The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, LGA, Hon. Uchenna Callistus Ejim has commenced the construction of a 3.7km road at Obinagu Uwani community, Akpugo in the council area.

The road, which connects Ameke and Ogirishi villages is said to have been in a very bad state and almost impassable during the rainy season, thereby making it difficult for the people of the area to go about their daily activities.

Ejim while speaking during the flag-off of the road project thanked God for giving his administration the grace to intervene in the road. 

"Today is nostalgic to me because I never imagined that in the nearest future, God will give us the grace to intervene in this capacity. As far as I'm concerned, this is God's project. It will interest the public to know that this road was graded for the first time around 2008/2009 when I was the Councilor of Obinagu Uwani Akpugo ward”. 

According to Ejim, the road "is very dear to me because my people are farmers, and the need to have good access road to evacuate their farm produce to the market is on the rise. During rainy season, vehicular movement to this area is usually cut-off for about six months as long as it rains.

"So, today, gifting us the grace by the Almighty God to intervene in this capacity, doing a 3.7km on a virgin road is indeed a privilege of a lifetime that God has given to us to intervene and serve our people. The construction of the double drainage is obviously above 50% completion, and we shall not relent until the asphalt work, which is the final phase is done. 

"According to the studies of our Soil Engineers and Surveyors, we understand the difficulty of this terrain, especially the soil texture. It is not a regular road that is done elsewhere in other parts of the local government, but we are determined to make sure that after completion, this road will serve as a model for road construction in very many years to come.

"We intentionally chose to do this road as a model road. When it is completed, I charge you to come and see this road, because it will be a model for road construction in our place by the grace of God. It will be a road that will have drainage system on both sides to guarantee its durability, and there's nothing that saves a road like the drain” he added.

The Council Chairman expressed his gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, whom he described as a strategic and inspirational leader that has carved a niche for himself in good leadership and rural development.

“I want to thank His Excellency, our Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who has given us the platform to succeed in this capacity. I want to appreciate God for his life and the services he has rendered to the people of Enugu State. May the Almighty God continue to take him to places, keep him safe in sound health of body and mind” Ejim prayed.

The Chairman further acknowledged the support of the legislative arm of the local government, whom he said have been cooperating with his administration in delivering quality leadership and dividend of democracy to the people of Nkanu West LGA.

While reiterating his resolve to leave Nkanu West better than he met it, the Council Boss who noted that his desire is to replicate the construction of asphalt road in the four development centres that make up the council area, thanked the people of Nkanu West LGA for the great support they are giving to his administration.

Speaking on behalf of the villagers, a community leader, Chief Mark Chukwu thanked God for making it possible for the Council Chairman to bring such development to his Obinagu Uwani community, stressing that the road "has been begging for attention". While appreciating Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for giving Ejim the opportunity to serve as the Council Chairman, Chief Mark commended Ejim for the quality work done so far on the road. 

In his own speech, the supervisor for works in the local government, Hon. Raymond Nnamani stated that "the road project which is divided into three phases is expected to be completed in no distant time. This road has been suffocating to the people of this area as movement has been very difficult". He commended the courage of the Council Chairman to embark on such a capital intensive project, despite the economic crunch.

Other stakeholders who spoke at the event are the Councilor representing Obinagu Uwani Akpugo Ward, Hon. Felix Ani, the Surveyor of the road project, Surveyor Christian Okonkwo, and the Town Engineer of the local government, Engr. Samson Ugwudike. They all commended the good effort of the Executive Chairman in attending to crucial need of the masses.

Recall that the Council Chairman had recently dissolved and reconstituted his cabinet. This is a move that many stakeholders in the council area adjudged to be a good step in the right direction, as some believe that it is a move towards correcting some wrongs of the past.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by some notable stakeholders from the council area including the Deputy Chairman, Hon Chijioke Oscar Ngene, the Secretary to the council, Hon. Sunday Modecaiah Edeh, the Special Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Information, Hon. Barr. Steve Oruruo, a former Chairman of the local government council, Hon. Afam Nnaji.

Others are the Leader of Nkanu West Legislative Council, Hon. John Okorie, all ward Councilors, Supervisors among others.