By Anne Azuka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday flagged-off a 17.55 kilometres Access road phase 2A to the second Niger Bridge which upon completion would serve as a vital transportation corridor connecting the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.
This strategic roadway transverses multiple communities in Delta State, including Issele-Azagba, Okpanam, Ibusa, Asaba, Okwe and Oko-Amakun, before linking with the Second Niger Bridge to Anambra State.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Bola Tinubu said the flag-off of the access road to the 2nd Niger Bridge by his administration is a direct response to the challenges faced by road users.
Tinubu, gave an assurance that the access road when completed would improve connectivity, enhance road safety and boost trade and commerce in the benefiting communities in Delta State as well as the South East region.
The President said the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to accelerating infrastructural development and economic growth.
President Tinubu represented by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori noted that for Nigeria to become a global economic power house, the country must upgrade and modernize infrastructure which he described as key to economic prosperity .
Tinubu hinted that the ongoing multi billion naira Lagos–Calabar coastal road and other critical road infrastructure projects in different parts of the country would undoubtedly enhance rural urban integration, and connect transporters, traders, entrepreneurs and investors to vital commercial hub and industrial corridors.
”As we flag off the construction of Phase 2A of the access road to the 2nd Nigeria Bridge, I want to commend the government of Delta State and Anambra State for their cooperation and support.”
”This kinds of partnership and synergy are imperative for trust, good governance, national cohesion and sustainable development “
”Let me use this opportunity to appeal to motorists to exercise calm and patience , and cooperate with the contractor during this construction process”, stated President Tinubu.
On his part, the Minister of Works, David Umahi said President Bola Tinubu administration was according priority to all the major projects inherited from the past administration, asserting that the all projects were ongoing.
Traditional rulers of the benefiting communities of Asaba, Oko-Amakun, Okwe, Ibusa, Okpanam, and Issele- Azagba that are connected with the 17.55km access road to the 2nd Nigeria Bridge, including the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge were full of gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for flagging off the project which according to them, will transform their communities.
Representative of the Construction firm who expressed delight that his firm was part of the initiative, gave an assurance of the durability of the access road to be constructed, saying that reinforced concrete pavement will be used.
