By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government’s push for equitable infrastructure development across all regions received a major boost with the official flag-off of the Abakaliki-Abuja Highway Project in Ebonyi State on Wednesday.
The event, held in Abakaliki, drew Federal and State officials, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders who hailed the project as a transformative initiative for transportation, trade, and economic growth in the South-east.
Delivering his remarks, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Francis Nwifuru, thanked President Bola Tinubu, for his inclusive leadership and a renewed commitment to the South East in the national development agenda.
He described the project as a historic investment that will foster connectivity, boost commerce, and bring lasting socio-economic benefits to the region.
Nwifuru, pledged the full cooperation and support of the Ebonyi State Government to the successful implementation of the project and its timely completion, noting that the Ebonyi people are known for loyalty, resilience, and hard work, and the project stands as a strong symbol of unity, and equity, as well as a signature of the Renewed Hope Administration.
According to him, the highway is a clear message that the South-east region has not been forgotten.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in his address, thanked the people of Ebonyi State for their warm reception and praised Nwifuru for his sterling leadership.
He described the impressive turnout as a demonstration of the people’s commitment to national progress and unity.
The Minister recounted recent flag-off ceremonies in Kaduna, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States, and disclosed that the Ebonyi event held a special significance.
He commended President Tinubu for appointing a South-easterner as Minister of Works for the first time and for including the South-east in a flagship national project of this magnitude – something the region had long been denied.
Umahi, dismissed political distractions and reiterated that his support for Governor Nwifuru is grounded in performance and loyalty to the APC.
He clarified that he is fully focused on his national assignment and has left local politics behind to deliver impactful projects across Nigeria.
He called on the South-east leaders, regardless of political affiliations, to unite behind President Tinubu in supporting ongoing massive infrastructure development.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, affirmed that President Tinubu holds the region close to his heart, emphasising that the administration is committed to the principle of “One Nigeria.”
He noted that the inclusion of the region in the Road Legacy Projects is a testament to the Federal Government’s prioritisation of equity and inclusiveness. He thanked members of the House of Representatives and all stakeholders for their support in advancing national infrastructure development.
