Omiete Joseph
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has has pledged to attract an institution of higher learning to Opobo, his hometown, so as to drive sustainable academic and economic growth in the area.
Governor Fubara declared that the reality in the delivery of the Opobo Ring Road under his administration is significant as it bears testimonies of his commitment to the people.
He said the project which was conceived and flagged off by the previous administration, was inherited and redesigned to a more befitting standard and completed on record time.
Governor Fubara who spoke during the official commissioning of the 7 kilometer Opobo Ring Road Project at Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, thanked the people for the support to his administration.
“This project was flagged off by the previous administration. We took over this project, redesigned it and gave it the standard that it has today.
“This is because it is a project that has to do with me. It is a project that my people will see and it speaks for me. So I am happy that I am here to inaugurate this road as it gives me so much joy.”
“I know your problems and your challenges, I know what you need. I will just say thank you for all the support. You stood by us when it mattered most and I am happy that you did not make a mistake with the decision you took. We are still standing very strong and stronger everyday”.
The governor appealed to his people in Opobo Kingdom to remain peaceful saying he had continued to reflect the known peaceful aura of Opobo.
He said Opobo remained the only local government area with a manageable crime rate because of the social interactions in the area.
“I am not saying we are crime-free, but the level of crime here is still very manageable. It hasn’t gotten to that level that we can’t control. It is because of the understanding, the inter-relationship and we are all connected. So I am begging you, continue to maintain this peace.”
The governor promised that other projects and programmes would get to the area as he intends to establish a tertiary institution in the area, adding that his government would focus its attention on land reclamation and empowering the people.
He frown on the entitlement mentality insisting that the people must justify whatever help coming their way, saying, “We will also look for a way to build more men and empower you so that you will not depend on people. You know if I have to help you, I have to justify the help. I am not that type that dashes money freely, I have to know what I want to give you the money for.
“But we will do all we can to make sure that we create the enabling environment. More people will be given employment and empowered that is the only way Opobo will grow.
The governor urged his people to keep believing in his administration, adding that the government would work to uplift and reposition the local government area.
Inaugurating the project, the Zamfara State Governor, Dr Dauda Lawal, described the project as ambitious saying its completion is a demonstration of Governor Fubara’s vision and dedication.
He tagged the infrastructural development in the state as a reflection of the commitment of Governor Fubara to improving the socioeconomic conditions and wellbeing of Rivers people.
Dauda said: “Development of infrastructure as we know is the cornerstone of economic growth as well as social progress. The Opobo Ring Road and bridges will undoubtedly enhance connectivity, promote trade, and facilitate access to essential services for the residents of this area as well as the entire environ.
“The road will no doubt open up new opportunities for communities in and outside of the State. The road infrastructure will surely attract investments, boost tourism and improve the sense of belonging among the people of Opobo”.
The Zamfara governor acknowledged Governor Fubara’s visionary leadership saying it resonated deeply with the commitment of his administration to transform the social and economic infrastructure of Rivers.
“We share a common vision that robust infrastructure is fundamental to nurturing economic activities and uplifting the standard of living of our people. This project aligns with our shared vision to create an opportunity and lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development.
“I commend my brother, Gov. Fubara and his entire administration for the unwavering commitment to the development of Rivers State. This dedication to creating a better future for your people is truly inspiring and serves as a model for other States to emulate”, he said.
Governor Dauda expressed confidence that the ring road and bridges will bring lasting benefits to the people of Opobo and contribute significantly to the overall development of the state.
The Zamfara governor said he was happy that Fubara had remained tall and not distracted by the ongoing crisis, adding, “I therefore thank you for this wonderful opportunity. This is what democracy is all about, keep making us proud. I am so happy that you are not distracted and you stand tall to do all these for your people”.