Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
It was an outpouring of accolades Tuesday, as President Muhammadu Buhari, inaugurated the 1.6km 2nd Niger Bridge.
The bridge which connects Asaba, Delta State with Onitsha and other South-East states, is the longest bridge in the South-East.
Meanwhile, despite oppositions, the bridge was named after President Buhari.
Inaugurating the project via zoom, Buhari said the “bridge is one of the critical infrastructures delivered by his administration to fight poverty, promote economic growth and ensure progress for the people.”
According to him, the bridge and other projects being commissioned symbolised his administration’s sharp focus on delivering prosperity across the country.
“I am honoured to hand over this bridge and other projects for public use. The bridge will reduce travel time and promote economic activities in the South-East, South-South and other parts of the country.
“Those crossing the old Niger bridge will no longer experience gridlock as it will help to improve the socio-economic activities of the South-East. In eight years, I am proud to say that we have developed Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure of Gross Domestic Products from about 20 per cent to over 40 per cent and that is not a small undertaking.”
In his remarks, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo commended Buhari for fulfilling his campaign promises to the South-East.
He said the bridge which is one of the five key projects very dear to Ndigbo,would be a huge relief to economic activities in the South-East.
Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige said the project was a promise kept.
He applauded Buhari for keeping his words to Ndigbo.
Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the bridge would help boost the nation’s economy and ease of doing business between Delta and Anambra states.
The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ovie Agas, said that the 2nd Niger Bridge would create jobs and enhance economic growth within the two states.
