By Iyaji Joseph – Akahi News
Akahi News – akahinews.org

YAHE IN NEED OF STRUCTURED URBAN PLANNING: JOHN AKPA MAKES URGENT APPEAL TO AUTHORITIES

In a heartfelt and impassioned public statement posted just 22 hours ago on his official Facebook page, Mr. John Akpa—a respected voice from the Yala Local Government Area—has sounded a clarion call for immediate attention to the urban developmental challenges facing his beloved hometown, Yahe. In his powerful post titled “A Call for Urgent Attention: Yahe Deserves a Town Planning,” Akpa outlines a compelling case for why the town, rich in history and central to Yala’s socio-economic landscape, must be urgently prioritised in terms of town planning and sustainable development.

Yahe, as Mr. Akpa rightly points out, is no ordinary town. It is a historical centre of civilisation in Yala Nation, and its significance dates back to the early 1970s when it played a strategic role by housing the 78 Battalion of the Nigerian Army during the civil war era. Its geographic placement on the Trans-African Highway (TAH 18) elevates its status as a natural hub for cross-border commerce, socio-cultural exchanges, and population inflow. With such a legacy and strategic importance, Akpa argues that Yahe deserves far more attention than it currently receives.

A Booming Community on the Brink of Disarray

Mr. Akpa describes a disturbing trend of unregulated urban expansion currently afflicting the town. Following the construction of a major road project supported by the World Bank—a development that ought to have ushered in structured progress—the town has witnessed a rapid population and infrastructural boom. However, this growth, he says, has been mismanaged, largely due to negligence or inaction by the relevant authorities.

“Unchecked development is encroaching on our town, thereby threatening not only our environment but the serenity and safety of our suburb,” Akpa lamented. He highlighted how the absence of enforced urban planning regulations has led to the rise of indiscriminate and poorly constructed buildings, the erosion of green spaces, and an overwhelmed road network.

An Appeal to the Authorities

In his submission, Mr. Akpa directly calls upon the Chairman of the Yala Local Government Area, Hon. Fred Okem, to immediately extend the operations and functionality of the Yala Local Government Development Authority (YLGDA) to Yahe. If such an authority already exists, he insists that it must become visibly active in Yahe without further delay.

Additionally, Akpa appeals to the Yala Urban Development Authority (YUDA) to step in and act decisively. He proposes collaboration with professionals such as Dr. Samie Emri, a seasoned urban and regional planning expert from the Cross River State University of Technology, to provide technical guidance in restoring sanity to Yahe’s urban outlook.

“Development should be responsible, inclusive, and sustainable—not chaotic or profit-driven at the expense of our people,” Akpa warned, narrating the chaos he personally observed during a morning walk around the town.

Legislative Support Urged

Mr. Akpa’s advocacy did not stop at executive intervention. He also extended a passionate plea to the political representative of the community, Hon. Oboh Peter, the Yahe Ward Councillor. He urged the councillor to table the matter before the local council as an urgent issue that demands deliberation, planning, and actionable steps.

“Let’s not wait until it’s too late,” Akpa warns. “Let’s raise our voices to protect Yahe for ourselves and for future generations.”

A Wake-Up Call for Yala Nation

The call by John Akpa serves as more than a cry for help—it is a wake-up call for the Yala leadership, planning authorities, traditional institutions, and all stakeholders in Cross River State. Yahe, with its multicultural makeup, strategic location, and historical relevance, represents not just a town but a symbol of Yala’s identity. To allow it to plunge into urban chaos would be a grave disservice to its legacy and future.

Urban planning is not a luxury—it is a necessity. With the right policies, professional involvement, and political will, Yahe can transform from a town on the edge of disarray into a model of sustainable urban living.

For now, the ball is in the court of Yala’s leadership. Will they act before it is too late?

Stay connected to Akahi News for continuing updates on this story and other important developments from Yala and beyond.

By Iyaji Joseph – Akahi News
Visit: Akahi News – akahinews.org