The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appreciated the efforts of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for constructing the
Nwaobasi ring road-Ehere in Obingwa LGA and other Federal roads in the state aimed at boosting the local economy.
Governor Makinde who was speaking during the commissioning of the Federal Road constructed by the Ikpeazu administration said the project has brought development to the area in addition to boosting trade and commercial activities.
He recalled that as a regular user of the road 25 years ago, the Nwaobasi road was in a deplorable state, adding that the governor has shown true leadership and love for the people by embarking on its construction.
Governor Makinde while describing his Abia state counterpart as a leading light, said Aba is the manufacturing hub of Nigeria that requires greater attention pointing out that the Governor had encouraged manufactures in the state through solid economic policies.
According to Governor Makinde, the southern part of Nigeria should be given its due recognition in the Nigeria project with more powers given to the states to enable them develop at their own pace adding that the PDP should take the lead in the clamour for restructuring to fast track development.
In his speech, the Governor,Dr Okezie Ikpeazu recalled the dilapidated state of the road before its construction, saying that despite being a federal road, it was impossible for people to move from Ehere to Opobo junction by any means.
“Before now, it was impossible for one to ply either by treking or by road, or by any means whatsoever despite that it is a federal government road.
“We intervened on this road so that we can ease commerce and trade and improve the livelihood of those who depend on that market for sustainance.
“What we are showcasing to the world represent our strategic thinking in terms of enabling free flow of traffic in and out of Aba and around our state.
“This road is an important economic byepass as well as a road that will serve the teaming population that reside in this place. This attempt to do an asphalted road on Nwaobasi is the first attempt by any government since the creation of old Imo state.
“I have a deep sense of personal fulfillment that i have been able to touch lives that were hitherto forgotten.
“The essence of politics and governance is to bring democracy dividends to the people. Government and governance will be useless and meaningless if you cannot change the narrative and touch the lives of the ordinary people. We are happy that the first asphalted road in Nwaobasi today was done by us”.
The Commissioner for Works, Dr Bob Ogu said the road was done to decongest traffic as a link and alternative road to Ikot- Ekpene, Umuahia and Owerri.
In his remarks, the Chairman Abia state Council of Traditional Rulers Eze Joseph Nwabeke noted that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has constructed over 150 roads so far, adding that the recently commissioned first Abia Interchange at Osisioma has transformed the aesthetics of Aba environment into Dubai status.
Residents of the area including Rev Paulinus Ngele of the Assemblies Of God Church Ehere Aba, noted that the church had lost many members due to the dilapidated nature of the road in the past and thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for coming to their rescue by reconstructing the road and prayed God to keep using his administration in changing the narratives.
