Jubilation as Roads Abandoned for 10 Years are Inaugurated in Rivers
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
It was jubilation yesterday at Ogbogoro community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State as a road project abandoned for 10 years has been completed and inaugurated.
THISDAY, at the event yesterday, observed as indigenes and residents of Mgbaraja, Mgbuoba, Okania in Ogbogoro were commending Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja road was inaugurated for usage by commuters.
Taraba State governor, Dr Agbu Kefas performed the inauguration of the project.
The road, which was constructed within a space of six months by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction.
Speaking during the inauguration, Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s commitment to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The governor said: “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfil that promise.
“I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.”
The governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.”
Performing the inauguration, Governor Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potential.
“What we are seeing here today, wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us when we were coming, and I was telling the governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the state government under for granted.
Speaking on behalf of CCECC, the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
A legal practitioner and an indigene of Mgbaraja-Ogbogoro, Okekemzi Ihunda, revealed that the road was started by the Rotimi Amaechi administration, but abandoned by the immediate past government.
Ihunda expressed joy that “The governor has done really well by remembering the people of Ogbogoro community and those living here. Before now, this road was unaccessible, vehicles could not ply the road, but today there is joy with the inauguration of the road project.”
He said: “This road has been bad since over 10 years. Contractors were mobilised to this road during the period of former governor Rotimi Amaechi, after his administration the immediate past government abandoned the road. But we thank God that today, the incumbent governor remembered the people of Mgbaraja-Ogbogoro community.
“We pray that God should give him the wisdom, understanding and strength to pilot the affairs of the state irrespective of the crisis of the state of which we know that God will help him to triumph at the end.”
On her part, a 69-year-old resident of Mgbaraja, Victoria Ohagwa, expressed “Before now the road was not passable, if it is raining and you are returning back from your place of business you will find it difficult to get home, but now the road is smooth.
“I met the road bad when I packed in here about four years ago, but today we are rejoicing because it has been constructed and is passable. This road will attract development, it will increase business transaction here,” Mrs. Ohagwa added.
