The minister described the Bodo-Bonny Road Project as a powerful symbol of leadership, continuity, partnership, and peace, emphasising its significance beyond mere infrastructure.
“The road is more than a physical link. It is a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce, and a symbol of national cohesion, connecting coastal communities to the mainland and opening doors to prosperity across the Niger Delta,” he said.
Umahi praised the President for prioritising the landmark project under the Renewed Hope Agenda and encouraged the Bodo-Bonny communities to support Tinubu for his second term ambition in order to complete the project.
“The Bodo-Bonny Road Project is not merely an engineering feat—it is a testament to leadership, continuity, partnership, and peace,” he said.
According to him, the President loves everyone in the country, irrespective of region or other factors, adding that he is a president for all who love the unity of the nation.
“So, you must make sure that you rally around the President to ensure the continuity of this project.
“So that by 2027, when President Bola Tinubu returns, this project continues, connecting our people, supporting our commercial activities, and, of course, linking our families and friends,” he said.
Umahi restated that Tinubu had approved Phase 2 of the Bodo-Bonny project and that the ministry was already putting pen to paper to start work immediately.
The minister commended the organisers for the initiative to award key actors in the Bodo-Bonny Road project and reiterated that to whom much was given, much was expected.
Earlier, Chief Jasper Jumbo, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Bodo-Bonny Road Project Award ceremony, expressed gratitude that the government remembered the communities after a tortuous 38 years of the project.
Jumbo praised the president’s administration for its resolve to address the road challenge.
He stated that the Bodo-Bonny corridor, in spite of being a globally significant hub for oil and gas activities, remained disconnected from the Nigerian mainland and relies heavily on water transport.
“This disconnect poses challenges not only to commerce and industry but also to the daily lives, safety, and aspirations of our people,” he said.
Jumbo, however, said that through determined leadership, sustained advocacy, and collaborative commitment, the narrative had began to change.
“Being witnesses to the many challenges facing the road project, we resolve, against all odds, to persuade and convince various stakeholders from the project’s catchment areas to fully cooperate.
“We urge them to make necessary sacrifices and support both the contractor and key ministry officials to overcome all previous challenges and realise this project during our lifetime.”
He commended the minister for heeding the appeals of the people and facilitating approval of Phase 2 of the Bodo-Bonny Road project, linking the coastal neighbourhoods with the East-West Road.
“We are indeed amazed at this marvellous accommodation of our dreams and requests.
“We remain eternally grateful and pray that God keeps and strengthens our dear President and brings him back in 2027.
“We also pray that after being re-elected, he continues the selfless and professional service of Sen. Dave Umahi and, on merit, retains him as the next minister of works to continue his good works for Nigerians.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
