Residents of Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and Obot Akara Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State have expressed deep frustration over the worsening condition of roads, lack of electricity, and growing youth unemployment in the area.

The concerns were raised on Friday during a “People’s Assembly” held in Ikot Ekpene, an event organized by Yiaga Africa with support from the European Union to promote citizen–government engagement.

Speaking from different communities, participants lamented the economic hardship, loss of lives, and insecurity caused by the collapse of major roads in the constituency. They appealed to their federal representative, Hon. Patrick Umoh, to ensure that the rehabilitation of key roads is captured in the national budget and implemented by the executive arm.

“You can hardly move from one community to another. Farmers cannot transport their produce to markets. We’ve lost people, including two students in Obot Akara, because bad roads delayed access to hospitals,” one participant said.

Residents also decried the total blackout in several communities, including Okon in Essien Udim, which has been without power for over two years. They called for urgent restoration of electricity, potable water, and youth empowerment programmes.

While acknowledging Hon. Umoh’s previous efforts in securing jobs for a few constituents, they urged him to expand employment and skills development opportunities, especially for women and persons with disabilities.

In his remarks, Olaniyan Sanusi, Program Officer at Yiaga Africa, said the initiative aims to strengthen citizen participation and ensure lawmakers’ actions reflect the needs of their people.

“Government cannot do everything at once. Citizens should prioritize their demands and ensure they align with the constitutional responsibilities of lawmakers,” he advised.

Joy Umo, Secretary of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (South-South), commended Yiaga Africa for creating an inclusive platform where marginalized groups could directly engage their representatives.

“This forum gave us the opportunity to express where it hurts and how our legislators can help improve the lives of persons with disabilities,” she said.

The People’s Assembly, Sanusi added, has been successfully tested in other states, resulting in stronger collaboration between citizens and their representatives on key development issues.