In a significant show of grassroots support, the people of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State have thrown their weight behind the Federal Government's planned route for the monumental Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
Peaceful Rally Endorses Federal Project
On Friday, January 10, 2026, a large and orderly gathering took place at Upenekang, the council headquarters. Elders, youth groups, women, and students came together in a peaceful rally to publicly declare their approval for the highway's proposed path through the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.
Community leaders described the infrastructure initiative as a major economic catalyst with the potential to transform coastal communities. They expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno. Participants also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating the project would boost the state's visibility and attract investment.
Community Stakes Its Claim and Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the Ibeno Elders Forum and key stakeholders, representatives made two critical points clear. First, they reiterated the community's long-standing claim to being the rightful owner of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, dismissing competing claims from neighbouring areas as historically inaccurate.
Second, and more crucially, they assured of the community's commitment to peace and development. "We do not intend to obstruct government projects," they stated, arguing that the coastal highway would unlock substantial economic opportunities for Ibeno and surrounding regions if implemented as planned.
Youth and Local Government Echo Support
Youth leaders from various groups within the local government area aligned with the elders' position. They pledged their support for the project and vowed to oppose any attempts to disrupt its progress along the Akwa Ibom axis.
The Vice Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Ukpong Okon, addressed the rally, praising its peaceful conduct. He formally reiterated the council's alignment with the Federal Government's decision on the route. Okon framed the highway as a vital opportunity for unity, development, and long-term growth in the area.
Throughout the event, participants carried placards with messages advocating for dialogue, development, and peaceful engagement with authorities, while specifically calling for the highway to pass through Ibeno territory.
A Project of National Significance
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is a flagship infrastructure project of the Tinubu administration. It is designed to connect Nigeria's coastal states, dramatically improving transportation, boosting trade, and enhancing tourism along the southern corridor. As planning advances, discussions around its exact routing have sparked debate in several host communities, making public endorsements like the one from Ibeno particularly noteworthy.
