The First Trade Route, used by the colonial government in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State to engage in both slave trade and other economic activities in the area have been given a facelift, twenty five years after it has been abandoned.
The Road which is located at Akwa Esuk Eyamba in Edet Nsa area of Akpabuyo Local Government has been a nightmare to the fishing communities and traders of marine products.
Speaking during the flagg off of the road reconstruction and Gully erosion protection as part of the Cross River State government community development infrastructural network project,Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government, Emmanuel Offiong- Bassey says the effort was to turnaround the infrastructure and open the Local fishing port economy to the outside world.
Also Speaking at the event, the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo,Obobo Offiong,says the intervention was long overdue due to the economic importance of the area.
Other residents say the local ports provided revenue for the state government until the road collapsed due lack of maintainace.
Akpabuyo is one of the local government areas in Nigeria where trade by barter still thrives and the local government is known for slave trade during the days of colonial rule.
Residents, says the opening of the Esuk Eyamba roads will add value to the area and enhance its fishing activities.
