From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday flagged off the construction of the 465 kilometres Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja super highway.
The flag-off of the legacy project took place at Amuro Mgbom Primary School in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The president, represented by Governor Francis Nwifuru, thanked the people of the South East for their support so far and urged them to continue.
He promised that the project would be completed not only in record time, but according to stipulated specifications.
Governor Nwifuru, in his own address, described the project as key and critical to the aspirations of the people.
“May I also take this opportunity to thank very profoundly, His Excellency, President Tinubu, whose ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is beginning to take root in every corner of our country.
“This project reflects the president’s resolve to deploy infrastructure as a tool for national development and growth . We shall remain resolute in our support to his administration as a way of reciprocating this gesture,” he said.
Nwifuru noted that the multiplier effect of the road is immeasurable
“For us as a state, this project is especially significant. We are a landlocked state with vast potentials in agriculture, solid minerals and trade.
“For years, our progress has been slowed down by poor connectivity with other states But today, we break that barrier. With this flagship road construction, we are writing a new chapter — one of progress, prosperity and integration. And as governor of Ebonyi State, I say this without reservation; this project is a game-changer. For our farmers, it means faster access to regional and national markets.
“For our traders, it means reduced cost of transportation. For our students, it means more secure and accessible roads to institutions across state borders. For our youth, it means employment. For our local economy, it means growth.
“This initiative is not merely a civil engineering task, it is a bold declaration that the era of isolation, marginalisation and infrastructural neglect is giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion and nationwide accessibility,” Nwifuru said.
Meanwhile, various leaders of the state who spoke at the event endorsed the president for a second term.
They hinged their endorsement on the laudable achievement of the ‘Renewed Hope’ administration.
Minister of Works, David Umahi described Tinubu as a president for all, noting that “he does not discriminate, as he is a unifier, a true Nigerian and patriotic leader who has the entire nation at heart.
“This is a legacy project of the president and the legacy projects are spread across the entire regions of the country.”
Umahi promised that the project would be completed within the stipulated time and requested for the support of the communities and the people of the state.
On his part, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim commended the president for the laudable appointments and projects extended to the South East region and vowed to return the support during the polls.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Chioma Nweze said the president is building roads across the country and uniting the people.
She thanked the governor for providing an environment for projects like this to thrive.
