Dr Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has said that the construction of Umuaka – Umudiobia road, in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia, will boost socio-economic activities in the area.
He expressed this at the flag off of the construction, stressing that it would activate the retard economic activities and create jobs in those rural communities.
Ogbuku, represented by the member representing Abia on the Board of NDDC, Dr Eruba Dimgba, reiterated the concerns of the Board in restoring economic activities of the rural people.
He said that NDDC was determined to change the old narratives of infrastructural decay and abandonment in rural communities.
Ogbuku lamented the pitiable condition of the road, which over time had hindered active economic activities and social lives of the people.
He decried the inherent challenges posed by the road, including the attendant robbery, kidnapping, fatal accidents and other social vices.
“The present board of NDDC has deemed it fit to change the narratives.
“We are flagging off Umuaka – Umudiobia road construction today, to activate the retard economic activities in these communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dimgba, who also spoke on his behalf as NDDC Commissioner, commended the Board for keeping faith with the 8-Point Agenda of the Federal Government, in providing improved livelihood, sustainable food security and others.
He lauded the developmental vision of the Governor of Abia, Dr Alex Otti, in creating a new story devoid of party affiliations and selective attention in the state.
“Governor Alex Otti has come to change the narratives of governance in Abia State.
“He has come without going into party politics and affiliations.
“He has come to tell us that good things can happen in Abia and I’m praising him objectively, after all, he’s not here,” Dimgba said.
Dimgba also urged the governor to include Ukwa West in his agenda of development, youth empowerment and security, having been a major source of revenue in the state.
“Ukwa West provides 80 per cent of the state’s revenue through crude oil and I know he’s intelligent enough to remember the people who bear all the environmental hazards of oil exploration,” he said.
The Umuaka Town Union President, Mr Benjamin John, and the Chairman, Umudiobia Community Development,
Mr Ikechukwu Nmeme, thanked the Board for its prompt intervention in easing the trauma associated with the said road.
Similarly, the project contractor, Chief Akor Obioma, who promised to complete the road construction within four months, equally assured of the standard specification as provided in the document.
NDDC had earlier this year flagged off similar projects in the area, including the expansion and installation of street solar lights on Ngwaiyiekwe – Ogwe – Umuaka road, provision of 229 street solar light system in Umuaka, amongst others.
