The ceremony was supposed to be the official flag-off of the construction of Udenu Ring Road by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
But for the benefitting communities of Ohom Orba, Imilike Ani, Ezimo Uno and Ezimo Agu, Ogbodu Aba, Amalla and Obollo Afor, in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, the ceremony was a turning point and the beginning of a new chapter of positive possibilities in their lives, thus their joy knew no bounds.
Therefore, as the governor delayed in coming as he had visited other communities in Nsukka area for other roads flag-off ceremonies, fixing that of Udenu for the last in the evening, the expectant crowd were still in high spirits.
When the governor and his entourage finally arrived at around 5: 50p.m it was heralded by a deafening 126 gun salutes comprising 21 cannon shots each from the six benefitting communities.
Six cows from the six communities were also presented to the governor in appreciation of his kind gesture amid other presentations which almost turned the gathering to another civic reception for him.
On the governor’s entourage were his deputy, Mrs Cecelia Ezeilo, Speaker and members of the state House of Assembly, commissioners, special advisers and a host of other political stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the host local government Chairman, Hon. Amaechi Nwodo, expressed the appreciation of the entire people of Udenu Local Government Area over the road project.
He thanked the governor for his foresight and forthrightness in commencing the construction of the project despite the serious economic recession in the country.
Giving an insight into the sufferings of the people over the years because of lack of accessable road, the chairman disclosed that some of the children in most of the communities who are to benefit from the road project have never seen an asphalted road in their lives while some of the market women from the area trek up to 8km to Obollo Afor market with their wares on their head because of poor road networks.
He disclosed that the Udenu Ring Road has existed in theory for many years, saying that Governor Ugwuanyi has made it possible for the project to be realized.
Chairman, Udenu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe P.C. Ejeh, in his address thanked the governor, pointing out that the journey towards the realization of the road project has been a very long and tortuous one spanning through many years of awards and re-awards, designs and re-designs, adding “that at a stage it seemed all hopes were lost and the project becoming a mirage until Ugwuanyi made it happen.”
Managing Director/Chairman of Ferotex Company, Chief Festus Oshaba Onuh in his comment assured that his company, an indigenous construction firm that has proved its mettle, has the capacity to meet up with the specifications.
He also promised that the host communities would be fully carried along in the project to avoid any form of hostility.
Also, the Project Manager of the company, Engr John Nkwueke, who gave an insight into the nature of the road project said that the 48km road would connect communities like Ohom Orba, Ezimo Uno and Ezimo Agu, Ogbodu Aba, Obollo Etiti, Amalla and Obollo Afor.
He said that the project has a lifespan completion period of 24 months with standard carriageway and shoulders on either side, including five bridges.
The traditional ruler of Amala community, Igwe Patrick Ezeh (Waziri) in his own remark noted that the socio-economic impact of the Udenu Ring Road is enormous.
He noted that the road which traverses nearly all the communities in Udenu Local Government Area when completed would open up the hitherto landlocked areas thereby facilitating the easy movement of people, farm produce and other products across the communities.
Ezeh said that the resultant effect would be an increase in trade and commercial activities in the area, reduction in poverty and unemployment which would all impact positively on the economy of the communities and the state at large.
Shortly before cutting the tape for the commencement of the road construction, Governor Ugwuanyi urged the people to remember him in their prayers.
He said it was in fulfillment of his promise to turn around the lives of the people when elected that he has set out to do what he is doing presently.
His words: “I thank God for the gift of today. Remember me in your prayers and by God’s grace, I will not fail you. God will help me and order my steps. I thank you for the love and solidarity you have continued to offer our administration. We promised to deploy the resources of the state to bring development to the people.
“This road project is one of such because I believe that this when completed will ease the difficulties of the people and hardship as they go about in their various endeavours. We do this to the glory of God and the service of humanity.” the governor concluded amidst another thunderous ovation from the crowd.
Children from some of the communities have never seen a caterpillar once in their life while mothers and fathers cut off from the rest of the other parts of the state only bemoan their fate as they toil in the farm with nowhere to take their produce to sell.
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