Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi has called on the people of Bodo-Bonny communities to rally round President Bola Tinubu for his second term ambition; in order to complete phase 2 of the Bodo-Bonny road project.
The Bodo-Bonny Road Project is a landmark 37.9 km infrastructure development in Rivers State, Nigeria, connecting Bonny Island to the mainland and ending reliance on water transport.
Speaking Friday in Abuja, during the Medallion award presentation organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee, Umahi, represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, said the road is more than a physical link, but a project with a lot of opportunities.
He said the Tinubu-led administration remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen national connectivity through quality road infrastructure.
The Minister restated that the President Tinubu has approved Phase 2 of Bodo-Bonny project, adding that the Ministry was already putting pen on paper to start work immediately.
Umahi said the President in his love for the unity and progress of the country is embracing all irrespective of region.
While commending the organisers for the award, Umahi reiterated that to whom much is given, much is expected.
He said: “It is a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce, and a symbol of national cohesion. It connects coastal communities to the mainland, reduces insecurity, and opens doors for prosperity across the Niger Delta.
“This is to tell you that Mr. President loves everybody in this country, whether you are from the north or you are from the south or you are from the east or you are from the west. He is a president for all, a president that loves the unity of this nation.
“So you must make sure that you rally around Mr. President to ensure continuity of this project so that by 2027, when President Armed Bola Tinubu comes back, this project will continue so that we can continue to connect our people, connect our commercial activities and of course to connect our families and friends.”
Earlier, the Chairman, Planning Committee Bodo-Bonny Road Project Award Ceremony, Prof. Jasper Jumbo, said tej federal government has remembered the communities after a tortuous 38 years of the project.
He described the gathering as a moment of reflection, recognition and celebration of a transformational vision that had long lived in the hopes of it’s people and has now found expression in concrete reality by the resolve of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Administration.
Jumbo stated that the Bodo-Bonny corridor, despite being a globally significant hub for oil and gas activities, remained disconnected from the Nigerian mainland, relying heavily on water transportation.
He said, through determined leadership, sustained advocacy and collaborative commitment, the narrative began to change when the award of the contract to Messrs Gitto Construction, which could not manage the many demands of the project.
He commended the Minister for heeding to the appeals of the people and facilitating approval of the Phase 2 of the Bodo-Bonny Road project, to link-up the coastal neighborhoods with the East-West Road.
He said: “This disconnect posed challenges not only to commerce and industry but also to the daily lives, safety and aspirations of our people.
“We resolved against all odds, to persuade and convince the various stakeholders from the Project’s catchment areas to fully co-operate, make necessary sacrifices and support both the Contractor and key Ministry officials to surmount all the challenges previously encountered and realise this project, during our life time.
“We are indeed, amazed at this marvellous accommodation of our dreams and request.
“We remain eternally grateful and pray God to keep and strengthen our dear President, bring him back in 2027 and touch His Excellency, Mr. President on being re-elected, in 2027, to countenance the selfless/professional services of His Excellency, Sen. Engr Dave Umahi and on merit, retain him as the next Hon. Minister of Works to continue with his good works for Nigerians.”
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