As plans are in top gear to carry out total reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikot ekpene Federal road, the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has appealed to Abians and other individuals whose landed properties and structures are on the right of way, to vacate them, so that contractors can commence work.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after a meeting with stakeholders from Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, organised by the member representing the constituency at the National House of Assembly, Rep.Sam Onuigbo, at the MOUAU Women Association Event Centre, the Vice Chancellor, called on Abians to take advantage of the opportunity and remove whatever structure that can stop work on the road.
“As Ndigbo,we should not play with opportunities as this. The Umuahia -Ikot Ekpene road has been on talks for years, now that funds have been released for it to be reconstructed, lets capitalize on the opportunity”,he said.
The Vice Chancellor, however, stated the importance of the road when constructed.According to him, the road after completion, would grant unimpeded access to staff and students of the MOUAU,and as well, boost the economy activities in the state and by extension the South East, thereby steming the rate of criminal activities that go on in the area, as most criminals take advantage of bad roads to perpetuate evil.
While lauding the tireless efforts of Rep Sam Onuigbo, for attracting Federal presence to the dilapidated state of the road, Prof Iwe, enjoined everyone to comply to the directives of the government, as the road would be of great benefits to the State and Nigeria at large.
He thanked the Federal government for conceding to pressure and several requests made by the Lawmaker and other good spirited Abians, by making money available for the rebuilding of the Umuahia-Ikot ekpene road, which is very important to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and the entire south east.
