As part of the current administration’s strategic infrastructure development initiatives aimed at fostering socioeconomic growth of the state residents and rural dwellers in particular, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, on Saturday, formally flagged-off the construction and rehabilitation of two major roads in Yala and Ogoja Local Government Areas.
The roads are the 3KM Akreha-Yache-Benue and Ndok Junction-Abakpa-Igoli-Moniaya Junction roads and other ring roads in Ogoja town
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, while performing the flag-off ceremony for the road projects at Akreha Community in Yala Local Government Area and Ndok Junction in Ogoja Local Government Area, emphasized that the administration will continue to undertake development projects to enhance the overall wellbeing of the state’s residents.
He noted that the road projects would boost agricultural productivity, facilitate access to education and healthcare facilities, improve the living standards of the people, and give a facelift to the area.
He further assured that Governor Otu’s administration would construct at least 20 km of road in each of the state’s 18 LGAs and embark on other infrastructural expansion programs to directly benefit the residents. He called for peace among the people, noting that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
Regarding the Akreha-Yache-Benue road project, the Deputy Governor commended the Commissioner for Education, Senator (Dr.) Stephen Odey, for his unwavering commitment and dedication to serving his people. He also acknowledged Odey’s advocacy efforts and support to the present administration, which ultimately led to the Governor awarding the road project.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Pius Ankpo emphasized the need for traditional rulers and people of Yala and Ogoja Local Government Areas to take ownership of the project, stressing that the contractors handling the rehabilitation and construction of the roads must be supported and closely monitored to ensure that the quality is maintained and to guarantee success and timely delivery of the projects.
He urged the contractors to apply the principle of local content by involving residents in the execution of the projects, as this would create jobs for the youth and boost socioeconomic activities of the area.
In their separate remarks, State House of Assembly Members Hon. Engr Thomas Aruku (Ogoja), Hon. Brian Odey (Yala I), and Hon. Dr. Martin Achadu (Yala II), along with the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, and the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Patrick Egbede, commended the governor for prioritizing the welfare of the people and for his commitment to delivering campaign promises on massive infrastructure upgrades.
They expressed optimism that the project will be completed and commissioned by the ‘People First’ Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
The highlight of the event was the official flag-off of the road construction and rehabilitation, along with the inspection of the redesigned Akreha-Yache-Benue bridge and the ongoing remediation work at Ndok junction by the Governor’s representative. He was accompanied by State House of Assembly members, the State Chairman of the APC, State Executive Council members, and other top government officials.
© Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Calabar
