By Okechukwu Onuegbu
It was a celebration galore across the ten communities in Awka North LGA and beyond as Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, officially commissioned for public use, the 26 Kilometer Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu- Ugbene-Awba Ofemili road.
The road which has suffered series of abandonment in the past, has been completed by the governor within two years in office as he earlier promised the people during his electioneering campaign in 2021 gubernatorial poll.
In a frenzy of excitement for the people of Awka North, chants of joy pervaded the air as they witnessed the inauguration of the road by Governor Soludo in company of his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim as both made a stop at each of the communities.
Addressing the people, Governor Soludo recalled with nostalgia the historical significance of the long stretch road as one of the food baskets of the state, saying it would stimulate the economy and improve the life of the people in the area.
The Governor observed that it used to take hours to travel from Amansea to Awba Ofemmili, but can now be achieved in 20 minutes, with the completion of the road, an achievement that would remain ever green in his heart.
Governor Soludo said the completion of the road was in fulfillment of his campaign promise over the deplorable condition of roads in the state which prompted him to declare a state of emergency on roads immediately he assumed office.
He stressed that the plight of the people of the communities in Awka North local government area was one of the reasons he contested for the 2022 gubernatorial election, assuring that his administration remains largely committed to the wellbeing of the poor and down-trodden.
The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma, thanked the Governor for the fulfilment of his campaign promises, saying that the road was constructed according to specification with stone base, cement stabilization, quality asphalting and completed in record time.
The Commissioner for Homeland Affairs, Mr Chikodili Anara who hails from the area, expressed happiness over the road which he said had paved the way for customers to patronize their farm produce; a feat they will be eternally grateful to the Governor for.
Earlier in a remark, the Transition Committee Chairman for Awka North Local Government Area, Mr Thankgod Anagor thanked the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise to the people and pledged his people's continued support for Governor Soludo's administration.
Mr Anagor added that completion of the road has aided the smooth evacuation of agricultural produce by members of the communities, as well as attracted the influx of people from neighbouring communities to patronize them.
Highpoint of the event was the significant cutting of tape by the representatives of commercial tricycle (keke) riders and shuttle bus drivers, as well as the elderly assisted by some clergymen.
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, Chief of Protocol, Hon Chinedu Nwoye, President General of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, Barr. Titus Akpudo, Traditional Rulers, among others, attended the event.