From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has assured that the 21-kilometre Ehime-Nguru-Aba Branch-Mpam-Umuokirika-Ekwereazu Road, traversing the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, and Abia and Rivers States, will be completed in record time.
Speaking during an inspection of a section of the road in Ahiauzu Mbaise, Imo State, Ogbuku expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the project, noting that the second phase would soon be awarded.
The NDDC boss, who was accompanied by the Commission’s Executive Director Projects, Dr Victor Antai, emphasised the importance of the road, noting that it was strategic as it would link three NDDC mandate states of Imo, Abia and Rivers while cutting across four Local Government Areas in Imo State; namely Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, and Ngor Okpala. The Managing Director assured that the Ahiara-Ngor Okpala axis of the road would also be awarded, as it would boost the local economy upon completion.
Ogbuku thanked the people of Ahiaauzu Mbaise for the warm reception given to him and the NDDC team, declaring that the Commission was committed to completing the project as part of the dividends of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Igwe in Council, the Ahiazu Mbaise and Ehime Mbano people, the traditional ruler of Ihitteaforukwu Kingdom, Eze Dr O. Nwandu, expressed gratitude to the NDDC, stating that under the current Board and Management, the Niger Delta has experienced rapid development. He observed that the road had not been motorable for 15 years.
He said further: “This corridor is a vital economic and social lifeline, facilitating agricultural activities, trade, inter-community movement, and access to essential services, and this intervention by the NDDC will deliver high-impact benefits across multiple communities, Local Government Areas and states.
“For many years, this road symbolised neglect and hardship. Today, through visionary leadership and timely intervention, hope has been restored.”
