Nnewe-Oduma-Uburu Communities Celebrate As Buhari Takes Season Of Completion, Impact To Southeast ·      Says road is part of manifestation of his administration’s commitment to improvement in transportation, job creation, prosperity, ease of doing business ·      They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings – Fashola ·       Governor Ugwuanyi describes completion, flag-off of road as heartwarming, urges ownership by host communities ·      Residents of host communities commend FG for restored access to markets, economic benefits   It was the turn of Nenwe, Oduma and Uburu communities in Enugu and Ebonyi States  to roll out drums of celebration as President Muhammadu Buhari officially commissioned the 40.37 kilometre Nnewe – Oduma Road linking Enugu and Ebonyi States and bringing to three the number of roads commissioned across the country since the beginning of the Season of Completion and Impact barely two weeks ago. The other two roads officially commissioned by the President include the 304 kilometre Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, commissioned on Thursday, November 25, 2021 and the 24 kilometre Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Phases I and II) in Benue State officially flagged of on Monday, November 29, 2021.   In his remarks before the official flag-off at the Ezinike-Oduma Village, President Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the Nnewe-Oduma Road and others being commissioned represented the manifestation of the commitment of his administration to improving road transport infrastructure, ease of doing business and job creation as well as prosperity to lift people out of poverty. President Buhari, who described the roads already commissioned as “a critical component of our national road network”, observed that one element of change in those roads was “the travel experience on new and well-built roads” as opposed to the not-too-distant unpleasant experiences from the old and previously unmotorable roads. Also describing the roads as “part of our many roads to prosperity”, the President noted that reduced journey times as a result of the improvement in the road network, meant reduced expense on travel, pointing out reduction in travel expense also meant more money in the pockets of travellers. According to the President, the roads being commissioned also represent “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”. He explained that a situation where the previously travel time on a road, which averaged one hour 30 minutes before construction, was reduced to 30 minutes after the completion of the road, both money and time had been saved. Other elements of change in the roads being turned out by the administration, Buhari said, included the restoration of the  road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs, which he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding, “but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state”. Urging commuters not to abuse the road and obey traffic rules and regulations, Buhari, who reiterated that the roads have been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship, added that if they are well used and not abused, they should last for the designed service life pointing out that there are many forms in which commuters abuse the roads. “Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder”, the President said, adding, “We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”. He commended Nigerians who have contributed and are still contributing, in one form or the other, to the construction of the roads saying the roads also represent a story of the capacity of patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build the road and the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction. “These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth”, he said. In his own remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, expressed joy that the Season of Completion and Impact, which began from the North West barely a fortnight ago, has revealed the Buhari administration’s investment commitments in road transportation and the impact on the citizenry adding that it has also brought to the fore the administration’s commitment to infrastructure as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. According to Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways, South East Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, “These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”. Reiterating that the commissioning and handing over of Nnewe-Oduma Road was the third in the series of handovers in the Season of Completion and Impact, the Minister, who noted that it represented another example of what the country would experience in more days and weeks to come, listed the handovers that will follow to include the 142.2x2 (Dual) kilometres between Shuwarin and Azare connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States and Section III  of the 106.3x2 kilometres between Azare and Potiskum connecting Bauchi and Yobe States. Paying glowing tribute to investors in the first and second SUKUK, the Minister, who noted that the Fund has contributed immensely to the completion of many roads and currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria, said the impact had seen to the funding to completion, major road projects such as the Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, among others. He thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support as well as the Debt Management Office for their role in previous SUKUKs which, according to him, have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK still being expected. Fashola also thanked the Ministry’s staff and contractors who, he acknowledged, “have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion” as well as the host communities for their cooperation without which progress would have been impossible. “I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”, he said.   The Minister’s gratitude also went to the Federal Executive Council, which included all Ministers in the first term and the current term, for their support, the President and Vice President “who presided for long hours over the Council meetings” and the Governors of Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi, who, according to him “bear witness to fruits and the evidence of change by the Buhari administration, adding, “And there is more to come.”   In his remarks, the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was reporesented by the Commissioner for Works in the State, Engr. Greg Nnaji expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government, Prersident Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the synegy which saw to thw completion of the project, which according to him began in 2013.   Describing road construction as the cradle of civilization, Ugwuanyi, who expressed joy at witnessing the handover of the road, recalled the harrowing experience on that commuters went through before the Buhari administration took the road to completion stage adding that with the completion, the people of Enugu and Ebonyi, who he said are farmers, would easily bring their farm produce to the various markets with ease.   He, however, urged the people to take ownership of the road adding that the protection of the road against abuse and other forms of abuse would ensure its long and full life span and would continue to provide for  the communities the ease of doing business as well as boosting their economy.   Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and members of the beneficiary communities, the Chairman of Oduma Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Daniel Njoku, Diji 1 of Ezinesi Oduma, also poured encomiums on President Buhari, the Minister of Works and Housing for seeing to the completion of the road which, according to him, was but abandoned until the coming of the present administration.    “Every Oduma indigene will recall that in the past we travelled by Okada to Nnewe with spare clothing as a result of the bad road”, he said, adding that the people also found it difficult to transport their agricultural produce to neighbouring markets, a situation which, according to him, had since changed with the completion of the road.   A bread maker, who plies the road constantly on business, Mr. Mkwachukwu Chinweba, commended the Federal Government, President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for their consistency and commitment which saw to the completion of the work explaining that as a result of the condition of the road he relocated to Onitsha where he was doing his bread business but returned in 2016 when the road was rehabilitated by the present administration.   Explaining that the land of Oduma is called Alanni meaning land of food, Chinweba said the people, who, according to him, were farmers, suffered over the years as a result of lack of access to markets to sell their farm produce adding that with the road now completed, the people could now access the markets while people from other lands also come to Oduma to buy food leading to economic benefits for the farmers.   For Princess Adaeze Oje, a housewife, farmer and also native of Oduma, the completion of Nnewe-Oduma Road has brought economic development to the town and its people with prices of farm produce now competitive and the people of Oduma who had been forced to stay in other towns to do their businesses now coming home to carry on such businesses and bringing development to the town.   Rev. Father Titus Udeh, Parish Priest of Saint Nicholas Parish Oduma, in an interview, recalled the hardship encountered by the people of Oduma before the completion of the road, thanking God that he has used the present administration with President Buhari at the head and Fashola as the executor to build the Nnewe-Oduma Road, which according to him has enhanced the socio-economic affairs of the community.   Also thanking God for giving the community a gift in the person of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Father Udeh said the road has greatly changed the outlook of the community pointing out that the completion of the road has drawn many sons and daughters of the community, who he noted comprise of rich business people, back home leading to the erection of many beautiful houses.   Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, gave a brief introduction of the project saying the 40.27 kilometre road constructed by Messrs Reynolds Construction Company, was done in two sections with Section One starting from Nnewe Junction and terminating at Oduma Junction with Spur to Uburu Road and Section II starting from Umagu Village in Ishiagu and terminates at Mile 2 Roundabout in Ebonyi State.   The colourful event was marked with many traditional dances with several groups displaying before the very obviously jubilant members of the communities and visitors including top officials of the Construction Company. The different groups that made appearance included the Eribi Ogene Group, the Ogene Youngsters and the Omaba Masquerade, among others.       ...

Jubilation, commendations as President Buhari Commissions Nnewe - Oduma Road * Urges road users against abuse * Nigerians to expect more delivery of projects in a season of completion and impact - Fashola Jubilation, commendations and gratitude rent the air as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Nnewe - Oduma - Uburu road covering 26.27 kilometres with 14 kilometres spur to Ishiagu connecting  Enugu and Ebonyi states, today 2nd December, 2021. The President who was represented by the  Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made a passionate appeal to road users to desist from acts such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to Permanent parking places which could damage the road. "We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them", he said. Buhari who again emphasized his administration's commitment to Infrastructural development gave the assurance that Nigerians will be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects. The Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Sir Greg Nnagi described road contruction as the cradle of civilisation. He noted that the underlying benefits of road construction is that it opens up the door of economic advantage and boost the economy of the people. The Governor expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN for bringing the project to conclusion. He said, " This road will take its pride of place as one of the most critical infrastructure implemented by the Federal Government". Fashola, in an address read on his behalf by the Director Highways, South  Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, noted that the road being handed over was a continuation of the good tidings being delivered across the country. “I am happy to reiterate that this is the third of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact,” he said. expressed appreciation for the SUKUK funding which is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation. Fashola said, "The SUKUK is currently contributing to Progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold." He commended all the stakeholders both in the private and public sectors who contributed to the actualization of the project. His Royal Highness Igwe Patrick  Oshiekwe the Ohazulume I of Ukete - Oduma, Aninri Local  Government Area of Enugu State, expressed happiness and commended the President  for the project. Road users in the area who were obviously filled with  joy  expressed their gratitude to Mr President . Mr. Patrick  Ekwe said, "The project is helping us very well. It was very hard for us to travel to anywhere but today it is very easy, if you want to go to Lagos from here, you will leave today and come back tomorrow.  Before it took us a whole day to go to Enugu but now you can go and come back within 2 hours.” Kingsley  Nicholas said, " God will continue to bless President Muhammadu Buhari, the God that put the project into his mind and for his willingness to help the people of Oduma, may the good God continue to bless him.” For Princess Nkem Ngirim the project will help the people to take their goods to the market and boost their economy. She said, " We thank our able President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering us, giving us access road to other places." She added that a journey that used to take them about 5 hours can now be covered within 30 minutes. It could be recalled that the 304 kilometre Sokoto - Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora - Makera road in Sokoto and Kebbi States and the Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch road in Benue and Cross River states were recently commissioned on November 25th and 29th 2021 respectively. ...

