*Umahi Lauds Oborevwori On Infrastructural Devt
PERMANENT relief appears in the horizon for travellers to and from the Southeast using the Second Niger Bridge, as the Federal Government, on Monday, March 24, commenced the construction of the 17.5-kilometre dual carriage access road on the Asaba end of the bridge.
At the flag off ceremony, President Bola Tinubu, said his administration was responding to challenges faced by road users plying the bridge by improving connectivity and safety, as well as boosting trade and commerce across the country, especially in the South-South and Southeast regions.
Tinubu, who was represented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, said the construction of the access road was a testament to his administration’s commitment to providing road infrastructure, adding that the opening of the Second Niger Bridge to motorists in December 2022 marked a new dawn in road transportation between the Southeast and the rest of Nigeria.
He stated: “This bridge is a landmark infrastructural project because of its significance in linking Asaba-Benin and Onitsha-Enugu dual-carriageways, two of the most significant highways in the country.
“This project demonstrates this administration’s unwavering commitment to accelerating infrastructural development and economic growth.
“A strong and resilient economy is built on the ability of the government to build modern infrastructure, provide public amenities and expand social services.”
The President stated that good transportation networks facilitate easy mobility, creates employment opportunities, boosts tourism, engenders free movement of goods and services from production centres to sales outlets and improves overall quality of life.
“Consequently, governments all over the world invest heavily to develop their infrastructure and create the enabling environment for economic and industrial development.
“It is an open secret that the existing infrastructure in Nigeria do not match our growth aspirations. Indeed, For Nigeria to become a global economic powerhouse, we must upgrade and modernise our infrastructure, which are imperative for the country’s economic prosperity.
“It is against this backdrop that this administration is determined to construct, reconstruct, expand and modernise our road, rail and water networks as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As we flag-off this project today, I want to commend the Governments of Delta and Anambra states for their cooperation and support. This kind of partnership and synergy are imperative for trust, good governance, national cohesion and sustainable development.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to motorists to exercise calm and patience and cooperate with the contractors during the construction process.
“Naturally, there will be some inconveniences in movement during this period. I have confidence in the capacity of the contractors to not only complete the job on schedule, but also deliver quality in line with global best standards.”
In his opening remarks, Oborevwori commended Tinubu for his patriotism and development of every part of the country, noting: “Yesterday, the concessioning and rehabilitation of the Benin-Asaba Expressway was flagged off in Benin, Edo State. Today, we are witnessing the flag-off of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge.
“The Benin-Asaba Expressway is a strategic link road connecting Edo and Delta states and some parts of the Southwest, while the Second Niger Bridge is the major gateway to the Southeast and South-South regions of the country.
“These roads are critical for trade and commerce, and on behalf of the government and good people of Delta State, I want to express our profound gratitude to Mr. President for his exemplary leadership and unflagging commitment to national infrastructure renewal.
“The government and good people of Delta State celebrate Mr. President and pray for God’s continued wisdom and guidance for him to achieve the noble objectives of his Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, lauded Oborevwori for his commitment to peace, stability and progress of the state, and for his support for the federal government, irrespective of party affiliations.
Umahi expressed the federal government’s delight with the governor’s developmental initiative, saying Oborevwori has taken a huge burden off its shoulders through his interventions on federal roads in the state.
According to him: “Your actions, your commitment to the development of your people, your character, content and conduct best decsribed you as a progressive. I didn’t start knowing you today, we have been friends and l am very proud to be your friend.
“Delta State is now a huge construction site. When l went to Warri, l saw the huge three flyovers that you are doing on our roads. I am very proud about the quality, length, aesthetics and progressiveness of those projects.
“We are very happy because it is a burden that you lifted off our shoulders. You are indeed, a man of the people, considering the many other federal road projects that you are intervening.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, disclosed that the access road linking Delta and Anambra states, Phase 2A in Asaba would serve as a vital transportation corridor connecting the South-South and Southeast.
He explained that the road traverses multiple communities in Delta State, such as Issele-Azagba, Okpanam, Ibusa, Asaba, Okwe, Oko-Amakun to link the Second Niger Bridge.
