IKPAKO-AJOKI 16.7km ROAD PROJECT WILL OPEN UP TWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMUNITIES IN EDO . . . Gov Godwin OBASEKI.

By Mike ALADENIKA.

"My people, resident in these Communities have had to cope with bad road network to the extent that they have to access their homes going through a sister state", this was the candid position of Edo State governor, Godwin OBASEKI at the  flag-off  of  a 16.7km Ikpako-Ajoki Road project connecting two local councils of Ovia North East and Ikpoba-Okha in Edo State.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, who said the road project would open up the areas to economic development activities,noted that “We are making history not just because we are constructing another road; we have constructed so many roads in Edo State, but this road is special. Before now, we used to suffer the embarrassment of accessing Edo communities from Delta State.

“With this road, we can now access all the Edo communities in this region. This road is going to be an economic road because it is connecting oil-producing communities. Not just the communities but the activities that these companies bring. We are likely to see a road that will now begin to bring in more than just agricultural produce. It will also boost oil and gas production. This road is very unique in terms of the way we conceived it and it gives us hope.”

Obaseki continued, “This road is a joint venture and collaboration between Edo State Government, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) and ENAGEED Resource Ltd, which is a partner to NNPC. The Edo State Government brought 30 percent, EDSOGPADEC brought 30 percent and ENAGEED is bringing 40 percent.

“But this is not just about the money, it is the way we have come together in securing the contract for the road projects. It shows that our procurement in the state is of international standard because it meets the same standards NNPC uses in procuring their infrastructure.”

“This is just the beginning. The best is yet to come. Let me assure Ikpako, Obateru, Evbuorokho, Abiala, Kolokolo, Ajamokha and Ajoki communities that we have already started the design of the road from Gelegele to connect Ekehuan Road and we are going to accelerate that work because of this one so that you will not have challenges in coming to the city,” the governor assured.

In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari said the gesture is part of efforts to support communities to scale up national development.

The representative of the communities, Mr. Collins Ogbeide, expressed appreciation to the governor and the partners for the initiative, noting that the road project, when completed, will attract development and improve economic activities in the areas.
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