BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORTHARCOURT
It was a moment of jubilation and excitement as the residents of Asa Ukwa West Local Government Area Abia State rolled out the drums to celebrate the Inauguration of nine kilometers Obehie Okikpe Road, flag off of Okeikpe, Akwete to ohambele phase two done by Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC.
One of the most significant benefits of the nine kilometers Obehie Okikpe road, is that, it serves as a connection route for Rivers, Abia and Akwa Ibom states in addition to being an alternative road to East West Road.
Performing the inauguration and flag off, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Oti who was Represented by Deputy Governor, Mr. Ikechi Emetu described the gesture by NDDC as heartwarming.
The Governor acknowledged the deplorable condition of the road when he visited the area during his campaign.
Addressing the people, Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku reiterated the commitment of the commission to the development of the region as directed by President Bola Tinubu in keeping with the renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr Ogbuku noted that apart from the first phase, the second phase was awarded to take the road down to Akwa Ibom State.
Dr. Ogbuku who regretted the vandalism of Power transmission Station in the locality expressed readiness revitalize it.
He called on the residents to take responsibility of projects cited in their communities.
The Managing director acknowledged the role played by Abia State government to ensure peaceful environment to facilitate speedy completion of the project.
Giving details of the project, Executive Director Projects NDDC, sir Victor Antai explained the nine kilometers road was awarded in twenty twenty two at the cost of two point eight billion naira.
According to Sir Antai, the Road has an overlay of four kilometers, reconstruction of failed section three kilometers while new construction was two kilometers with eight kilometers drainage.
Similarly the representative of Abia State on NDDC board, Mr Dimgbaa Erugba said the road signified progress of the benefiting communities.
He noted that the road would attract investors and improve the lovelyhood of the people.
He called on the communities to take care of the road to avoid vandalism.
Reacting to the development, Chairman Ukwa West Council of Traditional Rulers His Royal Highness EZE CHINERE DIKE, while applauding NDDC noted that the road has reduced travel time and boosted economic and social activities in the locality.
High point of the event was conferment of chieftancy tittle on MD NDDC, as Enyi Asa one by the Community.
