Being the Text of a Speech Delivered by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, at the Flag-off of the Construction of the Nnunya-Eluama Road Isuikwuato on Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Protocols,
- Let me, with a great sense of fulfilment, warmly welcome you to the flag-off of the construction of an 11.5 kilometre stretch of road connecting Eluama and Nnunya clans to the larger Isuikwuato Community, and to other cities and towns through the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important road project that promises to transform the economic and social fortunes of the communities along this corridor.
- I am particularly happy because I know the importance of this stretch of road to the various economic and social groups who in about twelve months from today, when this project is billed to be completed, will spend less to move their agricultural produce to the urban centres for better returns, or to honour their commitments in nearby towns and villages.
- Thisprojectleansintoourgeneralstrategyofopeningupourruralcommunities for greater prosperity through quicker access to urban markets and increased investments which ultimately would yield massive employment opportunities for thousands of our young people.
- As I mentioned last week when we flagged-off the reconstruction of the Arochukwu–Ndi Okereke–Ozuabam Road, our overarching goal is to turn every
community in the State to a safe and secured investment destination with suitable supporting infrastructure.
- TheeffortsatrebuildingandrestoringAbiatothegloriousdreamsofitsfounding fathers started right after we took our oath of office on May 29 last year and we have remained focused and resilient, delivering on the key promises that won us your confidence and votes.
- Isuikwuato roads, farms, and forests are now safer than they were 10 months ago. People can now safely travel to and through Isuikwuato without fear of attacks, or any of the many ugly experiences commuters faced along this corridor not too long ago.
- Iamverygladthatthisgreatlandofgeneralsisonceagainsafeforbusinessand social functions. With very robust security architecture in place, the Nnunya- Eluama Road will on completion, provide additional layer of support to farmers within this axis to move their produce, most notably, garri, palm oil, egusi, odudu, vegetables, and plantain to multiple urban locations within Abia and beyond.
- In several private conversations, I have been asked why we are turning attention to rural roads too quickly when there are still over 30 different road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects in the urban centres of the State. I perfectly understand the concerns of these individuals who are worried that we may be spreading ourselves too thin. However, we are very strategic in our approach.
- First,letmeannouncethatallourroadprojectsareproceedingasscheduledand would be delivered and commissioned as planned. Rather than delay, we are actually getting signals that many of the road projects would be completed much earlier than scheduled.
- Even then, the strategic idea at the heart of our investments in rural roads is also worth sharing. As you are aware, there are ventures that are most ideal for urban locations while others, like agriculture and allied businesses, are best suited for the rural communities where land, labour and other support resources are more readily available, and affordable.
11.So, while we are working very hard to restore the manufacturing glory of Aba for example, we are also conscious of the needs of our farmers in the rural areas who basically feed the factory workers, bankers, and civil servants in Aba and Umuahia.
12.Our economic development programme is therefore structured to achieve balanced development across all parts of the State. This is to effectively harness the comparative advantages of our communities to improve the fortunes of individuals, families and businesses.
13.Furthermore, with several investors struggling for the limited spaces within the urban areas, many will naturally look to surrounding communities to set up their manufacturing bases before shipping to the urban markets.
14.Recall that we recently set off series of negotiations that when concluded
successfully, would bring about significant improvement in power supply to all parts of the State. Thankfully, the report on my desk indicates that we are in a good place to make this happen.
15.With steady electricity guaranteed across all parts of the State as proposed, and the assurance of quality roads connecting our rural locations to the cities, you certainly do not have to live at the centre of town to enjoy the boundless opportunities and promises of the New Abia.
16.Of equal importance is the fact that as Igbos, although largely itinerant in nature, we are always in love with our homelands. This is why we often make deliberate efforts to visit home regularly to be with our kith and kin; to celebrate the good times and find solace in difficult moments.
17.As a government, we are very determined to ensure that for our people living outside their immediate communities or even farther, a trip to see their loved ones at home would always be smooth and delightful, whether they are coming alone, as a family or in the company of their friends from the cities.
18.For us, every part of the State is very important in the New Abia Project. Our plan is to steadily invest in public infrastructure for the purpose of making the communities economically viable and attractive to investors. However, in order to bring this lofty dream to fruition, we must be willing to do our part as partners in the New Abia Project.
19. We all have to make a definite resolution to pay taxes and other statutory fees as
and when due. This is very important because our projects are mostly capital intensive and not much would be achieved unless we pay the contractors to keep the heavy equipment and machines running. My promise is that every penny coming from you, and for you, will be judiciously managed.
20.Let me end by specially appreciating the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti and his team for driving our road infrastructure development efforts, keeping the Contractors on their toes while protecting the interests of the State all through the project cycle. I am very certain that they will do everything required to deliver the Eluama–Nnunya Road on schedule, and according to design specifications.
21. Thank you for listening and may God bless you all. Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR,
26/03/2024
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