July 24, (THEWILL) – The pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has applauded President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for revitalising the South-East economy through the ongoing construction of the Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway and the impending completion of the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway.
Ohanaeze, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the initiatives have undoubtedly paved the way for the socio-economic renaissance of the region.
The statement reads, “The distinguished leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo takes immense pride in acknowledging the groundbreaking efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the diligent Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, in the pivotal task of revitalising the economic centres within the South-East region.
“The ongoing construction works, specifically the proposed expansion of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway (Aba segment) and the impending completion of the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway, represent a beacon of hope for the reconnection of Aba to its neighbouring territories.
“It is no secret that the city of Aba has languished in economic stagnation for over two decades due to dilapidated road networks, which have hindered the influx of West African customers, local investors, and foreign traders to this cherished city of Ndigbo.
“The unfortunate neglect of crucial federal highways leading to Aba by former administrations from 1999 to 2023 further exacerbated the isolation and economic woes faced by the Southeastern region.
“Therefore, the unwavering support of Ndigbo for President Tinubu and Senator Dave Umahi stems from their resolute commitment to addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficiencies that have hindered the prosperity of the region.
“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the esteemed Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasises that the ongoing road construction projects spearheaded by President Tinubu exhibit a profound sense of duty to revitalising Aba, an economic hub with deep historical significance to the Igbo community.
“The swift and sustainable realisation of improved federal highways within Aba has lifted the shadows of economic despair that loomed over the city, paving the way for lasting prosperity and growth.
“Aba’s historical stature as a regional trading haven for West African nations has been stifled by the lack of basic infrastructure, thereby impeding economic fortunes and deterring potential customers from harnessing the vast opportunities within the vibrant city of Enyimba.
“Given the accelerated pace of infrastructure development witnessed in the region over the past two decades, Ndigbo stands united in supporting President Tinubu and Minister Dave Umahi in their laudable efforts to rejuvenate Aba and bolster economic activities within the Southeast.
“The anticipated transformation of Aba’s economic landscape not only signifies a renewal for its inhabitants but also heralds a dawn of prosperity for the region at large.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges all stakeholders to recognise and applaud the transformative impact of the ongoing road rehabilitation projects embarked upon by President Tinubu and Minister Dave Umahi. Let us collectively acknowledge and champion the promising future that awaits Aba, as it returns to its former glory as a thriving economic nerve centre within the African continent.
“In closing, Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores all Ndigbo to forgo any stance on nationwide protests against President Tinubu, as his administration’s steadfast commitment to uplifting Aba and the Southeast region warrants our unwavering support and commendation. Let us stand together in celebrating the bright prospects that lie ahead for Aba and the Igbo people.”
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
