Shettima, Fubara Commission 33.5km Road In Rivers

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described infrastructure development as a means of creating and distributing opportunities across the country, saying a nation becomes congested when opportunities are limited.

Shettima stated this while commissioning the 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway in Rivers State, which connects Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas.

The road, awarded in March 2024 with a completion period of 24 months, includes a 99-metre bridge and is expected to improve connectivity, transportation and economic activities across the benefiting communities.

According to the Vice President, every piece of infrastructure creates another opportunity for citizens, stressing that the responsibility of government is to ensure that such opportunities are spread across the country.

“When a road works, society works,” Shettima said, noting that the completion of the project is a demonstration that government is a continuum and that governance must build on previous achievements.

He said President Bola Tinubu is satisfied with the completion of the road and the possibilities it offers the people of Rivers State.

Shettima commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on behalf of the President, for committing public funds to the mega project, describing the development as consistent with the Federal Government’s commitment to deploying resources for the betterment of citizens and society.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the presence of the Vice President at the commissioning is significant because it reaffirmed that Rivers State is an integral part of Nigeria.

Gov Fubara said he had been emotional throughout the programme, explaining that he had previously felt that Rivers State was being treated as though it was not part of the country.

The Governor noted the completed road would also contribute to improving security in the area, particularly because its previously deplorable condition had made it a corridor for kidnapping and oil bunkering activities.

He described the project as another promise of his administration that has been fulfilled, saying its completion has given him a sense of happiness and fulfilment despite the challenges faced by his administration.

According to him, the most important achievement is the ability to leave behind visible projects that would demonstrate that his administration meant well for the people of Rivers State.

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Fubara also said the completion of the project would strengthen his party’s campaign efforts, given the impact of the road on the lives and economic activities of the people.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Temple Nwofor, described the project as another manifestation of the state government’s ambition to provide durable road infrastructure that would connect communities, ease transportation and improve the state’s economy.

The 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road, with its 99-metre bridge, is expected to provide an important link between the three local government areas and enhance movement of people, goods and services across the communities.