The Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has officially flagged off the construction and rehabilitation of the 10-kilometre Ndok Junction-Mbube-Okubushuyu road in Ogoja Local Government Area.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on Saturday at Ekumtak-Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the project as part of his administration’s efforts to open up rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and improve transportation for residents and significantly improve their socioeconomic status. He emphasized that this is just the first phase, with subsequent phases extending from Mbube East to Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area.
He charged the contractor to uphold global best practices in the delivery of the project, stressing the need to prioritize local content by engaging community labour, particularly her youth and subcontractors. According to him, this will not only fast-track the project but also create jobs, enhance local participation, and improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents.
Odey expressed deep appreciation to the people of Ogoja and Cross Riverians for their consistent support for his administration, reiterating his government’s resolve to ensure that every part of the state is connected by a functional and economically viable road network.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Hon. Christopher Agbeh, commended Governor Otu for fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of Ogoja. He pledged the unwavering support and cooperation of the local government and its people toward the success of the administration.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Pius Ankpo, acknowledged the limited resources of the state and noted that the project is being executed in phases to ensure effective resource management. He assured that the Ministry of Works will closely monitor the project to ensure it is completed according to approved specifications.
Ankpo further revealed that over 12 kilometres of road rehabilitation are currently ongoing within Ogoja metropolis, highlighting the Governor’s commitment to inter-community connectivity and rural development.
On his part, the contractor, Engr. Oladayo Kolawole of K-Ton Building Waves Engineering Limited, reiterated the company’s dedication to delivering the project within schedule and to the highest standards of engineering and environmental compliance. He assured residents that the construction would be executed with minimal disruption and will actively involve local labour and subcontractors to enhance community development and job creation.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Engr. Thomas Aruku, Member representing Ogoja State Constituency in the State House of Assembly commended the contractor, K-Ton Building Waves Engineering Limited for the quality of work already being executed on the ongoing 12km Ring Road in Ogoja metropolis. He expressed confidence in the contractor’s capacity to deliver the new project and applauded the Otu-led administration for prioritizing people-focused development.
Traditional rulers, political appointees, and community leaders who spoke on the sidelines of the event praised Governor Otu for his visionary leadership and the wide range of development projects being executed across the state. They pledged their continued support and offered prayers for the success of his administration.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the symbolic cutting of the ribbon by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, which formally marked the commencement of construction work on the project.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar.
August 2, 2025
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