BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
There was massive excitement as the people of Bodo-Bonny communities celebrated milestone road and bridge projects constructed by the Federal Government.
To this end, the Federal Government reaffirmed its determination to deliver critical road infrastructure across all regions in the country.
This played up at the Medallion Award Ceremony organised by the Bodo-Bonny Road & Bridges Peace Committee in Abuja.
The event brought together national leaders, whose vision and sustained commitment contributed to the delivery of the landmark infrastructure project, alongside senior government officials, traditional rulers, key stakeholders, and representatives of the Bodo-Bonny communities.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. represented the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.
He reaffirmed the Renewed Hope Administration’s resolve to deliver critical infrastructure across all regions of the country.
The minister described Bodo-Bonny road and bridges as a strategic economic corridor that will enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and integrate coastal communities into the national economy.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the project, noting that its delivery reflected policy continuity and a sustained national development agenda.
The minister acknowledged the contributions of the former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, as well as the technical leadership of Engr. Umahi.
In addition, he commended the contractors, particularly Julius Berger (Nigeria) Plc, while recognising the support of the Nigeria LNG Limited, under the Tax Credit Scheme for the successful delivery of the project.
The minister disclosed that approval has been granted for Phase II of the project, which is expected to commence shortly, with a view to strengthening infrastructure expansion and deepening economic linkages within the Niger Delta region.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam described the project as a critical national asset with significant socio-economic benefits.
He emphasised the need for strong maintenance frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability and encouraged the replication of similar infrastructure initiatives nationwide.
Chairman of the Award Ceremony Sub-Committee, Prof. Jasper Jumbo highlighted the project as a product of sustained collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and policy innovation.
He noted that the challenges encountered during implementation - including funding constraints, environmental considerations, and security issues - were addressed through coordinated interventions, including Executive Order 7 and the tax credit financing model.
Special recognition awards and medals were presented to key contributors for the successful delivery of the project.
The awardees included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Engr. David Umahi, Raji Fashola, Muhammad Goronyo, and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan.
The Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee was also commended for its pivotal role in fostering dialogue, strengthening community relations, and ensuring a conducive environment for project execution.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities, President of the Bonny Improvement Association (Abuja Branch) Elder Simialaye Young Pepple appreciated the Federal Government for delivering "a long-awaited project.”
He noted that the road resolved longstanding accessibility challenges and represents a transformative development for the Bonny Kingdom.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
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