Don clarifies N10m rural intervention project in Imo community

Ex-minister, Ugwuh emerges state chairman of PDP
A lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Professor Christian Ndubuisi Madu, has explained why he embarked on road rehabilitation and bridge project estimated at N10m for his community in Imo State.

He said his embarking on the projects was to complement the state and Federal Government’s efforts in lifting the infrastructure needs of rural communities.

Madu, a professor of Environmental Management and Control, said the project comprises N5.8m mini-bridge across the Iyi-Agu River in Ndi Ndubuisi Community of Arondizuogu and solar powered streetlight covering 7kilometre road at N3.5m.

The professor, who is also head of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC’s) Centre for Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC) at UNN, said he was compelled to embark on the projects after witnessing the hardship rural dwellers face when SPDC accompanied him to distribute palliatives to the community during the COVID-19 lockdown.

He explained that it was not advisable for the task of lifting rural communities, especially through provision of infrastructure to be left to government alone, stressing that good-spirited individuals could also help.

“The overall idea of government is to boost people’s welfare. There is no way we could abandon the responsibility of improving our communities to government alone.

“President Muhammadu Buhari and the state governments are doing their best and they need support, because the people constitute the most important segment of government. That is why I decided to embark on the projects,” he stated.
In another development, a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief Charles Ugwuh, at the weekend, emerged Imo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He takes over from the Acting Chairman, Martin Ejiogu.

Ejiogu was appointed on acting capacity when Charles Ezekwem resigned after the Supreme Court sacked immediate past Governor Emeka Ihedioha and later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Six aspirants had contested the position, but Ugwuh, a Mechanical Engineer from Obowo Council Area of the state emerged winner.

Ugwuh had served as president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and was governorship candidate of the PDP in 2007 before the Supreme Court removed him.

Speaking, Ugwuh expressed gratitude to the party and delegates for electing him, promising to reposition the party to reclaim power from the opposition in the state and urged cooperation of all members.

The 38 other positions that were filled included old members of the State Working Committee (SWC) such as Ejiogu (Deputy Chairman), Nze Ray Emeana (Secretary) Josiah Eze (Treasurer), Mrs. Maria Mbakwe (Women Leader), Nze Law Biaduo and Godson Nwaobasi (Auditor), among others.