ARTICLE AD BOX
President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the 465-kilometre Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway.
The flag-off ceremony for the legacy project took place at Amuro Primary School in the Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Wednesday.
Represented by the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, Tinubu thanked the people of the South-East for their continued support and urged them to remain steadfast.
He promised that the project would be completed not only in record time but also in accordance with the stipulated specifications.
In his remarks, Nwifuru described the project as critical to the aspirations of the people.
“May I also take this opportunity to thank, very profoundly, His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda is beginning to take root in every corner of our country.
“This project reflects the President’s resolve to deploy infrastructure as a tool for national development and growth. We shall remain resolute in our support for Mr President’s administration as a way of reciprocating this gesture,” he said.
He noted that the multiplier effect of the road would be immeasurable. “For us as a state, this project is especially significant. We are a landlocked state with vast potential in agriculture, solid minerals, and trade.
“For years, our progress has been slowed down by poor connectivity with other states. But today, we break that barrier.
With this flagship road construction, we are writing a new chapter—one of progress, prosperity, and integration. As Governor of Ebonyi State, I say this without reservation: this project is a game-changer. For our farmers, it means faster access to regional and national markets.
“For our traders, it means reduced transportation costs. For our students, it means more secure and accessible roads to institutions across state borders. For our youth, it means employment. For our local economy, it means growth.
“This initiative is not merely a civil engineering task. It is a bold declaration that the era of isolation, marginalisation, and infrastructural neglect is giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion, and nationwide accessibility,” Nwifuru added.
On his part, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described Tinubu as a President for all.
Umahi said, “He does not discriminate. He is a unifier, a true Nigerian, and a patriotic leader who has the entire nation at heart. This is a legacy project of the President, and these legacy projects are spread across all regions of the country.”
Umahi promised that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe and called for the support of communities and residents of the state.
He noted that President Tinubu has changed the narrative of the South-East and united the country.
“Ebonyi has been so marginalised that even as governor, I couldn’t lay my hands on any meaningful federal project. But President Tinubu, within a short period, has changed the story for the better.
“We have every reason to be grateful to Mr President. This is one President who truly has the South-East at heart,” Umahi said.