By Raymond Benson
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for the reconstruction of nine kilometres Obehie-Okeikpe road.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, revealed the determination of the state to key into the president’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“As a government, we’ve already keyed into the president’s Renewed Hope agenda in making sure that we give back to the people what we promised them”, he said.
The governor who expressed confidence on the new NDDC board, thanked the Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, (Ph.D) for rescuing Abia from the deplorable roads inherited from the past administration.
“I really want to say a huge thank you because each time I remember the area, I’ll always say, “when will this change happen”.
“I never knew that NDDC will be able to do this.
“It definitely means that the management of NDDC this time is one that has human face towards discharging their duties”, he noted.
He further enjoined NDDC, not only to replicate this fit in state, but to also complete abandoned projects littered in the communities of the state, adding that the government would ensure the provision of security for their protection.
He, however, advised the traditional rulers to protect the facilities sited in their communities and warned miscreants against vandalizing government facilities.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku in his speech commended the governor for his commitment in providing security within the duration of the project.
“I want to specially thank the Governor of Abia State because, if not for his support too, we wouldn’t have been able to complete this road in record time,” he said.
He lauded the commitment of the new board, in not only keeping to promise, but to also make a difference both in infrastructure and in people’s living standards.
Ogbuku said that the Agency has transited from “transaction to transformation” in the communities.
He noted the fidelity of the contractor, “People’s Concept” in keeping to the initial terms, despite the inflation rate.
Ogbuku advised him to showcase the same commitment in the second phase of the road construction also leading to Akwa Ibom State.
He equally enjoined the benefiting communities to claim ownership of the projects in their domain, noting that “it’s your own responsibility; ours is to provide, yours is to protect.”
The member representing Abia State on Board of NDDC, Chief Eruba Dimgba said that the aesthetic and quality of the road would enhance transportation, trade and commerce between Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
He said that NDDC would be steadfast in its mission to address the developmental challenges in the communities, focusing on the key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
The Chairman of Ukwa West Traditional Rulers, HRH, Eze Chinyere Dike, while highlighting the social economical challenges earlier posed by the road, thanked NDDC for their intervention and requested for its dualization.
Another community leader, Chief Dominic Oforji, also thanked the Agency for siting other numerous projects in the state, adding that the people would soon witness a new dawn.
The Obehie-Okeikpe project which was awarded in 2022, is a regional road traversing Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Other highpoints of the ceremony were the conferment of chieftaincy title of “Enyi-Oha 1 of Ukwa, on the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and flag off of the completion of the second phase of the road.
The occasion was well attended by dignitaries, including, HRH, Eze Moses Ugochukwu of Iyiekwe Autonomous Community; Hon. Godwin Adele, member representing Ukwa West in Abia State House of Assembly.
Others include the Executive Director Finance and Administration, NDDC, Hon Boma Iyaye and Executive Director, Project NDDC, Sir Victor Etim Antai.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ukwa West chapter graced the event, while cultural groups entertained the guests.
