● Tonye Okurumo
…As Omehia Flags Off Egwi-Afara-Mba Road Project
Says Road Will Enhance Connectivity and Economic Activities
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to leveraging agriculture as a tool to combat hunger and achieve food sufficiency, particularly in Etche, widely regarded as the food basket of the state.
The Governor made this declaration on Wednesday at the official flag-off of the 12.3-kilometer Egwi-Afara-Mba Road project in Etche Local Government Area. The event, according to a press release issued by Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, underscored Governor Fubara’s vision to link infrastructural development with agricultural prosperity in the region.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described the road project as a precursor to planned efforts to scale up commercial agriculture in Etche. He highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “This road will serve as a vital route to transport agricultural produce generated here, strengthening Etche’s position as the food basket of Rivers State.”
The Governor expressed gratitude to the people of Etche for their unwavering support and promised that his administration’s commitment to the area would go beyond infrastructure to include manpower development and youth engagement. He assured the community, “Our thank you will not be limited to constructing roads. It will extend to developing your people, creating employment opportunities, and properly engaging our youths.”
Governor Fubara also directed the Commissioner for Works to explore extending the road to connect Etche to Imo State, as requested by His Eminence, Eze E.M.B. Opurum, Ochie of Etche Ethnic Nationality. He urged residents to support the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project within six months.
In his remarks, former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, who flagged off the project, described the initiative as a significant milestone for Etche. “Etche is the cassava belt of Nigeria, and this road will unlock immense economic potential not only for Etche but for the entire country,” Omehia said.
The State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, provided technical details of the project, stating that the road will feature 9 kilometers of drainage in populated areas and a 10.3-meter-wide carriageway. He pledged to work closely with the contractor, Setraco Nigeria Ltd, to complete the project on schedule.
The Executive Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Mr. Uzodinma Nwafor, commended Governor Fubara for his frequent visits to Etche, including attending the first festival of food, culture, and art, and assured him of the community’s continued support.
Setraco’s Area Manager, Engr. Michael Issa, described the road project as a critical infrastructure that will enhance economic activities in the region and pledged to deliver a high-quality road that will stand the test of time.
The event underscores Governor Fubara’s administration’s resolve to transform rural areas through strategic infrastructure projects that align with agricultural and economic development. GMTNewsng
