A monarch, King Appolus Chu of Eleme Kingdom in Rivers State, has pledged to leave a lasting legacy by driving economic growth and development through extensive road projects.

The road network, which opens up previously inaccessible areas, has boosted economic activity and improved security. Residents can now move freely to farm and conduct business, while property values have risen and investor interest has increased. The improved access has also driven out kidnappers and other criminal elements that once operated in the area.

Speaking during an inspection of the newly constructed roads in Eleme, the monarch said the affected areas had been unsafe for decades.

“It has been a place where people couldn’t farm for almost 30 to 40 years. There weren’t farmlands on these routes because kidnappers used them to keep their victims. You couldn’t go there because there were no routes for patrols. That situation troubled both me and the community. We had to make a sacrifice and open up these roads. Now, the kidnappers have left. We addressed the criminality without confrontation,” he said.

King Chu said the project is now in its fifth phase and forms part of a broader vision to make Eleme safe, accessible and economically vibrant.

“We are in phase five now. We want to develop the marked areas and we are not stopping. We will continue to create jobs, improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for our people. It is a big task, but we are committed,” he said.

He added: “I’m hoping that in the next 15 to 20 years, when you return, you won’t recognise this place. Many people could have been chosen to pursue this vision, but it is my honour and privilege.”

Call on our people to support government efforts rather than leaving everything to the authorities.”

The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who attended as the special guest of honour, commended the initiative.

“The more roads we have, the closer we are to one another and the stronger our economic activities become. These roads will empower many people and improve their lives,” he said, noting that easier access would help farmers transport produce to markets in Port Harcourt.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, also praised the project.

“Our farmers in Nigeria are largely women. These are farmlands, and this project provides access to them and will strengthen Nigeria’s food security. We applaud him for this,” she said. “In the past, women were attacked on these farms due to poor access. Now, they will be safer and more productive.”

She urged agencies such as the NDDC and the Ministry of Regional Development to support the project to further enhance security and productivity, adding that there were opportunities to develop women’s agro zones and garment factories.
Eleme Local Council Chairman, Obarilomate Olor, described the project as a reflection of the monarch’s generosity and commitment to his people.

King Philip Osaro Obele, the Oneh Eh-Eleme, said the road had historical significance and had long been a source of danger.

“The road we are standing on is the original farm road from our early days. Because of insecurity, people stopped farming here, and there were many cases of kidnapping and killings. Now that the forests have been opened up, the land will be utilised again. We are already seeing expansion and growth in the community. He has done very well,” he said.

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, also commended the project and called on the Ministry of Regional Development to support and tar the roads for greater impact.

Dr Meshack Congo Maichibi described the initiative as a significant step towards attracting investors and creating opportunities.

One resident said the project represents not just a road, but a lifeline to a brighter future.