The Rising of Dry Bones in Obollo Eke—Ibenda—Okpakerekere—Ogwu Obollo Afor Road

It took me almost twenty days of gathering myself and taming my beast to put up this piece. Yes, I was engulfed, in an unconventional emotional sinews when news broke that Aka Eze Aka, within four months in office, as Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, has undertaken the most audacious infrastructural stride since 1996, when Udenu was re-carved out from old Isi-Uzo LGA — the reconstruction of 19.8KM Obollo—Eke-Ibenda—Okpakerekere—Ogwu Obollo Afor Road.

Over the years, I have honed my intuition as a Writer, to guard my brain from isolating itself from my heart whenever I write about an extraordinary event that affects me or my people. I had written passionately, about this multi-economically important road, since 2016, but it gained widespread attention after it featured on my column in Blueprint Newspaper, on November 24 2020, which went viral across social media platforms. It is a collective appeal of our people, beside which they have no other demand from government.
This was why my soul leapt in joy (LK.1:41), when Aka authorized the commencement of work on the road without camaraderie.

Lost in pleasant emotions, I picked my biro, but drew blank on the appropriate diction that can capture the feelings of our people. Added to my dilemma is that since Aka made me his spokesperson, anytime I speak or write about his administration, it will be assumed “official.” For three weeks since the flag off of that monumental project, I have been positioning my mind to write about it and genuinely express the sentiment of my people, without sounding ‘sycophantic.’

It is difficult to convey the raw emotion surrounding this project—it intertwines the hopes of many who have endured years of hardship, and now, with the diligent hands of Akachukwu Eze, it stands as a beacon of transformation.

This road’s significance cannot be overstated. It serves as a lifeline, connecting not only farmland to the market but also entire Communities to vital social services. With over 110,000 adults in these connected areas (going by March 2006 population census), the closure of distance and the opening up of opportunities represents a tangible change in their daily lives. For traders and farmers who have long navigated treacherous paths and adjoining feeder roads, carrying heavy loads on their heads and enduring long treks just to reach the Obollo Afor Market, the new road symbolizes an end to suffering.

As noted earlier, four years ago, when I penned a widely circulated article calling attention to this very road, my heart ached for the villagers—people who are the backbone of our agrarian economy, yet had thus far been forgotten. Their plight was simple yet poignant: they needed accessibility. My words resonated with many, and the article found its way into diverse media outlets, striking a chord with our leaders.

“Access is more than just movement; it is the bridge to opportunity,” I wrote. It was an appeal to the then-Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, which eventually captured the attention of Hon. Solomon Izuchukwu Onah, the Chairman of Udenu at that time. The Imilike—Ezimo—Nkalagu Umuosigide—Onumkpu Ogerenyi road reconstruction by Gov. Ugwuanyi was at its completion stage then. The frustrations of these Communities were finally recognized, and it felt as if the pleas of the affected citizens were being heard.

Fast forward to today, and the inspirational leadership of Aka Eze Aka has breathed new life into the echoing calls for change. His ambition aligns perfectly with his campaign promises, and he has acted swiftly. The beginning of work on this critical road exemplifies his commitment to infrastructure development—indeed, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” This profound truth, attributed to John C. Maxwell, encapsulates Aka’s vision.

The Obollo Eke—Ibenda—Okpakerekere—Ogwu Obollo Afor Road is no ordinary construction project; it involves careful geotechnical assessments, hydrological studies, and the use of durable materials designed to withstand the environmental challenges peculiar to the area. Engineers are working diligently to ensure that the roadbed is properly graded and that adequate drainage systems are installed. Proper drainage is crucial because it mitigates water pooling, significantly extending the lifespan of the pavement—a particularly vital consideration in an area often visited by heavy rain. Ecologically, the mgbugbu-onyeke axis of the road is ravaged by chronic denudation; and that is why I was glad that the Engineers got to sites sophisticatedly prepared.

This road, an interconnectedness of over 12 Communities—Obollo Eke, Ibenda, Ada Obollo Etiti, Umuitodo, Ogwu Obollo Afor, and several others—has sparked revitalized hope not just for the present but for future generations. Farmers will soon find that it’s easier to move their produce, reducing losses incurred from delays and providing quicker access to markets. The path from farm to market will no longer be a treacherous journey through mud and ruts; it will be a smooth, reliable road that fosters economic growth.

Local trade and commerce are significant components of this transformation. Communities that once relied on the arduous trek to transport goods can now welcome surrounding areas to their markets. Nkwo Chukwu, an ancient commodity market in Umuitodo Ulo, will no longer remain a meagre market. Ugbeturu Mama, and Ugbeturu Egudele will taste the prophecy of Ezekiel, and will rise from its skeleton status (Ez. 37:1-14). Obollo Eke market, stunted by lack of major access road for over a century, is now singing a triumphant song, welcoming new suitors to its embrace. This adaptability is rooted deeply in Community psychology; when mobility increases, so too do the potential goods, services, and new partnerships that can arise. Local businesses stand to flourish, and as more merchants visit these markets, relationships will evolve beyond mere transactions into lasting partnerships that sustain local economies.

And it does not stop there; the road also promises improved access to essential services—healthcare, education, and social interactions will become readily available. Children can travel safely to school, families can receive medical attention promptly, and gatherings will be more accessible. Imagine a neighborhood where the buzz of Community life is vibrant, driven by the ease of connectivity. It was a beautiful vision, and now, with construction underway, it is transforming into reality.

Another interesting part of this story is that His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of our State, knew that this project is beyond the budget of any Local Government Council, and has offered to partner with our Chairman to deliver it. Throughout his campaign, Aka keeps telling us that “Gov. Mbah is interested in Udenu,” now we are seeing it. Under his 60:40 counterpart funding ratio for grassroots development programs, where the State provides 60% of the working capital for any large scale project embarked upon by Local Government Chairmen, Mbah is changing the face of Enugu State from the village strata up.

Aka Eze Aka isn’t stopping with this road; his ambitious plans extend to projects like the Umuokara—Owerre-Eze Orba road reconstruction, in Orba Ward 1. After only 143 days in his role as Udenu Chairman, his achievements points to his purposeful and innovative leadership. As he stated during one of his campaign tours, back in September, “Infrastructure is not just about roads and bridges; it is about connecting lives, dreams, and futures.”

Aka Eze Aka, The Executive Chairman of Udenu LGA

The conscious evolution from inadequacy to infrastructure renewal reinvigorates not just the physical landscape but the cultural, social, and economic foundations of the Communities involved. The ongoing Obollo Eke—Ibenda—Okpakerekere—Ogwu Obollo Afor road project is more than a construction project; it’s a lifeline for resilience, an infusion of optimism, and a sign that good governance and visionary leadership can indeed speak to the needs of the people.

Today, we stand at the cusp of a new era—a time where the burdens borne by families for generations will transform into opportunities. Aka Eze Aka, much like the builders of ancient roads that connected civilizations, is paving pathways for progress, and his work reminds us that our challenges today can indeed become the triumphs of tomorrow. As our people gather around this road, there is no doubt—a significant change has begun, and the path toward a brighter future is being forged, one kilometer at a time.

May daylight spare us!

✍️Jude Eze.