By Bello Wakili
Vice President Kashim Shettima says the present administration is deliberately expanding infrastructure and economic opportunities beyond major cities to reduce congestion, create jobs and promote balanced development across Nigeria.
Senator Shettima stated this Thursday while inaugurating the 33.5-kilometre Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Akpabu-Ikiri-Omoku Dual Carriageway in Rivers State, on behalf of President Tinubu.
He said the project, which cuts across Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas, is consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda and would improve connectivity along the agricultural, commercial and oil and gas corridor leading to Omoku, popularly known as the Gas City.
The Vice President described roads as critical instruments of development, linking farmers to markets, workers to jobs, students to schools and communities to essential services.
He said the completed road would reduce travel time and logistics costs, minimise post-harvest losses, improve access to markets and stimulate economic activities in communities along the corridor.
Senator Shettima commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for completing the project, stressing that continuity in governance remains essential to ensuring that development projects deliver lasting benefits to citizens.
He also urged residents to protect the road and other public infrastructure from vandalism and reckless use.
Earlier, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the 33.5-kilometre road, which includes a river-crossing bridge and street lighting, would significantly improve security and ease transportation across the benefiting local government areas.
The governor explained that the road had previously been associated with kidnapping, oil bunkering and other criminal activities, but expressed confidence that improved accessibility and increased security surveillance would transform the corridor.
Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support, describing the commissioning as a demonstration that the people of Rivers State remain an integral part of Nigeria’s development process.
Also speaking, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Professor Temple Nwofor, said the project represents a major step towards providing durable infrastructure, improving connectivity and promoting economic activities in the affected communities.
The Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, said the road would open up communities, ease transportation and boost commerce, describing it as more than an infrastructure project but a pathway to reconciliation, prosperity and stronger connections among the people.
Correspondent Bello Wakili reports that the commissioning marks another milestone in the Rivers State Government’s efforts to expand road infrastructure and unlock the economic potential of communities along the corridor.
Editing By Godwin Duru
