Niger Delta Minister Pledges to Prioritise Completion of Agenebode-North Ibie-Okpella Road

•To ensure protection of interest of the region

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, has assured people of Edo State that the Agenebode- North Ibie-Okpella Road which had been on the drawing board for ages, would be given priority attention and completed under the President Bola Tinubu administration.

He affirmed that as the minister whose portfolio extends to the entire Niger Delta region his ministry’s plans would be tailored to emplacing the welfare of the people above any other agenda.

Momoh, made the pledge at the 2023 edition of Au-Ukhua Cultural Carnival, celebrated in Iviukhua Community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

He said the 8th Au-Ukwa Carnival, which was celebrated this year, attracted interest not only in Edo State, but the entire Nigeria with a global audience hence every necessary support should be provided to take the carnival to greater height.

“Apart from the fact that the carnival brings people together, it also brings the youths together to showcase their talents in several areas and this takes away their minds from negative and untoward activities detrimental to society which should be encouraged,” he added.

Recalling his days as a youth when he had to traverse Auchi to Agenebode through Iviukhua and other communities as a member of the NYSC, the minister said, “though a minister of the federal republic responsible for about nine states, you can’t forget where you came from.

“I am not happy that when you are coming to Agenebode, you have to pass through three different local governments thus making the journey cumbersome.

“We will address it and I promise to always support the carnival which has assumed national and international recognition and is a thing of pride to the people of the Niger Delta,” the minister who was awarded a certificate as brand ambassador said.

The minister also appreciated the leadership of the community headed by Kennedy Izuagbe and the entire Au-Ukhua Carnival Organising Committee for putting up the Ukhua 7km Road Race which enhanced the true sporting talent of the youths.

The Au-Ukhua carnival brings together the various communities in Afenmai Land, Edo State and presently attracts tourists from different parts of the world to Iviukhua community in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area to witness and savour the rich cultural heritage of the community, local government and Afenmai land in general.

In his remarks, the immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, commended organisers of the carnival.

“This is really becoming a big festival, something that tourists look forward to and I am proud to be associated with it.

“As you know, I am looking forward to 2024 (Edo State governorship election). 

“When God does does it, I will take this Au-Ukwa carnival to greater heights because it has huge potential. Edo State government will promote it further. It is already a national carnival but needs to go the next level,” he said.

In his remarks, the President General (PG) of Iviukhua Community, Kennedy Izuagbe, thanked the Niger Delta minister for honouring the community with his presence to participate in the nationally endorsed carnival and appreciated his promise of connecting the community with other states in the South-south through the construction of roads.

He commended the minister’s support of the carnival even while he was a councilor, local government chairman, House of Assembly Member, House of Representatives and now a minister of the Niger Delta Affairs.

Other activities at the annual festival include the Ukhua 7km Road Race, flagged off by the Commissioner for Youths and Humanitarian Affairs, Edo State, Dada Abubakar, represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Osilama Okhuofu.