The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has lauded his Rivers State counterpart, adding that the Gov. Fubara has demonstrated vision and dedication in delivering critical infrastructure to his people.
He tagged the infrastructural development in the state as a reflection of the commitment of Gov. Fubara to improving the socioeconomic conditions and wellbeing of Rivers people.
Dauda said: “Development of infrastructure as we know is the cornerstone of economic growth as well as social progress. The Opobo Ring Road and bridges will undoubtedly enhance connectivity, promote trade, and facilitate access to essential services for the residents of this area as well as the entire environ.
“The road will no doubt open up new opportunities for communities in and outside of the State. The road infrastructure will surely attract investments, boost tourism and improve the sense of belonging among the people of Opobo”.
The Zamfara governor acknowledged Gov. Fubara’s visionary leadership saying it resonated deeply with the commitment of his administration to transform the social and economic infrastructure of Rivers.
“We share a common vision that robust infrastructure is fundamental to nurturing economic activities and uplifting the standard of living of our people. This project aligns with our shared vision to create an opportunity and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development.
“I commend my brother, Gov. Fubara and his entire administration for the unwavering commitment to the development of Rivers State. This dedication to creating a better future for your people is truly inspiring and serves as a model for other States to emulate”, he said.
Gov. Dauda expressed confidence that the ring road and bridges will bring lasting benefits to the people of Opobo and contribute significantly to the overall development of the state.
The Zamfara governor said he was happy that Gov. Fubara had remained tall and not distracted by the ongoing crisis, adding, “I therefore thank you for this wonderful opportunity. This is what democracy is all about, keep making us proud. I am so happy that you are not distracted and you stand tall to do all these for your people”.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that the reality in the delivery of the Opobo Ring Road under his administration is significant as it bears testimonies of his commitment to the people.
He said the project which was conceived and flagged off by the previous administration, was inherited and redesigned to a more befitting standard and completed on record time.
Governor Fubara who spoke during the official commissioning of the 7 kilometer Opobo Ring Road Project at Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area on Monday, December 16, 2024, thanked the people for the unwavering support to his administration.
“it is my honour to be in my place again, this time not for political campaigns, but to commission a project that was conceived in May 2023. This project was flagged off by the previous administration. We took over this project, redesigned it and gave it the 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 road as it gives me so much joy.”
“Honestly, I don’t need to say anything,. I know your problems and your challenges, I know what you need. I will just say thank you for all the support. You stood by us when it mattered most and I am happy that you did not make a mistake with the decision you took. We are still standing very strong and stronger everyday”.
The governor appealed to his people in Opobo Kingdom to remain peaceful saying he had continued to reflect the known peaceful aura of Opobo.
He said Opobo remains the only local government area with a manageable crime rate because of the social interactions in the area, adding, “I am not saying we are crime-free, but the level of crime here is still very manageable. It hasn’t gotten to that level that we can’t control. It is because of the understanding, the inter-relationship and we are all connected. So I am begging you, continue to maintain this peace”.
The governor promised that other projects and programmes would get to the area as he intends to establish a tertiary institution in the area, adding that his government would focus its attention on land reclamation and empowering the people.
He, however, said he frowns on the entitlement mentality insisting that the people must justify whatever help coming their way, saying, “We will also look for a way to build more men and empower you so that you will not depend on people. You know if I have to help you, I have to justify the help. I am not that type that dashes money freely, I have to know what I want to give you the money for.
“But we will do all we can to make sure that we create the enabling environment. More people will be given employment and empowered that is the only way Opobo will grow.
The governor urged his people to keep believing in his administration adding that the government would work to uplift and reposition the local government area.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said the road is 7 kilometers in length, and 7.3 meters wide with three bridges.
On the terrain, he said: “On your way to this place you may have noticed the terrain, very beautiful, a lot of fresh air but very unforgiving for road construction. We have to fill many parts of this road on the average of five meters high with imported materials from other locations outside Opobo due to the nature of our soil. The highest filled area is in one of the bridges which is 10 meters high”
In his address the Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Dr. Enyiada Cookey-Gam described the project as historic and thanked Governor Fubara for embarking on it for the benefits of his people, while assuring the total support of the people.
