22 years after, Umahi flags- off reconstruction of 1.7km road for Akanu Ibiam

-Work to be completed within six weeks

Governor of Ebonyi state, Chief Dave Umahi, yesterday flagged off reconstruction of 1.7km Unwnana road in Afikpo North local government area of the state.

The road which connects the house of first Governor of the defunct Eastern region of the country, late Dr. Akanu Ibiam has been in a deplorable condition since 1995 he passed on.

Ibiam was the foremost founding father of the state.

Flagging-off the road, Umahi who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure Maintenance, Chief Ali Odefa, said the reconstruction would last for the maximum of six weeks as work had commenced immediately..

He noted that his administration was committed to bringing needed development to Unwana, the country home of the first governor of the Eastern region of Nigeria, late Dr. Akanu Ibiam, adding that the late statesman meant a lot for Ebonyi state and Nigeria in general.

Umahi promised that by the time the road would be fully reconstructed, street light would also be extended to it to enhance business and night life in the area.

He explained that the road would be constructed with concrete such that the quality would last for more one hundred years before it could require maintenance.

He noted that the state of the road was very bad and unbefitting as a road that leads to Akanu Ibaim compound, hence, the reconstruction.

“It is a rigid concrete road with about 10.3metre drain to drain. So, it is a good road and upon completion, it should have a life span of about hundred years. None of those living today is going to see it collapse", he said.

Speaking, Uchenna Ibiam, the Coordinator of Ubeyi Development centre, thanked the Governor for keeping his promises to the people of Unwana.

Ibiam said in the past, people came and took their votes and ran away but when Umahi came, he said he was going to transform Unwana and he had kept to the promise.

He assured the Governor that the people of Unwana would reciprocate by fully supporting his reelection come 2019.

He Urged the people to ensure they obtain their voters card to be able to vote for the Governor.

Also speaking, Princess Allu Ibiam, the regent of Unwana community and first daughter of late Dr. Akanu Ibiam, said she was impressed by the developmental strides of the governor as well as the manner he (Umahi) was carrying Unwana community along.

Others who spoke including the Council chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Hon. Oko Enyim; Lecturer with Ebonyi state University Abakalikk, Prof. Egwu U. Egwu among others, praised Governor Umahi for bringing development to Unwana community.

The elated people of Unwana community came out in their large number to witness the flag off of the road reconstruction.     As written by Uchenna Inyaroad reconstruction.