The outgoing Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mr Aka Eze Aka, has named the newly constructed Isielu-Amutenyi Road after Governor Peter Mbah in recognition of the Governor’s development efforts across the state and his commitment to the people of Udenu.
Aka made the announcement while inaugurating the road, which traverses Okpakerekere, Umuitodo and Ogwu Obollo communities, as part of a series of projects executed by his administration during its two-year tenure.
He said the road, which serves more than 14 communities and stretches over a considerable distance, had suffered years of neglect, making its construction a major priority for his administration.
According to him, the Council embarked on the project to complement the rural infrastructure development initiatives of the state government and open up communities that had long suffered from poor road access.
“It became necessary for my administration to embark on the construction of this road because we need to replicate what the Governor is doing in Enugu in other rural areas and communities,” he said.
Aka appealed to Mbah to support the completion of the remaining portion of the road, noting that the length of the project made it difficult for the Council to execute it entirely with its available resources.
He expressed optimism that the Governor would respond positively to the appeal and complete the remaining stretch to facilitate transportation and economic activities along the corridor.
“I’m sure that this will attract the Governor to complete the remaining part of the stretch. I’m very grateful to him, and I’m also very disposed to say that my government has done its best to start this endeavour,” he said.
Explaining the decision to name the road after the Governor, Aka said it was a mark of appreciation for Mbah’s development efforts across Enugu State and his commitment to the people of Udenu.
“To the glory of God, we have also decided to name this road after the very hardworking Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah,” he said.
The Chairman also expressed gratitude to Mbah for creating the enabling environment and providing the support that helped his administration execute projects with direct benefits for residents.
Ukwuakpu-Ozoji Road Inaugurated
At the inauguration of the Ukwuakpu-Ozoji Road, Aka said the road had also suffered prolonged neglect and had “almost defied every successive government in Udenu” before his administration decided to tackle it.
He thanked the Governor for providing the support and enabling environment that made the project possible.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, who made it possible for us to have the energy, the wisdom and wherewithal to make this road a reality,” he said.
Aka acknowledged the challenges, criticism and opposition his administration encountered while executing the project but said it remained determined to complete the road.
“We met challenges, we met critics, we met naysayers about this road, but we were determined and intentional to make this road a reality,” he said.
He noted that the completed road had generated considerable excitement among residents, adding that it would significantly improve connectivity and stimulate trade and other commercial activities, particularly at the Obollo-Afor Market.
Other Projects Inaugurated
Other projects inaugurated during the exercise included the newly reconstructed office apartments at the Udenu Secretariat Complex, the Secretariat’s main entrance gate, the Obollo-Afor Roundabout Monument and a solar-powered borehole water project at Obeg-Amutenyi community.
Speaking at the inauguration of the water project, Aka said residents of Obeg-Amutenyi had previously faced serious difficulties accessing potable water.
He explained that the intervention aligned with the development vision of Governor Mbah, particularly the state government’s efforts to extend basic infrastructure and essential services to communities across Enugu State.
The Chairman also commissioned the Amutenyi Health Centre, which his administration equipped with modern medical and healthcare equipment during its two-year tenure.
Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders Commend Projects
In their separate remarks, the traditional ruler of Umuezejor in Obollo-Afor, Igwe Romanus Odoh, and his counterpart from Amutenyi, Obollo-Afor, Igwe Ikebukwu Ekwueme, commended Aka for undertaking the road projects.
They said the interventions would improve connectivity and stimulate socio-economic activities in the affected communities.
Similarly, the President-General of Agamede Isielu Amutenyi Obollo Eke, Mr Finbar Eze, commended the Council Chairman for initiating the road project, noting that its completion would bring significant relief to residents and communities along the route.
The commissioning exercise adds to the array of infrastructure and social amenities previously delivered by the Aka administration, including boreholes, security motorcycles and other logistical support for security agencies, human capital development initiatives and social welfare programmes.
The commissioned Obollo Ag’ Ag’ roundabout Monument
The exercise forms part of the concluding activities of Aka’s administration, which has prioritised infrastructure development and the provision of essential services to the people of Udenu during its two-year tenure.
