The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged stakeholders and host communities alongside the Bodo-Bonny hall to help the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that continuity in authorities is important for the completion of Part II of the strategic highway challenge.
Umahi made the attraction on Friday through the Medallion Award Ceremony organised by the Bodo-Bonny Highway and Bridges Peace Committee in Abuja, the place he was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.
Describing the challenge as a landmark achievement, Umahi famous that it goes past infrastructure, remodeling the {economic} and social panorama of coastal communities.
“This highway is greater than a bodily hyperlink; it’s a bridge to alternative, a lifeline for commerce, and a logo of nationwide cohesion. It connects coastal communities to the mainland, reduces insecurity, and opens doorways for prosperity throughout the Niger Delta,” he stated.
Highlighting the federal government’s dedication to increasing highway infrastructure nationwide, Umahi confused the significance of nationwide connectivity in boosting {economic} development.
“Part II of the challenge has been permitted by Mr President, and we’re already placing pen to paper to begin work instantly,” he added.
He urged communities to rally behind the President, stressing that coverage continuity is crucial for the profitable supply of long-term infrastructure tasks.
“So you could just remember to rally round Mr President to make sure continuity of this challenge, in order that by 2027, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returns, this challenge will proceed,” Umahi stated.
The minister additionally praised President Tinubu’s dedication to nationwide unity and inclusive growth, emphasising that infrastructure initiatives profit all areas of the nation.
“That is to inform you that Mr President loves all people on this nation, whether or not you might be from the North, South, East, or West. He’s a President for all and a pacesetter dedicated to the unity of this nation,” Umahi stated.
Earlier, Chief Jasper Jumbo, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the award ceremony, described the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Highway as the tip of a long time of neglect and agitation by the individuals.
“For many years, the Bodo-Bonny hall symbolised each {economic} potential and infrastructural limitation. Regardless of being a significant hub for oil and fuel actions, it remained disconnected from the mainland and relied closely on water transportation,” he stated.
Jumbo additionally highlighted the challenges that delayed the challenge, together with funding constraints, technical disagreements, and community-related points, noting that sustained advocacy and collaboration finally led to its success.
“We witnessed years of disagreements, funding challenges, and neighborhood tensions. However we resolved towards all odds to mobilise stakeholders, persuade communities, and help the federal government and contractors to grasp this challenge in our lifetime,” he added.
He recommended the minister for facilitating the approval of Part II of the Bodo-Bonny Highway challenge, which hyperlinks coastal neighbourhoods with the East-West Highway.
Stakeholders stated the challenge, which connects Bonny Island, dwelling to crucial oil and fuel infrastructure—to mainland Rivers State, is about to unlock new {economic} alternatives, enhance logistics for the oil and fuel sector, and improve regional integration throughout the Niger Delta.
The challenge gained renewed momentum underneath former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, with the introduction of Government Order 7, which enabled funding by tax credit by Nigeria LNG Restricted.
With the highway now open to site visitors and growth plans underway, the Bodo-Bonny hall is poised to rework commerce, cut back safety dangers, and enhance accessibility for residents.