President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday flagged-off the construction of the 465 kilometres Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja super Highway.
The flag-off took place at Amuro Mgbom Primary School, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Tinubu represented by Governor Francis Nwifuru, thanked the people of the South-East for their support so far and urged them to continue.
He promised that the project will be completed not only in record time but according to stipulated specifications.
Governor Nwifuru, in his own address described the project as very key and critical to the aspirations of the people.
“May I also take this opportunity to thank very profoundly, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed 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 to the administration of Mr President as a way of reciprocating this gesture,” he said.
Nwifuru noted that the multiplier effect of the road is 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.
“And 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 cost of transportation. 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, marginalization, and infrastructural neglect is giving way to an era of transformation, inclusion, and nationwide accessibility”, Nwifuru said.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Minister of Works, David Umahi described Tinubu as a President for all.
“He does not discriminate but he is a unifier, a true Nigerian and patriotic Leader who has the entire nation at heart.
“This is a legacy project of the President and the legacy projects are spread across the entire regions of the country,” Umahi said.
Umahi promised that the project will be completed within the stipulated time and requested for support of the communities and all the people of the state.
“Ebonyi has been so marginalized that even as governor I couldn’t lay hands on any reasonable project from the federal government but President Tinubu within a short period of time has changed the narrative for the better.
“We have every cause to be grateful to Mr President. This is one President that have southeast at heart.
“He is the first President to appoint a southeasterner as Minister of Works. We didn’t have projects like this before but today Mr President is working for all regions of the country.
“Mr President has reunited the entire country and southeast has no cause not to stand for Mr President. Ndigbo are wiser and won’t join hands with those who don’t like the country.
“We must come together as a region to endorse Mr President for second term.”