Season Of Completion, Impact Continues As Buhari Commissions Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road        ·   “The road is a story of the capacity of patriotic Nigerians. They are not only nation builders but also the heart of our economy”, President says      · Stresses the need for safety, compliance to traffic regulations on the part of commuters to reduce hazards as more of the nation’s roads are being made motorable        ·   “We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria”, the President tells Nigerians       · These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity - Fashola Barely a week after commissioning the 304 kilometre Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday continued the “season of completion and impact” with the official flag-off of the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Phases I and II) in Benue State. President Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, said the roads being turned out by his administration represented the story of the capacity of Nigerians, employed both directly and indirectly, as not only nation builders but also the heart of the economy, as represented by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which he described as “drivers of our economy”, who were responsible for the supply of the various materials and equipment for the construction of the roads. Also describing the roads as “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”, Buhari explained that by substantially reducing the travel times of commuters on the completed ones the roads also form part of the prosperity being created for the country by his administration adding, “because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money”. The President pointed out that Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, like all other roads being built by his administration, also symbolized change as it included such road furniture as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs which, he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding that his administration’s commitment to change has restored them. Explaining that the lane markings would help drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance Signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state, the President declared, “For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM.  We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. I wish you safe and happy motoring”. He also stressed the need for safety and compliance to traffic regulations as more of the nation’s roads were being made motorable and travel experiences more pleasurable, adding that safety consciousness on the part of motorists would reduce hazards on the roads to the barest minimum. The President, who also called for strict compliance to the nation’s Highway Code in order for the road and others being built across the country to attain their design life, said the better travel experience being enjoyed by commuters on the current new and well-built roads, as against the old and previously unmotorable roads, represented one of the critical elements of change promised Nigerians by the present administration. Still emphasizing his concern for the safety of commuters on the roads, Buhari declared, “Now that we have these new and well-built roads, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users. One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code”, adding that the “maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (hundred) KM and no more”. He also cautioned against abuse of the roads saying as the Federal Government committed to delivering on its promise to give Nigerians good and quality road network, it was incumbent on the people not to abuse the roads in order to enable them service the nation through their design life. Such abuses, the President said, include overloading of vehicles and trucks which, according to him, accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products which dissolves the road components and allows water to penetrate and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, which brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder. “We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, the President said adding that the commissioned road, which links Benue and Cross River State, “has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if well used and not abused, should last for the designed service life”. In his remarks earlier, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, while commending all those who contributed to the realization of the “Season of Completion and Impact”, especially the investors in the first and second SUKUK and other agencies of government, added that the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road represented the second of many more project Completion and Handovers Nigerians would experience in the next few weeks and months.   Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways, North Central Zone, Engr. Rugba Emenoge, listed other such roads to include the 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometre Kano- Maiduguri Road (Section II) between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States, the 106.3 x 2 Kilometre Kano-Maiduguri Road (Section III)  between Azare and Potiskum, connecting Bauchi and Yobe States and Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States, in Ebonyi State. Expressing delight at the commissioning of the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, the Minister declared, “These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”. The Minister, who noted that the SUKUK was currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria, aside the impact of the funding in the completion of major road projects such as the Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, also thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support as well as the Debt Management Office for their role in previous SUKUKs which, according to him, have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK still being expected. Fashola also thanked the Ministry’s staff and contractors who, he acknowledged, “have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion” as well as the host communities for their cooperation without which progress would have been impossible. “I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”, he said.   The Minister’s gratitude also went to the Federal Executive Council, which included all Ministers in the first term and the current term, for their support, the President and Vice President “who presided for long hours over the Council meetings” and the Governors of Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi, who, according to him “bear witness to fruits and the evidence of change by the Buhari administration. “And there is more to come”, he said. Members of the Vandeikya community, including traditional rulers, who turned out in large numbers, expressed their gratitude to the Federal Government, President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for starting the project and seeing it to completion.     ...