By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The second-term re-election bid of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo is fast becoming crystal clear, given the sustained massive support and endorsement coming from different corners, groups and many residents of the state, the latest of which has been received from residents and stakeholders of Awka Ward 8, petty traders, as well as pedestrians and commercial drivers alike.
This was primarily spurred, among other factors, by the governor’s latest interventional and transformative project — the successful rehabilitation and commissioning of the Book Foundation Road/Esther Obiakor Boulevard in Agu-Awka.
Located at the heart of the capital city, the all-important project was executed through the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) under the leadership of its Managing Director, Hon. Dr. Ossy Onuko, in line with the Agency’s vision of transforming and giving the territory a befitting status of a capital city, while also ameliorating the sufferings of both the commercial road users and the pedestrians alike.
Speaking at a well-attended mini gathering to symbolize the reopening of the rehabilitated road, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ACTDA, Hon. Dr. Ossy Onuko, who highlighted the significance of the intervention, further explained that the rehabilitation of the road was part of the Agency’s broader mandate to reposition the capital territory in line with Governor Soludo’s urban renewal masterplan.
According to him, the Agency’s vision is not only to rehabilitate roads but to transform Awka into a modern, resilient, and smart mega city befitting its status as the State capital.
“This road was carefully rebuilt with sustainability in mind; quality drainage, standard asphalting, and long-lasting designs. It is a road that will serve both present and future generations. What we are witnessing is part of Mr. Governor’s dream of a livable and prosperous homeland,” Hon. Onuko said.
He further reassured residents that ACTDA would sustain the tempo of development, citing some other completed and ongoing projects in the capital, including the dualization of Oby Okoli Avenue, rehabilitation and upgrading of the Abakaliki Street and the Abakaliki Street Junction, as well as the rehabilitation of the popular Esther Obiakor Road, among others, which have all been equipped with solar streetlights.
Hon. Onuko further reassured that the Governor Soludo-led Anambra State Government remains committed to completing all projects to the highest standards while also ensuring the sustainability and durability of every project.
Also speaking, the Mayor of the Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, represented by the Secretary of the Local Government, Sir Peter Iyanwunne, praised Governor Soludo for his transformative projects among others that testify of his dedication to infrastructure renewal. He noted that the newly rehabilitated road had brought a lasting solution to the perennial flooding and accessibility problems that had bedeviled the community for years.
Also speaking, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Awka Ward 8 Chairman, Mr. Nathan Obikwelu, hailed the project as a major relief to the people and declared that the ward would rally behind and deliver “overwhelming votes” to Governor Soludo in the November 8 governorship election.
He further cautioned tricycle and vehicle operators against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the drains, warning that offenders would be prosecuted in mobile courts.
On his own part, the Chairman of the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, Awka Zone, Prince Collins Ozojiofor, who recounted their experiences on the road, described the road as a big economic relief for transporters. He revealed that the transporters had previously spent heavily on vehicle repairs due to the road’s bad condition; while also applauding the Governor for giving a fatherly listening ear to the cries of transport operators.
Other speakers at the event, including APGA Ward 8 Vice Chairman, Comrade Uchegbu Onyeka; the Chairman of Motorcycle Riders, Mohammed Audu; and the Councillor of Ward 8, Maduebunam Olisa, also extolled the Governor’s developmental strides. They observed that transport fares along the rehabilitated road had dropped drastically from ₦400 to ₦200, making commuting more affordable for residents. They collectively pledged to rally their people to deliver overwhelming votes for Governor Soludo’s re-election bid.
In their separate remarks while speaking with this reporter, some road users, residents, and business owners in the area, including Frank Iloh (a Keke driver), Amaechi Onyeabor (a delivery bike operator), Ifeyinwa Chigozie (an eatery shop owner in the area), Catherine Anyika (a school proprietress), and Janet Odinaka (a foodstuffs dealer), expressed their gratitude for the ongoing rehabilitation, opining that the intervention has been long expected.
According to them, the poor condition of the road had caused significant inconvenience and financial losses to them over the years. They emphasized that the Governor’s swift intervention proves that he has a deep commitment to the welfare of the residents and the overall development of Awka and Anambra State at large.
Recounting how the road’s condition has adversely affected their daily lives and businesses, they expressed optimism that the rehabilitation will significantly enhance transportation and boost economic activities in the area.
With transportation costs now reduced, flooding controlled, and businesses thriving again in the area, the Awka-based residents, transporters and petty traders alike view the road rehabilitation by the Solution Government as more than just a road project, but a long-awaited solution that has already begun transforming their daily lives and businesses.
More photos/videos from the scene:
