Saturday, 13 January 2018

The essence of Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road

Simeon Nwakaudu

One of the key commitments that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike made during his campaigns ahead of the 2015 General Election is the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road which links the riverine communities to the mainland.

Governor Wike stated that what the former Commissioner of Works, Mr Dakuku Peterside, an indigene of Opobo Town, failed to do for his people, will be achieved in the course of his first term.

On November 16, 2016, Governor Wike made good his promise. He flagged off the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road.

The road, which was initiated by former Governor Peter Odili, was abandoned by immediate past Governor Rotimi Amaechi .

Flagging off the completion of the Ogoni Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road , Governor Wike assured the people of Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro that before the end of his first term, they will be driving home to their respective communities .

He regretted that the immediate past Amaechi administration despite getting N20billion to N25billion monthly from the Federation Account , failed to embark on meaningful developmental projects .

He assured that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road will be consistently funded because his administration remains committed to the economic development of the riverine communities .

He said: “This road is a major economic intervention for the riverine communities of Opobo and Andoni Local Government Areas. It also cuts across Khana Local Government Area.

This project is a major empowerment scheme for the people of these three local government areas. Our people in the riverine communities can now drive home.

I am happy that the 2015 APC Governorship candidate who was a Works Commissioner, but refused to construct the road to his home local government area, will now drive home”.


This project has become one of the major highpoints of the Wike administration. The contractor, Raffoul Nigeria Limited is working round the clock to ensure the actualization of the governor’s pledge.

Funding has been consistent. So far, rural dwellers have been empowered through regular sub-contracts, direct and indirect employment by the contractor.

On the Opobo axis at the Nkoro Junction, the contractors have laid asphalt up to Bridge Number 7, which is approximately four kilometres. Work has been completed along this section.

After bridge 7, the contractors are heading towards bridge 8 . The span of bridge 8 is 1600metres long. Work has reached 300 metres away from the position of bridge 8.

Bush clearing work towards bridge 8 has reached advanced stage and it will be completed in two weeks. For now, bush clearing has reached the creek crossing into Opobo Town.

From the bridge to Kalaibiama, the contractor is embarking on extensive earthworks and piling with sharp sand.

With the consistency of work and the delivery of culverts, roads and asphalts, the contractors will enter into Opobo town between June and July, 2018.

For the Andoni axis, from the Nkoro Junction, asphalting has gone beyond five kilometres up to Bridge 3. The contractors have done quality stone base.

The road is expected to reach Ngo town, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area between June and July, 2018.

Governor Wike remains committed to state-wide development, carrying every ethnic nationality along in the growth process.

For the people of Opobo-Nkoro and Andoni Local Government Areas, the Unity Road remains a vital source of economic opportunities. The roads will kick-start multiple economic activities, especially small and medium scale enterprises.

The fact that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road links the all-important Sakpenwa-Bori Road makes access to Port Harcourt easier for businesses in the two local government areas.

For Governor Wike, the main goal is to improve the living condition of Rivers people, enhance their security and transform their environment.

Nwakaudu is Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s Special Assistant (Broadcast).


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