THE Federal Government of Nigeria will officially flag off the construction of the Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim Waterfalls Road on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in a highly anticipated event to be held at the Prince Nico Mbarga Roundabout, Etomi Road Junction, Ikom, Cross River State.
The ceremony will be attended by Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, alongside other distinguished dignitaries, including officials of NDDC,key government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
This significant infrastructure project is aimed at improving access to Agbokim Waterfalls, a major natural attraction in Cross River State as well as provide access to the main cocoa belt of Cross River State.
The headquarters of the main cocoa estate, still referred to as Ikom cocoa estate (several years after the creation of Etung LGA)is located in Agbokim Waterfalls. The Waterfalls located in Agbokim, from where the village took its name from, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Nigeria, known for its serene beauty, lush green surroundings, and its unique seven-tiered cascade.
The falls, located in the dense forests of the region, has long been a prominent tourism spot, drawing visitors from across the country and internationally for its breathtaking views, tranquil atmosphere, and opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure.
The road construction project will make this hidden gem even more accessible, providing direct and improved access to the falls and the communities surrounding them. It is expected to significantly enhance the tourism sector in Cross River State, providing new opportunities for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region and for local businesses to thrive.
Improved infrastructure will also help unlock the economic potential of the area, encouraging investment in tourism-related ventures and providing much-needed employment opportunities for residents.
Also,Etung LGA remains the main cocoa belt of Cross River and this road is the major road linking the Government cocoa estates and cocoa communities in the area.
Senator John Owan Enoh, in a statement ahead of the flag-off ceremony, emphasized the importance of the road project in stimulating local and national economic growth. “Agbokim Waterfalls is an iconic destination with great potential to attract both local and international tourists.Also,cocoa remains the mainstay of the local economy across the neighbouring Ikom and mainly Etung communities.
Being an internationally acclaimed commodity, this major road project will provide greater filip to the booming cocoa farming and trading in the area.
The Federal Government’s decision to invest in this road infrastructure is a clear demonstration of its commitment to fostering tourism, supporting local economies, and promoting sustainable development in Cross River State,” Senator Enoh remarked.The hope is that by improving access to Agbokim Waterfalls, NDDC as an interventionist agency,is enabling a brighter future for the people of this region, while also showcasing Nigeria’s unique cultural and natural assets endowment to the world.
The new road is expected to increase the number of visitors to the Agbokim Waterfalls, boosting eco-tourism and hospitality services in the area. Local entrepreneurs and small businesses in hospitality, transportation, crafts, and agriculture are poised to benefit from the influx of tourists, as the improved infrastructure will make it easier for tourists to visit and explore the falls, as well as other attractions in the region. Furthermore, the road will provide residents of surrounding communities with better access to healthcare, education, and markets, improving the overall quality of life in the area.
In addition to its economic impact, the road will help facilitate the movement of goods and services across the region, further enhancing the trade and commerce potential of the surrounding communities.
The road will link Ikom, Etomi, and the Agbokim Waterfalls area, creating a more streamlined transportation network that will benefit both local residents and tourists.
The flag-off ceremony is scheduled to hold at the Prince Nico Roundabout, Etomi Road Junction at 10am on weds,8th of January. The public is invited to join in this historic occasion and witness the commencement of a project that will have a lasting positive impact on the region.