Zamfara Governor Inaugurates Ring Road, Bridges in Rivers

. Fubara plans establishing higher institution in hometown

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has inaugurated the 7km Opobo Town Ring Road with three crossing bridges in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in Rivers State constructed by the state government.

This is as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to attract an institution of higher learning to Opobo, his hometown, so as to drive sustainable academic and economic growth in the area.

Performing the inauguration yesterday, the Zamfara State governor described Governor Fubara as a visionary leader who has championed development policies to better the lot of Rivers people.

Governor Lawal noted that such critical infrastructure like roads, particularly in rural communities as done by Governor Fubara, would promote socio-economic growth, enhance well-being of the people and facilitate progress.

He said the completion of the road project is a clear demonstration of the vision and dedication of Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Fubara.

According to him, “It is a reflection of the commitment of His Excellency to infrastructure development as well as improving the socio- economic conditions and well-being of the Rivers State.

“The Opobo Ring Road and Bridges will undoubtedly enhance connectivity, promote trade, facilitate access to essential services for the residents of this area, as well as the entire kingdom.”

Governor Lawal further said: “The benefit of the creation of better connecting links will no doubt spur economic activities and open up new opportunities for communities in and outside of the state. The enhanced infrastructure will surely attract investment, boost tourism and improve the sense of pride and belonging among the people of Opobo.”

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Fubara also promised reclamation of land to create more space that will accommodate critical infrastructure to promote and improve the quality of lives in an environment that supports generation of robust employment opportunities.

The governor pointed to how the various development strides, when actualised, will uplift Opobo Town and place it in a place of pride in the comity of other local government areas.

He said: “Other things are going to come. We intend to bring a higher institution to this place. We also will do more reclamation because our major problem here is land. We will also look for a way to make sure that we build more men; empower you so that you will not depend on me. Moreover, we will do all we can to make sure that we create the enabling environment where more people will be gainfully employed and empowered. That is the only way Opobo will grow.”

Commenting on the Opobo Ring Road project, Governor Fubara explained that it was flagged off on May 28, 2023, by the immediate-past administration but stressed that its design and execution was done by his administration to achieve the standard being celebrated.

Fubara acknowledged the immense support given him by the people of the local government area, and urged them to continue to stand with the government because God does not stop halfway when he begins to do anything.

He added: “This is a project that was conceived on May 28, 2023. This project was flagged off by the previous administration. We took over this project, redesigned this project, and gave it a standard that it has today. This is because it is a project that has to do with me. It is a project that my people will see, and it speaks for me. So, I am happy that I am here to inaugurate this project. It gives me so much joy.”

The governor further said: “Honestly, I know your problems. I know your faces, and I know your names. I know what we need. So, I will just say thank you for all the support. You stood by us when it mattered most, and I am happy, that the decision was not a mistake. We are still standing very strong and stronger every day.”

Fubara appealed to the political leaders, traditional rulers and the generality of the people to continue to be peaceful which Opobo Kingdom is known for.