 2027 elections.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Pius Ankpo, appealed to the council chairman, traditional rulers, and youth to ensure adequate security and support for the contractor.
Stakeholders from Boki who turned out en masse to witness the commencement of work, all echoed the same sentiments – applauding the state for the project and acknowledging the viability of the road project if completed.
Lawmaker representing Boki-2 State Constituency, Dr. Hilary Bisong, welcomed the lifesaving project and thanked the governor profusely.
“This 17 km road shows the governor is committing almost N10 billion to Boki people. So, we want to use the occasion to thank the governor profusely.”
House of Representatives member for Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Abang, House of Assembly members for Boki 2, Hon. Bette Obi, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, and the paramount ruler of Boki, HRM Otu Fredaline Akando, all expressed appreciation to Otu for prioritizing rural development and economic empowerment through strategic infrastructure investments.
Lawrence Edako, an indegene of Kakwagom in Boki said the locals have mixed feelings for the project because this is the fourth attempt to reconstruct the road in the last 10 years.
He said their fervent prayer is that this latest push by the governor will be a success so as to bring life back to Boki communities that are direct beneficiaries of the project.
As the Boki East-West Road project breaks ground, the people of Boki are poised to reap the rewards of improved connectivity, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life.
With better access to markets, healthcare, and education, the community’s vast agro potentials and natural resources are also set to be unlocked, boosting agricultural productivity and creating new opportunities for trade and commerce.
The project also marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to bridge the infrastructure gap in rural areas, and its completion is expected to bring lasting prosperity to Boki and beyond.
