L-R: Chairman of APC in CRS, Barr Alphonsus Eba, the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey and the State Commissioner for Works Mr. Pius Ankpo at the ceremony.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River state government has reiterated her commitment to make infrastructure and social development Initiatives a priority.
In this regards, the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, said his administration’s commitment to provision of access roads to foster socioeconomic advancement and promote agriculture development in the state is not negotiateable.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, while speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of 5km road in Ukelle, Yala Local Government Area, on Friday emphasized that the road project has been strategically planned and approved by his administration to not only boost commercial activities in the area but also signify the commencement of vital relief efforts for the populace.
A press release from the Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, said this initiative aims to improve connectivity and accessibility for local communities in the Northern Senatorial District of the state.
After the completion of the first phase of the project, Otu assured the people of Yala that the state government would not delay commencement of the second phase, urging them to continue in their support to this current administration which prioritizes the welfare of her people.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for International Donor Coordination, Dr Hippolatus Lukpata hailed Governor Otu’s administration for approving the construction of the 5KM Ukelle-Benue road.
He emphasized that once completed and commissioned, the road will not only alleviate the longstanding hardships faced by the agrarian people of Ukelle but also enhance infrastructure, unlock economic potential, bridge gaps, and improve access to healthcare, education, and investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Hon. Brian Odey, representing Yala I, and Hon. Dr. Martin Achadu, representing Yala II state constituencies, praised the governor for boldly initiating and presiding over the ground-breaking ceremony for this crucial road construction project. They also acknowledged his administration’s unwavering determination and commitment to the welfare of the people and expressed confidence in Senator Otu’s leadership alongside his supportive deputy, Rt. Hon. Odey.
They urged the governor to extend his administration’s social and developmental initiatives to other communities within Yala Local Government Area.
On his part, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Alphonsus Eba, expressed gratitude to the ‘People First’ Governor Otu, his deputy and others for their sincere commitment to initiating this commendable project aimed at addressing the area’s infrastructure needs.
He urged royal fathers and residents to give the needed support to the current government and contractor of this historic project to ensure the timely completion of the project’s first phase.
On his part, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Pius Ankpo, intimated that the first phase of the road being kick-started will be completed within 18 months, noting that the development is set to transform Yala LGA and enhance transportation in line with the governor’s ‘People First’ mantra and Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He assured of Governor Otu’s dedication to completing not only this project but also others underway across the state. He urged the contracting firm, ‘Coastbound’, to prioritize quality and timely completion.
Royal fathers and other stakeholders from the area reaffirmed Ukelle Nation’s support for the governor in advancing the state’s socioeconomic development efforts.