By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
RIVERS STATE Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared the achievements of his administration in its first year to surpass those of some previous administrations over eight years.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Andoni section of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project in Ngo Town, Andoni Local Government Area, Fubara highlighted the rapid progress made despite initial political challenges.
The governor emphasized that his administration’s accomplishments were realized within the three months following the resolution of a political crisis.
He expressed concern over recent statistics revealing Rivers State’s subpar performance in healthcare enrollments and facility availability.
These statistics, compiled over an extended period, underscore the neglect of the health sector.
Fubara assured that significant investments in healthcare would be evident within the next six months, aiming to rectify the historical neglect.
“At the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting on Wednesday, we received a chart showing that Rivers State was classified below the benchmark in healthcare and enrollments.
This didn’t happen overnight but reflects years of oversight. We are committed to transforming this sector,” he stated.
Fubara lauded the successful completion of the Unity Road project, appreciating its initiator, former Governor Dr. Peter Odili, and the contributions of subsequent administrations. He reaffirmed his commitment to putting the people first, emphasizing the importance of internal roads promised to the Andoni people during his election campaign.
Fubara directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works to coordinate with Monier Construction Company (MCC) to commence the reconstruction of Ngo internal roads and extend the road to Oyorokoto Town.
“The completion of the Unity Road connecting Andoni to Ogoni and Opobo/Nkoro is a significant milestone. We owe thanks to Dr. Peter Odili and all past governments who contributed to this achievement,” he remarked.
The governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development, promising more connecting roads for Andoni as he acknowledged the unwavering support from the Andoni people, who backed his campaign and continued to support the government.
During the ceremony, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, highlighted the long journey to complete the road, involving three contractors over 24 years.
He thanked Fubara for fulfilling the promise, which now allows Andoni residents to travel by road from the city to their communities.
Prince Uche Secondus, former national chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), recounted the road’s history, initiated by Dr. Peter Odili in 2005.
He commended Fubara for bringing the project to fruition, calling it a “miracle” for Andoni people.
Engr. Atemea Briggs, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Works, described the project as a 27.5Km long road with a 7.3-meter width, side drains, and a bridge.
The project, re-awarded in July 2023 to MCC, had its contract sum revised from N9.984 billion to N11.1 billion due to material and petroleum price increases.
The fully paid and completed project stands as a testament to Fubara’s commitment to delivering on his promises within his first year in office.
Traditional leaders, led by King Aaron Ikuru of Ikuru Town, honoured Fubara with the title of Njenyisi 1 of Ogbolo Land, meaning “champion of development for the people,” in recognition of his contributions.
Fubara also addressed broader community issues, including flooding in Oronija, pledging to tackle these challenges as he urged continued support for the federal government, emphasizing that national success translates to local benefits and more developmental projects.
As the governor continues his efforts, he assured the Andoni people of more investments and projects, reaffirming his commitment to their welfare and development.
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