My Great City of Uyo; I WANT TO KNOW YOUR CITY Contest

Hey Steemians,

I really don't have much option than to love my city. Having been here for some years now, I have come to understand and appreciate the dynamics of this great city. I know you will be wondering where I am talking about.

Welcome to Uyo. That's actually official from me. It might be that on your day of visit, you don't hear anyone telling you that or see any sign carrying that.

Once again, welcome to my prestigious Uyo.
Being the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo is surely a beautiful place to be. I am certain that there are other cities more beautiful and sophisticated than Uyo, however none of this can compare to Uyo in my opinion. This is because none of them will have as much significance at the moment to me as Uyo does.
Having spent a greater part of my life here, the memories and the stories I have of this great city are irreplaceable and immutable. I know that in my sojourn on earth, I am going to spend time in many cities, I am certain that Uyo will always be a reference point.

I came down to Uyo because of academics. I have since completed my studies since 2019 but i haven't be able to leave this city. Probably, I will have to move when leaving to serve Nigeria during my Youth Service year. Left for me, I wouldn't want to leave Uyo for any reason because I have fallen so much in love with this city.

Spending the number of years that I have here, I can say that I have a fair knowledge of Uyo. In terms of location, the most popular place by miles in Uyo is the Ibom Plaza which is simply referred to as Plaza.

A landscape of the plaza.

Forgive my blur picture.

Still part of the plaza.

There is something amazing about this spot. Virtually everyone one in the state, whether in Uyo or in other places within Akwa Ibom State know of the Plaza. It is often jokes that if one should happen to miss his or her way in the city, al such a person needs to do is to mention "plaza" to a bus driver or keke, even a motorcycle rider and such a person will be given directions to his or destination.

Aerial view of the plaza area

The plaza gained it's popularity because of some of the features it has. Well, initially after it was created, it served as the entertainment hub of the town. It was spacious, open and was cheap to patronise. Now it is notorious for it's criminality and commercial activities. Obviously, its central position is also a facilitator of this popularity.

Entrance to Aka Road

Heavy traffic along Ikot Ekpene Road.

Uyo has many roads, thanks to some great works by recent government regimes. Most of the major roads are dualized and in very motorable conditions. There a couple of flyover brides about four in total including the one almost being completed at Ekom Iman Junction off Abak Road.

The busy Ikot Ekpene Road.

Abak Road.

Barracks Road.

In terms of road infrastructure, Uyo is well endowed. Aside from the major roads, there a are lot of linking and adjoining streets. Almost every area in Uyo can be easily accessed even though some parts may have one or two bad roads. These interconnected streets help to ease traffic on the major roads. There is always a street to use as a diversion.

Nwaniba Road by Plaza

In terms of traffic congestion, Uyo is not very notorious for this. At the moment, it is only one road that is bugged down by heavy traffic and this is Oron road. Especially in the morning and evening hours, this road gets clogged up with traffic. One might spend close to an hour try to maneuver this road.

Barracks Road Roundabout

Ikot Ekpene Road Roundabout

This situation is worsen by the numerous traffic lights splattered along the whole length of the road. Other notable traffic jam spots are Aka junction, Ikpa/Ikot Ekpene Road roundabout, Itam roundabout, Ekom Iman junction and Barracks Road roundabout. So if you are planning on visiting you should be wary of these locations and try to bypass them if you are in a rush.

In terms of natural features, Uyo does not really have many of them. But for some ravines and a few shallow streams, Uyo has no natural features. It is worthy of note that that
ravine, a product of unchecked fully erosion has expanded and covered a great mass of land spanning several hectares.

In Uyo, recreational centers abound. Of particular note is eateries and restaurant. On almost every major road, there are about four to five eateries with some having more. There is also the popular Ibom Tropicana and quite recently the market square which I am yet to patronise.

Four tourism, these recreational centres serve as beautiful point of call. If one desires to stay for long, from peoples review, I would suggest he or she stays at EMMJMM Hotels at Brook street. This hotel is renown for it's great facilities and services. It is also said to be quite affordable.

Chicken Republic Eatery

De Choice Shopping Mall

Sir Monty Eatery

Aside from eateries, there are two major stadia in Uyo where a variety sporting activities take place. There is the five start hotel Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort). Actually, the general view is that this is for the elite as the place is quite expensive to patronise. Permit me to mention the play ground at Brook street and the cenotaph at Udoudoma Avenue which hosted the last Christmas Village.

The most prominent market in Uyo will be no other than Itam Market. Here merchants from far and wide bring their goods to sell and others come to buy. There is virtually nothing you will not find in this market. Itam market is located deep in the heart of town making it very easily accessible.

It is worthy to note that Uyo has a popular federal university, the University of Uyo popularly referred to as Uniuyo. Thei institution has been a highly sort after institution among Nigerian students. Every year, the school admits a large number of students while graduating and equally large number.

The Private Entrance of the Campus

Pedestrian crossing close to University of Uyo First Gate.

The main entrance of the University of Uyo.

On the whole, Uyo I a great place to be. Even though still evolving and developing, it has an average abundance of basic amenities and infrastructure. I am glad I had a chance to stay in this amazing city. I would have gone on an on, but I wouldn't want to expose all the details of my city for you. So if you finally decide to visit someday, you might as well check out these things I have mentioned.

Do well to hold your phone and your money tight if you happen to pass by the Plaza. Don't say I didn't warn you. Hope to return to you with more gist later. For now, take care and remain blessed.

@ngoenyi
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