● Tonye Okurumo
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to establish an institution of higher learning in Opobo Town to promote sustainable academic and economic growth. He also pledged to carry out land reclamation projects to create space for critical infrastructure that will improve living standards and generate employment opportunities.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the 7km-long Opobo Town Ring Road with three crossing bridges in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. According to Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, in a statement issued on Monday, December 16, 2024, the project is expected to enhance connectivity and accessibility within Opobo Town and surrounding communities.
Governor Fubara emphasized the transformative potential of these projects, stating: “Other things are going to come. We intend to bring a higher institution to this place. We also will do more reclamation because our major problem here is land. We will also look for a way to make sure that we build more men; empower you so that you will not depend on me. Moreover, we will do all we can to create the enabling environment where more people will be gainfully employed and empowered. That is the only way Opobo will grow.”
A stretch of the Opobo Ring Road during the official commissioning of the project at Opobo Town in Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area of the State on Monday.
On the Opobo Ring Road project, Governor Fubara noted that while it was flagged off by the previous administration on May 28, 2023, his government redesigned and executed it to achieve the high standard being celebrated. “This project was flagged-off by the previous administration. We took over this project, redesigned it, and gave it a 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 project,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the people of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government for their support, urging them to remain steadfast. “I know your problems. I know your faces, and I know your names. You stood by us when it mattered most, and I am happy that, that decision was not a mistake. We are still standing very strong and stronger every day,” he added.
The Governor also called for continued peace in the community, describing Opobo/Nkoro as one of the most peaceful LGAs in the state. “It is not a mistake when people say Fubara is peaceful. Opobo/Nkoro is the only or most peaceful LGA. We are not saying we are crime-free, but the level of crime here is manageable. This is because of the understanding, the interrelationships we share, and we are all connected. So, I am begging you, continue to maintain this peace,” he appealed.
Commissioning the project, Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, lauded Governor Fubara’s vision and commitment to infrastructure development. “The Opobo Ring Road and Bridges will undoubtedly enhance connectivity, promote trade, facilitate access to essential services for the residents of this area, as well as the entire kingdom. The completion of this ambitious project is a clear demonstration of the vision and dedication of Rivers State Government under Governor Fubara,” he stated.
Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, highlighted the challenges faced in constructing the road due to the terrain. “This road is 7km long. It is 7.3 meters wide and has three bridges, and we have about 4km length of drains. We had to fill many parts of this road to an average of 5 meters high with imported materials. The highest filled area, where we have one of the bridges, was about 10 meters high,” he explained.
One of the three bridges commissioned as part of the Opobo Ring Road project at Opobo Town in Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area on Monday.
Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam, Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, described the inauguration as historic. “This project has changed the landscape in the Kingdom. We have already owned it and are determined to collectively protect it so that it will serve our socio-economic needs for a long time,” he remarked.
Hadi Chehade, Managing Director of Lubrik Construction Company, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to execute the project. “We are delighted to handle this iconic road project that will strategically transform Opobo Town. Thank you, Governor Fubara, for trusting us to deliver on your development agenda for the State,” he said. GMTNewsng
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