Ugochinyere Hails Tinubu, Others Over Approval Of Oba–Uga–Akokwa Road Project

The lawmaker representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuanu, has commended President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, following the approval of the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe road project.

Ugochinyere described the approval as the culmination of years of sustained advocacy, saying it marked a major victory for residents of Ideato, Okigwe and other communities that have long endured the deteriorating condition of the road.

President Tinubu recently approved the design and procurement of the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube (Okigwe Junction) Road as one of two major dual carriageway projects intended to improve regional connectivity and stimulate economic activities across Nigeria’s Southeast.

The approval followed engagements between the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government after Governor Soludo met with the President on July 1, 2026. The Federal Ministry of Works subsequently requested formal proposals, which the state government submitted on July 3.

Governor Soludo disclosed that the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, informed him on July 15 that President Tinubu had approved both road projects to proceed to the design and procurement stage.

When completed, the highway is expected to connect Anambra and Imo states to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway through parts of Abia State, improve links between the Southeast, North Central and South-South geopolitical zones, ease the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time and drive economic growth across the affected states.

Reacting to the development, Ugochinyere said the approval reflected the benefits of collaboration across political divides and would bring lasting relief to communities that had suffered years of neglect.

“This approval is a clear expression of what we can achieve when we work together across party lines for the good of our people. Years of advocacy have paid off,” the lawmaker said.

“The Oba-Uga-Akokwa road will not only save lives but will open up our communities for economic prosperity. I thank Mr. President, the Works Ministry, Governor Soludo, and the Speaker for making this a reality.”

Ugochinyere had consistently campaigned for the rehabilitation of the road and previously sponsored a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives highlighting its deplorable condition.

In the motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House, the lawmaker described the Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe road as a death trap that had claimed several lives and become a haven for armed robbers who frequently attacked motorists.

He noted that the road traverses Idemili North/South, Nnewi North/South and Ekwusigo, Aguata, and Ideato North/South federal constituencies in Anambra and Imo states, urging the Federal Ministry of Works to commence comprehensive rehabilitation to alleviate the hardship faced by residents.

The lawmaker also warned that the rainy season had further worsened the road’s condition, with severe erosion threatening lives, businesses and economic activities in the affected communities.

The motion received support from Hon. Uche Elodimuo (Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Ekwusigo), Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo (Idemili North/South) and Hon. Dom Okafor (Aguata), while Speaker Abbas referred it to the House Committee on Works for legislative follow-up.

Ugochinyere praised President Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to infrastructure development in the Southeast, commended the Ministry of Works under Senator Umahi for its responsiveness, acknowledged Governor Soludo’s engagement with the Federal Government, and appreciated Speaker Abbas for ensuring that the House resolution received the necessary attention.

The Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube road is one of two major highway projects approved by the Federal Government. The second, the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road, is expected to link Anambra State with Kogi State and North Central Nigeria, improving trade, reducing transportation costs and strengthening economic integration across multiple geopolitical zones.