Rivers inauguration: Infrastructure improves lives, expands opportunities, says Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the 33.5-kilometer Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway in Rivers State, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing lives and economic prospects.

The project, undertaken by Governor Siminalayi Fubara's administration, serves as a vital transit corridor linking communities across Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni local government areas. Shettima lauded the road as a testament to a subnational government's commitment to expanding the nation's road network, thereby improving the movement of goods and people.

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Roads are the most democratic instruments of development. They serve the farmer carrying produce to market, the trader seeking customers, the worker travelling to employment, the student going to school, and the patient seeking medical care. When a road works, society moves.

"Roads are the most democratic instruments of development," Shettima stated, illustrating their importance for farmers, traders, workers, students, and patients. He contrasted the current modern dual carriageway, illuminated for safety, with the road's previous state of deep gullies and difficult, insecure journeys.

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I, therefore, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, commend His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for committing public resources to this project and bringing it to completion.

The Vice President highlighted the project as an example of governance continuity, where successive administrations build upon previous efforts for the benefit of citizens. He commended Governor Fubara for dedicating public resources to the project and ensuring its completion, noting that it would enable farmers to transport produce with fewer losses and help businesses reduce logistics costs.

Governor Fubara echoed these sentiments, describing the road as a "promise kept" and a demonstration of his administration's care for the people of Rivers State. He noted that the transformed route, previously marked by man-hour losses and insecurity, is now a fast and secure highway.

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For anybody who understands the nature of this road, they will appreciate what we have done here. It’s not just a project; it’s a statement that we have made to show our people that we care for you.