By Dianabasi Effiong
Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State says his administration is set to attract an institution of higher learning to Opobo Town to drive sustainable academic and economic growth in the area.
The Governor also promised to ensure the reclamation of land to create more space that would accommodate critical infrastructure, promote and improve the quality of life, and boost employment opportunities.
The governor made this known in Opobo Town during the inauguration of the 7km Opobo Town Ring Road with three bridges in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area on Monday.
The road, when completed, is expected to strategically improve connectivity and accessibility within Opobo Town and other communities in the area.
Fubara said that the various development strides, when actualised, would uplift Opobo Town and place it in a place of pride in the comity of other local government areas.
He said, “Other things are going to come. We intend to bring a higher institution to this place. We also will do more reclamation because our major problem here is land. We will also look for a way to make sure that we build more men and empower you so that you will not depend on me. Moreover, we will do all we can to make sure that we create an enabling environment where more people will be gainfully employed and empowered. That is the only way Opobo will grow.”
He said that the Opobo Ring Road project was flagged off on May 28, 2023, by the immediate past administration of the state, adding that its design and execution were done by his administration to achieve the standard being celebrated.
The governor acknowledged the immense support given to him by the people of the local government. He urged them to continue to support the state government.
He said, “This is a project that was conceived on the 28th of May, 2023. This project was flagged off by the previous administration. We took over this project, redesigned this project, and gave it the standard that it has today. This is because it is a project that has to do with me. It is a project that my people will see, and it speaks for me. So, I am happy that I am here to inaugurate this project. It gives me so much joy.
“Honestly, I know your problems. I know your faces, and I know your names. I know what we need. So, I will just say thank you for all the support. You stood by us when it mattered most, and I am happy that, that decision was not a mistake. We are still standing very strong and stronger every day.
“He appealed to the political leaders, traditional rulers, and the people and residents of Opobo Kingdom to continue to be peaceful.
He said: “So, it is not a mistake when people say Fubara is peaceful. Opobo/Nkoro is the only or most peaceful LGA. We are not saying we are crime-free, but the level of crime here is manageable. It hasn’t gotten to that level where we cannot control it. This is because of the understanding and the interrelationships we share, and we are all connected. So, I am begging you, continue to maintain this peace.”
Performing the inauguration, the Special Guest of honour and Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, applauded Governor Fubara as a visionary leader who has championed development policies to better a lot of Rivers people, noting that such critical infrastructure like roads, particularly in rural communities as done by Governor Fubara, definitely promote socio-economic growth, enhance the well-being of the people and facilitate progress.
“The completion of this ambitious project is a clear demonstration of the vision and dedication of Rivers State Government, under the exemplary leadership of Governor Fubara.
“It is a reflection of the commitment of His Excellency to infrastructure development as well as improving the socio-economic conditions and well-being of the Rivers State.
“The Opobo Ring Road and Bridges will undoubtedly enhance connectivity, promote trade, and facilitate access to essential services for the residents of this area, as well as the entire kingdom,” he said.
Governor Lawal also said: “The benefit of the creation of better-connecting links will no doubt spur economic activities and open up new opportunities for communities in and outside of the state. The enhanced infrastructure will surely attract investment, boost tourism, and improve the sense of pride and belonging among the people of Opobo.”
Also, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Mr Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said that the difficulties encountered in eventually achieving the road project were because of the terrain.
“This road is 7km long. It is 7.3 meters wide and has three bridges, and we have about 4km length of drains.
“We had to fill many parts of this road to an average of 5 meters high with imported materials from other locations outside Opobo due to the nature of our soil. The highest filled area, where we have one of the bridges, was about 10 meters high,” he said.
Tasie-Amadi also said: “And for our design specifications, we filled sections with sharp sand, did 200 millimeters of sand cement stabilisation, 150 millimeters of stone base, 50 millimeters binder course, and 50m of wearing course.”
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam, described the inauguration of Opobo Town Ring Road as historic because it has changed the landscape in the Kingdom, emphasising that they have already owned the project and determined to collectively protect it so that it will serve their socio-economic needs for a long time.
Also speaking, Hadi Chehade, the Managing Director of Lubrik Construction Company, the firm that handled the project, said they were delighted to have handled the iconic road project that would strategically transform Opobo Town.
He thanked the governor for trusting them with the responsibility and opportunity to offer such service to further his development agenda for the state.
