Vice President Kashim Shettima says good roads and other infrastructure are important for creating opportunities and spreading economic development across Nigeria.
Shettima stated this while commissioning the 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway in Rivers State on Thursday.
The road connects Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas.
The Vice President said every infrastructure project creates opportunities for people, adding that government must ensure such opportunities are spread across the country.
“When a road works, society works,” Shettima said.
He added that the completion of the road also shows that government is a continuous process, with new administrations building on projects started by previous governments.
Shettima stated that President Bola Tinubu was pleased with the completion of the road and the benefits it would bring to the people of Rivers State.
He also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for using public funds to complete the project, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Fubara said the presence of the Vice President was important because it showed that Rivers State remains an important part of Nigeria.
Fubara said he became emotional during the ceremony because he had previously felt that Rivers State was being treated as though it was not part of the country.
The Governor said the completed road would also help improve security in the area.
He explained that the poor condition of the road had made it easier for criminals to operate, particularly kidnappers and those involved in oil bunkering.
Fubara described the project as “another promise fulfilled by his administration”.
He said despite the challenges his government had faced, completing projects that would have a lasting impact on the people gave him a sense of fulfilment.
According to him, the most important achievement is leaving behind visible projects that show that his administration had the interest of Rivers people at heart.
The Governor also suggested the completed road could strengthen his party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 elections because of its expected impact on the people and businesses along the route.
The 33.5-kilometre road, which includes a 99-metre bridge, is expected to improve the movement of people, goods and services between the three local government areas.
The project was awarded in March 2024 and was expected to be completed within 24 months.
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