By Lawrence Mpama
The government of Cross River State under Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is living up to it billing in opening up the rural communities and connecting the rural areas to the urban cities. Governor Otu demonstrated this at the weekend by Flagging Off the Construction of 10km Ndok Junction-Mbube-Okubushuyu Road in Ogoja Local Government Area.
Otu stated that his administration is commitment to ensuring statewide connectivity through viable networks of roads all round Cross River State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Saturday at Ekumtak-Mbube in Ogoja Local Government Area, Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described the project as part of his administration’s efforts to open up rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and improve transportation for residents and significantly improve their socioeconomic status. He emphasized that this was just the first phase, with subsequent phases extending from Mbube East to Utugwang in Obudu Local Government Area.
He charged the contractor to uphold global best practices in the delivery of the project, stressing the need to prioritize local content by engaging community labour, particularly the youths. According to him, this will not only fast-track the project but also create jobs, enhance local participation, and improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents.
Odey expressed deep appreciation to the people of Ogoja and Cross Riverians for their consistent support for Governor Otu’s administration, reiterating his government’s resolve to ensure that every part of the state is connected by a functional and economically viable road network.
The deputy governor commended Governor Otu for fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of Ogoja, even as he pledged the continued support and cooperation of the people toward the success of the administration.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Hon. 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 of Works will closely monitor the project to ensure it is completed according to approved specifications.
Ankpo further revealed that over 12 kilometres of road rehabilitation are 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.
