Enugu correspondents tour Gov. Mbah’s legacy projects

Facility tour of Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Junction road by members of the correspondents’ chapel, NUJ, Enugu state chapter.

From Maurice Okafor, Enugu

To deepen their understanding and obtain first-hand information on the various projects being executed by the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration in Enugu State, members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, on Monday, August 17, inspected the ongoing dualisation of the Abakpa Nike–Opi–Nsukka Road and other projects across the state.

The team was impressed by the construction of a bypass along the route, which forms an additional component of the dualisation project.

The Permanent Secretary, Engr. Anyaorah Okereke, explained that the bypass, upon completion, would shorten the distance between Abakpa Nike in Enugu and Opi Junction by about five kilometres.

He said another reason the state government initiated the project was to reduce the rate of road accidents recorded in the area, noting that some commercial vehicle drivers often lose control when navigating the curved sections of the road.

According to him, the bypass, when completed, would also enable motorists travelling in opposite directions to see one another from a considerable distance before getting close.

The tour also provided the Enugu correspondents with an opportunity to inspect the construction of a new dual-carriageway express road that will link the southern part of Nigeria with the northern region.

Engr. Anyaorah explained that the new road, which spans over 38 kilometres, would connect Owoh, Ubahu, Amankanu and Ikem communities in Enugu State and serve as a veritable route for commuters from Cross River and Ebonyi states, among others, travelling to the northern part of the country without passing through Enugu metropolis.

According to him, the new road would also link Enugu State with Benue State from Ikem in Enugu East Local Government Area, covering an approximate distance of 80 kilometres.

The facility tour further gave the journalists the opportunity to observe structures being put in place by the state government to boost agriculture in Enugu State.

A ranch designed to support cattle rearing, dairy production, piggery and other forms of animal farming is being established on about 11,000 hectares of land off Owo Community.

Also in the agricultural sector, the Governor Mbah administration, in partnership with a Danish company known as Notra Tractors Assembly Plant, has acquired more than 150 functional agricultural tractors.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr. Patrick Uburu, said the tractors are available for hire by Enugu farmers at a reduced cost of N70,000 per day.

He revealed that the state government is recruiting about 200 unemployed youths who will be trained to handle the tractor assembly processes and operate the machines for farmers.

The Managing Director of Notra Tractors Assembly Plant and Service, Mr Morten Andersen, commended Governor Peter Mbah for the various efforts being made to boost food production in Enugu State and reassured the administration of his commitment to achieving the laudable objectives.

On the same day, the team visited the Type 2 Primary Health Care Centre located at Ihe Nsukka.

The Officer in Charge of the facility, Mrs Attah Blessing Ngozi, said the centre provides 24-hour services, supported by functional solar power supplied by the state government and a functional borehole within the premises.

The Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Mr Jude Asogwa, who welcomed the journalists, said the services provided at the Ihe Nsukka Primary Health Care Centre were similar to those available in other Type 2 hospitals across the local government area.

He particularly highlighted the oxygen gas plant, which he described as vital in reviving critically ill patients.

Asogwa said Governor Mbah, in his commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services provided in hospitals within Nsukka Local Government Area and beyond, had authorised the establishment of a N1 billion oxygen plant at Nsukka General Hospital.

The correspondent recalled that the facility tour commenced on Monday, August 10, with an inspection of the Enugu International Hospital, an international-standard medical complex designed to help end medical tourism from Nigeria.

The team also visited the revitalised Niget Gas Industrial Plant at Emene, the Government Technical College, Enugu, and the Smart Green School along Abakaliki Road, where the journalists observed the experiential learning system being implemented in Enugu State under the Governor Mbah administration, among other projects.

The post Enugu correspondents tour Gov. Mbah’s legacy projects appeared first on THE AUTHORITY NEWS.