N24.5 billion Collaborative road project .

……Says road will open up new opportunities for rural dwellers .

Isaac  Money – Yenagoa

The Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission   (NDDC) , Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has  said that the

 25.7 km Ogbia/Nembe road connecting 14 riverine communities in the  East Senatorial District of

Bayelsa State  will not only enhance  connectivity but also open up new opportunities for economic growth and improved quality of life.

He said  collaborative road project costs a whopping sum of N24.5 billion.

The NDDC boss said this when he commissioned

 the road project  Saturday , saying

that traders and business owners can now conduct their activities seamlessly, paving the way for prosperity in the region.

The road project was commissioned in company of the  Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria  who are partners in  the 25.7km Ogbia/Nembe road connecting 14 riverine communities in the Bayelsa State East Senatorial District.

 Dr.  Ogbuku disclosed that the single carriage road project which began in 2013 and designed to connect Opume, Emakalakala, Akipelai, Etiama, Ogbolomabiri, Bassambiri to other communities in the area cost about N24.5 billion and has 53 culverts and seven bridges.

The NDDC boss  said that the road will not only enhance connectivity but also open up new opportunities for economic growth and improved quality of life.

He said :  “Today marks a significant milestone for the people of Ogbia-Nembe in Bayelsa East as we celebrate the completion of the road and bridges infrastructure project. This collaborative effort between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria has brought tangible benefits to our communities.

“The construction of fourteen bridges, 53 culverts, and 4 spurs has not only enhanced connectivity but also opened up new opportunities for economic growth and improved quality of life. Traders and business owners can now conduct their activities seamlessly, paving the way for prosperity in the region.

“Today, as we commission the Ogbia-Nembe roads and bridges in Bayelsa State, we reaffirm our dedication to completing vital infrastructure projects for the betterment of our communities. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Niger Delta region.”

In his remarks at the event , Engr. Abubakar Momoh,the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs , who represented  the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu , described the road as a transformative initiative that  will alleviate the challenges faced by the fourteen interconnected communities along the route.

He called  on other International Oil Companies to join hands with the NDDC in fulfilling other transformative projects in the Niger Delta region.

His words :  “Esteemed guests, it is with profound honor and gratitude that I stand before you today to commemorate the official commissioning of the vital Ogbia-Nembe road and bridges project. This transformative initiative will alleviate the challenges faced by the fourteen interconnected communities along this route.

“I extend my heartfelt commendation to the NDDC, SPDC, and all our esteemed partners for their invaluable contributions to this project. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of effective partnerships in advancing the well-being of our people.

“The inauguration of this project underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast dedication to sustainable development, peace, and security in Nigeria.

“The completion of the 27.5-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe road and bridges project promises to catalyze economic growth in the region and enhance the quality of life for residents. I urge other International Oil Companies to join hands with the NDDC in fulfilling other transformative projects in the Niger Delta region.”

Also his remarks at the event , Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. (SPDC), said the road is an initiative that underscores the importance of giving back to the community and the Niger Delta Region as a whole, signifying how collective achievements can be possible when people unite towards the development.

His words : This project serves as a signature initiative that underscores the importance of giving back to the community and the Niger Delta Region as a whole. It stands as a symbol of the collective achievements possible when we unite towards the development of our people.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company remains committed to contributing to the sustainable development of the region. The newly commissioned Ogbia-Nembe roads/bridges will bring immense benefits to commuters and local businesses.”

Also in his remarks , Chief Timi Alaibe, a one time  Managing Director of NDDC  said : “The partnership between NDDC and SPDC has yielded tremendous results, showcasing the splendid synergy between the two organisations..

“Numerous attempts were made in various forms to construct the road, with different proposals for the route, design, and alignment.

“I would like to commend the residents of the Ogbia-Nembe community, especially led by Professor E.J. Alagoa and Professor Gbenedio, for their significant role as a driving force behind this project.

“The collaboration of the community cannot be overstated, as the benefits of this infrastructure development extend to the entire population of Ogbia-Nembe and the broader Niger Delta region.”