By Peoples’ Guide Reporters
Notable Ebonyians, including the Executive Chairman of Ikwo LGA, Hon. Barr Sunday Basil Nwankwo have applauded President Bola Tinubu and Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for their laudable Strides in areas of Infrastructure.
Barr Nwankwo and others who spoke with Journalists at the Flagg of ceremony of the construction of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Super Highway held in Afikpo, lauded the project and said it will enhance economic growth and ease of transportation across regions of Nigeria. They noted that the project will stand the test of time when completed and praised the President for embarking on such legacy project.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Prince Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Wednesday 16th April, 2025 officially flagged off the construction of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Super Highway at a ceremony held at Afikpo LGA.
The flag-off ceremony, which attracted dignitaries from across the country, marks the commencement of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Nigeria’s history, a super highway designed to connect the South-South, South-East, and North-Central zones, while strengthening economic ties, creating jobs, and fostering unity and national integration.
Speaking during the event, Governor Nwifuru described the project as a milestone achievement in the quest for improved infrastructure in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that the project, upon completion, would significantly boost the nation’s economy, improve the living standards of the people, and promote peace and national cohesion.
Governor Nwifuru expressed confidence in the contractors handling the project, assuring that it would be completed within the stipulated timeframe and according to the highest standards. He commended President Tinubu for his boldness and commitment in initiating such a landmark project and for continually giving the people of the South-East their rightful place in his government.
He further appreciated the Honourable Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, for his pivotal role in attracting the project to the region. Governor Nwifuru urged government officials, community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to give maximum support towards the successful execution of the project.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, lauded Governor Nwifuru for his leadership style, describing him as a unifier, peacemaker, and visionary achiever. He also dismissed speculations by political detractors suggesting that Governor Nwifuru would serve only one tenure, labeling such rumors as the handiwork of those hoping to sow discord within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Umahi declared his unflinching support for Governor Nwifuru’s second-term ambition and called on the people of Ebonyi State to remain steadfast in their support for the President Tinubu’s ed administration.
Other prominent stakeholders who spoke at the event, including the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Nwanchor Elechi, and the former Senate President and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, hailed the project as a timely and strategic intervention. They expressed optimism that the road would bring immense benefits to the people of Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.
Similarly, other local government council chairmen interviewed at the event, including the Executive Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Stephen Ebere Nwogba; the Executive Chairman of Ezza South Local Government, Hon. Mrs. Euphemia Nwali; and the Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government, Barr. Stephen Emenike Nwankpa, expressed satisfaction with the pace of infrastructural development in the state. They described the Super Highway project as unprecedented and a landmark achievement in the annals of Nigerian politics.
The flag-off ceremony was not just a celebration of a road project, but also a demonstration of national unity, hope for social and economic growth, which reaffirm the present administration’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s political landscape.