By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Igbaja Progressive Union National Executive Council (INEC), a Kwara-based socio-cultural group, has commended Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazak for approving the rehabilitation of three roads in Kwara South Senatorial District.
The Kwara State Executive Council had on May 9, approved the rehabilitation of three roads totalling 42-kilometres (km) at the cost of N10.8 billion.
The roads as approved by the council, are 12km Aiase-Ipo-Okeye Road (N2.27 billion), 11km Owu Falls Phase one (N3.99 billion) and 20km Arandun Township Roundabout-Esie-Oro Township Road (N3.82 billion).
Dr Oluwatoyin Alabi, the President- General of the association, commended the state government at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
He said that the road projects mark a significant milestone for the Igbaja community, which had long suffered neglect until the tenure of the AbdulRazak-led administration.
“The Igbaja people are elated about the award of contract for the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads, particularly the 12km Aiase-Ipo-Okeye Road, set to be completed in eight months.
“The poor condition of this road has caused our people misery for years, hindering economic growth in the area.
“We are grateful to the governor for also approving the construction of these road projects,” he said.
Alabi said that besides these projects, the governor had implemented other interventions to address the challenges faced by the Igbaja community.
“The governor has honoured us by appointing our sons in cabinet positions and directed ongoing repair of a moribund dam that had been abandoned for years by past administrations.
“He allocated N10 million intervention fund for victims, who lost properties during the devastating rainstorm in 2022. This support aided in the recovery of those affected by the disaster.
“In addition, personal donation of N1 million was provided to support the Igbaja Peoples Forum in procuring palliatives to cushion the impact of petrol subsidy removal,” he said.
Alabi, who founded The Promise Restaurant, further commended AbdulRazak for his efforts in repairing the 2.5MVA transformer sub-station that powers Igbaja and 58 other communities.
According to him, the administration was responsible for laying asphalt on Igbaja Town Hall Road.
“The union, representing the people of Igbaja, expresses our profound gratitude to His Excellency for his responsiveness to our needs and his compassionate initiatives.
“We thank God for sending us a governor who upholds equity and justice. In spite inheriting huge infrastructure deficits, his administration has consistently prioritised development in Kwara South Senatorial District,” he said.
The union president congratulated the governor for his elections as Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and wished him a successful tenure in office. (NAN)
