Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu has flagged off the construction of a 10-kilometre Ndok Junction-Mbube-Okubushuyu road in Ogoja local government area of the state.
The road project was in line with the Governor Otu administration’s commitment to ensuring statewide connectivity through viable road network.
At the flag-off ceremony on Saturday at Ekumtak-Mbube, Governor Otu said the project was part of his administration’s effort to open up rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and improve transportation for residents of the state and significantly improve their socio-economic status.
Otu, represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, stated that the road project was the first phase, with subsequent phases extending from Mbube East to Utugwang in Obudu local government area.
He urged the contractors to execute the project in line with international best practices in the delivery of the project, prioritising local content by engaging the locals in the execution of the project.
“This will not only fast-track the project but also create jobs, enhance local participation, and improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents”, he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to the people of Ogoja and Cross River State for their consistent support for his administration, reiterating his government’s resolve to ensure that every part of the state is connected by a functional and economically viable road network.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Pius Ankpo, acknowledged the limited resources of the state and noted that the project was being executed in phases to ensure effective resource management.
He assured that the Ministry will closely monitor the project to ensure its completion according to approved specifications.
Ankpo further revealed that over 12 kilometres of road rehabilitation were currently ongoing within Ogoja metropolis, highlighting the Governor’s commitment to inter-community connectivity and rural development.
Traditional rulers and community leaders who spoke on the sidelines of the event praised Governor Otu for his visionary leadership, and the wide range of development projects being executed across the state.
They pledged their continued support and offered prayers for the success of his administration.
