The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated a 9-kilometre Obehie-Okeikpe Road in the oil rich Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Commission also flagged off the construction of the second phase of the project which runs from Akwete in Ukwa East to neighbouring Akwa-Ibom state.
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It was jubilation galore by the people of the area as the road abandoned since 2022 was being commissioned.
The road is a major link with Akwa-Ibom State and Rivers State.
Samuel Ogbuku, managing director/CEO NDDC, in his speech during the commissioning, said the regional road which linked Abia and Akwa Ibom State would serve as a major boost to economic and agricultural activities in both States, apart from its huge success in curbing insecurity in the area.
He noted that the Commission was committed to completing viable NDDC projects across the nine mandate states of the region.
Ogbuku stated that the current president Tinubu administration was intentional in addressing the needs of the people of the Niger Delta which include: building partnerships for sustainable development; improved youth capacity and skill base; efficient and cost-effective delivery of projects; working with security agencies and institutions to facilitate improved peace and security in the Niger Delta region among others.
The NDDC Chief Executive frowned at the level of vandalisation of their properties around the area.
He condemned the vandalism of the transmission station which had made the community not to have light while urging the people to protect NDDC properties noting that when they failed to secure government properties they would be the ones to suffer for it.
“The Commission would by next week, commission a similar station in Ondo State, it is regrettable that NDDC had been unable to rehabilitate that of Abia, because of the level of vandalisation,” he said.
The NDDC boss commended Governor Alex Otti for providing the contractor with security throughout the period of the road construction and also applauded the contractor of the project for doing a good job.
“The Commission is now transiting from a transition to a transformative stage so that the people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians as a whole could feel the impact of its interventionist activities,” Ogbuka said.
Governor Otti, in his speech, lauded the interventionist commission for reconstructing the 9Km road which he noted would enhance the socio-economic growth of Ukwa West Local Government Area.
Otti, who was represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, noted that Abia State Government had keyed into the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda and that was his administration was giving back to the people the dividends of democracy.
He disclosed that his administration had reconstructed 79 roads and built 10 new roads so far adding that the roads were handled by prominent local and international contractors of repute.
The Abia Chief Executive revealed that during the last campaign they went through hell transversing the road while thanking NDDC for coming to the rescue of the people.
The governor warned the youths against further vandalizing of public properties and urged them to stay clear from acts capable of causing insecurity threats as anyone caught would face the full weight of the law.
He said that government was working round the clock to ensure that security was improved and the teeming unemployed youths were employed.
Otti said the Abia government would like to partner with NDDC to ensure that all abandoned projects by NDDC were completed.
Victor Antai, executive director, Projects, NDDC, in his speech, said the road was a major interstate road connecting Abia and Akwa Ibom, adding that the road valued at N3 billion.
Also contributing, Eruba Dimgba, representative of Abia at the NDDC Board, thanked NDDC for the project, adding that the road was key to the development of the area noting the people would have a new lease of life with the rehabilitation of the road.
“Before now the road was a dead trap, crime rate was high and our people could not bring out their farm produce to sell, we are happy with Abia government and NDDC for taking away the years of suffering from the people,” Dimgba said.
Godwin Adiele, member representing Ukwa West in Abia State House of Assembly, in his brief remarks, said the commissioning of the road marked a new dawn for the people of Ukwa and Akwa Ibom State.
He appreciated president Tinubu and NDDC for showing commitment in road construction adding also that he was happy with the quality of work done on the road.
Eze Chinyerem Dike, chairman of the traditional rulers Council, Ukwa West, commended NDDC for its good works in the area and appealed for the rehabilitation of the power station in the area and the dualisation of the Obehie-Oke Ikpe Road.
Chairman of the traditional rulers council, Ukwa West, Eze Chinyerem Dike commended NDDC for its good works in the area and appealed for the rehabilitation of the power plant in the area and the dualisation of the Obehie-Oke Ikpe Road.
